The TikTok saga in the United States continues as President Donald Trump announces he will sign an executive order later this week, extending the deadline for a potential sale or ban of the popular video-sharing platform. The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that TikTok will remain operational for at least three more months, as ByteDance, the application's Chinese owner, has yet to finalize a deal with a U.S. buyer.
Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Again, Ensures App's Future in the U.S.
Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Again, Ensures App's Future in the U.S.
In a surprising twist, President Trump has decided to extend the TikTok sale or ban deadline, allowing the app to continue operating in the U.S. for an additional 90 days.
Leavitt emphasized that this extension aims to ensure user data remains secure and to finalize what has become an increasingly contentious deal. Before this announcement, Trump had indicated to the BBC that he was likely to prolong the timeline and expressed optimism about receiving approval from Chinese President Xi regarding the sale.
This expansion of the deadline contradicts Congress's previous measures aimed to prevent TikTok’s continuation without an American sale, which were enacted under former President Joe Biden. Previously, the Supreme Court lent support to this legislation, underscoring concerns over potential espionage. Amidst the uncertainty, analysts have grown skeptical about a ban's likelihood under the current administration, particularly given Trump's historical affinity for the app and its large user base of 170 million Americans.
While Trump had sought to push for a U.S. sale back in 2020, he later acknowledged the app's influence during the last election cycle, stating it had contributed positively to his appeal among younger voters, despite contrary polling evidence. Industry analysts suggest TikTok’s recent innovations in technology signal confidence in its future, as rivals like Snap may struggle to capitalize on this period of uncertainty.
Negotiations for a sale have continued but remain complex, with ByteDance confirming that several substantial matters need resolution. Potential buyers currently being discussed include major firms such as Oracle and other notable investors, including social media personalities and entrepreneurs. With the deadline extension, TikTok's immediate future seems assured, leaving plenty of room for speculation about what the final deal might entail.
As the debate rages on, the implications for user data safety and international relations remain at the forefront of this unfolding story.
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This expansion of the deadline contradicts Congress's previous measures aimed to prevent TikTok’s continuation without an American sale, which were enacted under former President Joe Biden. Previously, the Supreme Court lent support to this legislation, underscoring concerns over potential espionage. Amidst the uncertainty, analysts have grown skeptical about a ban's likelihood under the current administration, particularly given Trump's historical affinity for the app and its large user base of 170 million Americans.
While Trump had sought to push for a U.S. sale back in 2020, he later acknowledged the app's influence during the last election cycle, stating it had contributed positively to his appeal among younger voters, despite contrary polling evidence. Industry analysts suggest TikTok’s recent innovations in technology signal confidence in its future, as rivals like Snap may struggle to capitalize on this period of uncertainty.
Negotiations for a sale have continued but remain complex, with ByteDance confirming that several substantial matters need resolution. Potential buyers currently being discussed include major firms such as Oracle and other notable investors, including social media personalities and entrepreneurs. With the deadline extension, TikTok's immediate future seems assured, leaving plenty of room for speculation about what the final deal might entail.
As the debate rages on, the implications for user data safety and international relations remain at the forefront of this unfolding story.
Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in the tech world!
