January 18, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he will “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day extension, potentially saving the popular social media platform from an imminent ban in the United States. This announcement comes just before the app’s scheduled shutdown, set for January 19, 2025, unless a sale to a non-Chinese entity is completed.
Background of the Ban
The TikTok ban was initially legislated under the Biden administration due to national security concerns linked to the app’s Chinese ownership by ByteDance. The law requires TikTok to divest from ByteDance or face a ban from U.S. app stores and web-hosting services. The Supreme Court recently upheld this law, affirming concerns over data privacy and potential espionage by the Chinese government through the app’s vast user data.
Trump’s Decision
Trump’s decision to consider an extension was revealed in interviews with major news outlets. He stated, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation.” This statement reflects a nuanced shift from Trump’s earlier hardline stance against TikTok during his first term, where he had attempted to ban the app through executive orders. His recent comments suggest a more pragmatic approach, possibly influenced by the app’s significant user base in the U.S., which includes millions of young voters and content creators who rely on TikTok for their livelihood.
Legal and Political Implications
The law allows for a 90-day extension if the president certifies there’s a path to divestiture and significant progress towards executing it. However, no public evidence indicates that ByteDance has advanced significantly in selling TikTok or that binding agreements are in place. Critics argue that this extension might just delay the inevitable unless concrete steps are taken towards a sale.
The political landscape is also shifting. Trump’s comments have sparked debates among lawmakers and the public. Some see this as a strategic move to gain favor with younger demographics, while others question the national security implications of delaying the ban. There’s also speculation about whether this is a tactic to negotiate better terms for a potential sale or to leverage the situation in upcoming trade talks with China.
Read next: The Looming TikTok Ban in the US: Implications for Filipinos and Filipino Businesses
Public and Corporate Response
On the ground, TikTok users have been expressing a mix of relief and skepticism. Social media posts have shown a surge in discussions about the future of the platform, with many users preparing for alternative platforms or expressing hope for a resolution. ByteDance has not formally responded to Trump’s remarks but is expected to welcome any reprieve that keeps TikTok operational in one of its largest markets.
From a corporate standpoint, tech giants like Apple and Google, which host TikTok on their platforms, have remained silent on what they would do if the ban were to proceed but would likely prefer a resolution that avoids legal complications and user discontent.
Looking Forward
The coming days will be crucial as Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, approaches. If Trump grants the 90-day extension, it would push back the deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok to mid-April. This could open a window for negotiations, legal maneuvers, or even a last-minute sale agreement. However, without significant developments, the ban might still loom, with only a temporary stay of execution.
For now, TikTok remains in a limbo of sorts, with its fate in the hands of political decisions, legal interpretations, and possibly international diplomacy. As this saga continues, all eyes are on how this situation will unfold, influencing not just TikTok but also setting precedents for how tech and national security intersect in the digital age.
