The brief TikTok ban in the US on January 19 received widespread media attention. The platform was inaccessible for several hours before resuming normal operation, though users couldn’t download the app until the evening of January 20. Donald Trump, who took office the following day, extended the ban’s deferment by 75 days until April 5, with the possibility of another extension if needed.
US Law and TikTok’s Future
A law passed under the Biden administration requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its US operations. The company must transfer control of TikTok’s American structure to a US-based firm or a consortium of investors. Initially, the deadline for compliance was January 19, but with the new deferment, the process now has additional time, notes NIXSolutions.
Trump has expressed openness to extending the grace period further. At a White House press conference, he stated that he had the authority to delay the ban by 90 days earlier but opted for 75. “We’ll see, I don’t think it’s necessary,” he remarked, indicating flexibility based on ongoing negotiations.
Prospective Buyers and Political Considerations
Trump noted that several buyers are interested in acquiring TikTok’s US business. He also acknowledged the platform’s potential as a tool for engaging young voters. Regarding the deal’s approval, he voiced confidence that Chinese President Xi Jinping would support the transaction, believing it could be mutually beneficial. “I will make sure that it is beneficial to China. I think it will be beneficial for China to make a deal,” he explained.
With the new deadline approaching, further developments remain uncertain, yet we’ll keep you updated as more information emerges.