WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday said he is signing an executive order to keep TikTok running in the U.S. for another 75 days to give his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.

The order was announced as White House officials believed they were nearing a deal for the app’s operations to be spun off into a new company based in the U.S. and owned and operated by a majority of American investors, with China’s ByteDance maintaining a minority position, according to a person familiar with the matter.

But Beijing hit the brakes on a deal Thursday after Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs around the globe, including against China. ByteDance representatives called the White House to indicate that China would no longer approve the deal until there could be negotiations about trade and tariffs, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive details of the negotiations.

Congress had mandated that the platform be divested from China by Jan. 19 or barred in the U.S. on national security grounds, but Trump moved unilaterally to extend the deadline to this weekend, as he sought to negotiate an agreement to keep it running. Trump has recently entertained an array of offers from U.S. businesses seeking to buy a share of the popular social media site.

But on Friday it became uncertain whether a tentative deal could be announced after the Chinese government’s reversal of its position complicated TikTok’s ability to send clear signals about the nature of the agreement that had been reached for fear of upsetting its negotiations with Chinese regulators.

The near-deal was constructed over the course of months, with Vice President JD Vance’s team negotiating directly with several potential investors and officials from ByteDance. The plan called for a 120-day closing period to finalize the paperwork and financing. The deal also had the approval of existing investors, new investors, ByteDance and the administration.

The Trump administration had confidence that China would approve the proposed deal until the tariffs went into effect. Trump indicated Friday that he can still get a deal done during the 75-day extension.

“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump posted on his social media platform. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Trump added, “We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal.”

A spokesperson for ByteDance confirmed in a statement that the company has been discussing a “potential solution” with the U.S. government but noted that an “agreement has not been executed.”

“There are key matters to be resolved,” the spokesperson said. “Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law.”

TikTok, which has headquarters in Singapore and Los Angeles, has said it prioritizes user safety, and China’s Foreign Ministry has said China’s government has never and will not ask companies to “collect or provide data, information or intelligence” held in foreign countries.

Trump’s extension marks the second time that he has temporarily blocked the 2024 law that banned the popular social video app after the deadline passed for ByteDance to divest. That law was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and upheld unanimously by the Supreme Court, which said the ban was necessary for national security.

Although the decision to keep TikTok alive through an executive order has received some scrutiny, it has not faced a legal challenge in court. That type of pushback is unlikely, legal experts say, due in part to how difficult it is for someone to establish the legal right, or standing, to sue. A plaintiff would have to be able to show harm from the delay in enforcing the law.

Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, said she doesn’t believe anyone has that standing.

“It would be different if this platform weren’t already in place,” she said. “But if you’re trying to just continue with the status quo, it’s different.”

Still, if the extension keeps control of TikTok’s algorithm under ByteDance’s authority, the national security concerns that led to the ban persist.

Chris Pierson, CEO of the cybersecurity and privacy protection platform BlackCloak, said that if the algorithm is still controlled by ByteDance, then it is still “controlled by a company that is in a foreign, adversarial nation-state that actually could use that data for other means.”

“The main reason for all this is the control of data and the control of the algorithm,” said Pierson, who served on the Department of Homeland Security’s Privacy Committee and Cybersecurity Subcommittee for more than a decade. “If neither of those two things change, then it has not changed the underlying purpose, and it has not changed the underlying risks that are presented.”

The law allows for one 90-day reprieve, but only if there’s a deal on the table and a formal notification to Congress. Trump’s actions so far violate the law, said Alan Rozenshtein, an associate law professor at the University of Minnesota.

Rozenshtein pushed back on Trump’s claim that delaying the ban is an “extension.”

“He’s not extending anything. This continues to simply be a unilateral non enforcement declaration,” he said. “All he’s doing is saying that he will not enforce the law for 75 more days. The law is still in effect. The companies are still violating it by providing services to Tiktok.

The extension comes at a time when Americans are even more closely divided on what to do about TikTok than they were two years ago.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about one-third of Americans said they supported a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023. Roughly one-third said they would oppose a ban, and a similar percentage said they weren’t sure.

Among those who said they supported banning the social media platform, about 8 in 10 cited concerns over users’ data security being at risk as a major factor in their decision, according to the report.

Terrell Wade, a content creator with 1.5 million followers on TikTok under the handle @TheWadeEmpire, has been trying to grow his presence on other platforms since January.

“I’m glad there’s an extension, but to be honest, going through this process again feels a bit exhausting,” he said. “Every time a new deadline pops up, it starts to feel less like a real threat and more like background noise. That doesn’t mean I’m ignoring it, but it’s hard to keep reacting with the same urgency each time.”

He is keeping up his profile on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook in addition to TikTok.

“I just hope we get more clarity soon so creators like me and consumers can focus on other things rather than the ‘what ifs,’” he said.

——

AP reporters Mae Anderson in New York and Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this story.

date:2025-04-04 21:04:00

Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline: What This Means for US Users

Table of Contents

Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline: What This Means for US Users

In a move that continues to keep millions of TikTok users in the united States on edge, the Trump administration extended the deadline for the potential ban of the popular video-sharing app by 75 days. This announcement, delivered with little fanfare, leaves many wondering about the future of their favorite social media platform and the implications for the wider digital landscape. Let’s delve into the details, dissect the reasoning behind the extension, and explore the potential scenarios that might unfold.

