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Trump says he will 'most likely' give TikTok a 90-day extension

President-elect Donald Trump mentioned in an interview that he is considering granting TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a U.S. ban.

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This extension would allow TikTok more time to work out a deal to sell its U.S. operations to an approved buyer. The law, signed by President Joe Biden last year, requires TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform's U.S. operations within a specified timeframe. Trump is expected to make a final decision on this matter after his inauguration.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump mentioned on Saturday that he is "most likely" to grant TikTok a 90-day extension on Inauguration Day, which is on Monday.

In a discussion with NBC News, Trump indicated that he had not made a final decision about TikTok but was considering pushing back the Sunday deadline by 90 days.

"I think that would definitely be an option we look at. The 90-day extension is probably going to happen, as it seems like the right thing to do," Trump said during the phone interview. "We need to look into it carefully. It’s a very important issue."

In April 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill that was approved by both houses of Congress, requiring ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company within 270 days, or the app will be banned in the United States after January 19, 2025.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law requiring ByteDance to sell the app to an American company or face a nationwide ban starting Sunday, just one day before Trump's inauguration.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, the White House issued a statement saying, "TikTok should remain available to Americans, but under American ownership or another ownership structure that addresses the national security concerns raised by Congress in drafting this legislation."

"This Administration recognizes that, given the timing, the responsibility for implementing the law will fall to the incoming Administration, which begins its term on Monday," the statement added.

In response, TikTok announced that it would have to shut down services for its 170 million U.S. users on Sunday unless the Biden Administration provides a "clear" assurance.

Why is TikTok getting banned in the U.S.?

The U.S. government has raised concerns about TikTok's potential threat to national security. The primary reasons for the ban include:

Data Privacy Concerns: TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. U.S. officials worry that the Chinese government could compel ByteDance to provide access to sensitive user data collected from American users.

Espionage Fears: There are fears that TikTok could be used as a tool for espionage, allowing the Chinese government to collect intelligence on U.S. citizens.

Influence and Misinformation: Lawmakers are concerned that TikTok could be used to influence public opinion or spread misinformation by promoting certain content.

These concerns have led to legislative actions and executive orders aimed at restricting or banning TikTok in the U.S. unless it divests from its Chinese parent company.

 

The ban on TikTok in the U.S. has several important consequences:

Users: With approximately 170 million users in the U.S., many people can no longer access the app. This situation impacts not just casual users but also content creators who depend on TikTok for their income.

Businesses: A lot of businesses utilize TikTok for marketing and connecting with younger audiences. The ban disrupts their marketing plans and could result in financial setbacks.

Cultural Impact: TikTok has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, forming trends, music, and even political discourse. The ban removes a key platform for cultural expression and interaction.

Legal and Political Ramifications: The ban has highlighted discussions about free speech, national security, and the government's authority to regulate tech companies. It also worsens the existing tensions between the U.S. and China.

Future of TikTok: The future of TikTok in the U.S. is still unclear. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that he may offer a 90-day extension to allow more time for negotiations.

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