Synopsis
In a surprising turn, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to delay a ban on TikTok while proposing a U.S. part-ownership stake in the app to safeguard national security. The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the app's Chinese ownership and its implications for user data privacy.Key Takeaways
- Trump's executive order will postpone the TikTok ban.
- He proposes U.S. part-ownership of TikTok.
- ByteDance has resisted selling its U.S. subsidiary.
- The law allows for a 90-day delay under certain conditions.
- Concerns about national security remain.
Washington, Jan 20 (NationPress) President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to sign an executive order that will postpone a potential ban on the immensely popular app, granting time to "strike a deal" and suggesting that the United States should take part-ownership in TikTok.
Trump's declaration emerged on Sunday, just hours after TikTok became inaccessible in the United States due to legislation prohibiting it for reasons of national security, following the expiration of a deadline for its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US subsidiary to non-Chinese entities.
However, the law includes a provision permitting a 90-day delay if the White House can demonstrate progress toward a feasible agreement, but to date, ByteDance has strongly resisted any sale.
The outgoing administration of Joe Biden indicated it would defer to Trump—who is set to assume office on Monday—and would refrain from enforcing any ban.
"I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the timeframe before the law's restrictions take effect, allowing us to negotiate a deal that safeguards our national security," Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
He expressed a desire for the US to possess a 50 percent stake in a joint venture, claiming that the app's valuation could soar to "hundreds of billions—possibly trillions."
"This approach would protect TikTok, ensuring it remains in responsible hands," Trump wrote.
Nonetheless, TikTok is notorious for spreading misinformation, and its Chinese ownership has long raised national security concerns, both globally and within the United States.
In an earlier communication to frustrated users attempting to access the app on Sunday, TikTok remarked, "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will collaborate with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned!"
Trump, who had previously supported a TikTok ban and initiated steps towards one during his initial term, did not provide further specifics on how such a deal would be structured.
Sunday's outage followed the US Supreme Court's decision on Friday to uphold the legislation prohibiting it pending any sale.
Yet, the app now has an ally in Trump, who—since signing an executive order increasing pressure on ByteDance to sell in 2020—has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters.
What actions the new President can take to lift the ban are uncertain, unless ByteDance agrees to sell.
"Congress designed this law to be nearly immune to presidential intervention," cautioned Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the industry trade group Chamber of Progress.
In addition to removing TikTok from app stores, the law mandates that Apple and Google restrict new downloads, with these companies facing penalties of up to $5,000 per user if the app is accessed.
Oracle, which maintains TikTok's servers, would also be legally required to enforce the ban.
Other social media platforms like X were inundated with memes and comments lamenting the ban on Sunday—although some posts were more sardonic, with many referencing Trump’s earlier attempts to outlaw TikTok.
In Europe, TikTok's suspension received commendation from the Foreign Minister of Estonia—one of the countries most resistant to misinformation, according to the European Media Literacy Index.
The proposal did not specify a price, but sources estimate it would require at least $50 billion.
Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has also made a bid to acquire TikTok's operations in the US.