The Initial ban Order and Its Rationale

The initial executive order, issued months prior, cited national security concerns as the primary justification for the proposed ban. The Trump administration alleged that TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, could pose a threat to user data, potentially allowing the Chinese government to access personal information and engage in censorship or disinformation campaigns. These allegations were vehemently denied by ByteDance, who emphasized their commitment to data security and user privacy.

Data Security Concerns: The core of the argument revolved around the potential for user data to be compromised.
National Security Risks: The administration claimed TikTok posed a national security risk due to its chinese ownership.
Allegations of Censorship: Concerns were raised about potential censorship or manipulation of content on the platform.

Why the Deadline Extension?

The extension of the deadline wasn’t necessarily a sign of a softened stance,but rather a reflection of the complexities involved in negotiating a deal and ensuring compliance with US regulations. Several factors likely contributed to the decision:

Ongoing Negotiations: Discussions regarding a potential sale or restructuring of TikTok’s US operations were ongoing with various companies, including Oracle and Walmart.
Legal Challenges: TikTok filed legal challenges against the ban, arguing that it violated the company’s First Amendment rights.
Complexity of Technical Implementation: Implementing a full ban on a platform as technically complex as TikTok required time and resources.

Impact on potential Deals

The extended deadline gave potential buyers more time to finalize agreements and navigate the regulatory hurdles. Oracle and Walmart, who were reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a stake in TikTok, needed this extra time to hammer out the details of the deal and address the concerns raised by the US government. A accomplished deal would involve establishing a new US-based entity to manage TikTok’s operations and ensure data security.

What Does This Mean for TikTok Users in the US?

For millions of Americans who use TikTok daily, the extension provided a temporary reprieve, but the uncertainty remained palpable. Users continued to create and share content, but the looming threat of a ban cast a shadow over the platform. Here’s a breakdown of the immediate implications:

Continued Access (For Now): Users could continue to access and use TikTok without immediate interruption.
Uncertainty Remains: The extension did not guarantee the long-term survival of TikTok in the US.
Stay Informed: Users were encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and potential alternative platforms.

A User’s Viewpoint: The Rollercoaster of Emotions

Sarah, a college student and avid TikTok creator, described the experience as an emotional rollercoaster. “One day, it’s like, ‘Okay, TikTok is saved!’ and the next day, it’s back to ‘Oh no, it might be banned!’ It’s hard to invest time and energy into creating content when you don’t know if the platform will even exist in a few weeks.” Sarah’s sentiment reflects the anxieties shared by many TikTok users in the US.

The Legal Battles: TikTok’s Fight Against the ban

ByteDance mounted a vigorous legal defense against the ban, arguing that it was arbitrary and capricious, and violated the company’s First Amendment rights.The company argued that the administration had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claims of national security risks. these legal challenges played a meaningful role in delaying the ban and prompting the deadline extension.

Key Legal Arguments:

First Amendment Rights: TikTok argued the ban infringes on freedom of speech.
Due Process: Claims that the ban was imposed without adequate due process.
Lack of Evidence: The assertion that the government has not provided sufficient evidence of national security threats.

Beyond TikTok: Broader Implications for the Tech Industry

The TikTok saga extended beyond the fate of a single app. It raised basic questions about the role of foreign companies in the US tech market, the balance between national security and free speech, and the potential for government regulation of social media platforms. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes involving foreign-owned tech companies.

The Domino Effect: Potential Consequences

Increased Scrutiny of Foreign Apps: Other apps with ties to foreign governments could face similar scrutiny.
Chill on Investment: Foreign investment in US tech companies might be negatively impacted.
Digital Decoupling: The US and China could move further towards a “digital decoupling,” with separate internet ecosystems.

potential Outcomes and Scenarios

The future of TikTok in the US remained uncertain even with the extended deadline. Several potential scenarios could have played out:

A Successful Deal: Oracle and Walmart (or another company) could finalize a deal to acquire a significant stake in TikTok’s US operations,addressing the security concerns raised by the government.
A Full Ban: If no deal was reached or if the government deemed the proposed solutions insufficient, TikTok could face a full ban in the US.
Continued Legal Battles: the legal challenges filed by ByteDance could continue to wind their way through the courts, potentially delaying or overturning the ban.
Modified Restrictions: The government could impose modified restrictions on TikTok, such as requiring the company to store all US user data within the United States.

Case Study: The Impact on TikTok Influencers

The potential ban had a significant impact on TikTok influencers, who rely on the platform to connect with their audience and generate income. Many influencers explored alternative platforms, such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, as a backup plan. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future forced them to diversify their content and build their audience across multiple platforms.

Table: Top TikTok Influencers and Their Contingency Plans

Influencer Name	Niche	Contingency Plan
Charli D’Amelio	Dance,Lifestyle	Expanded presence on Instagram and YouTube.
Addison Rae	Dance, Beauty	Focus on her own cosmetic brand and acting career.
Bella Poarch	Lip Sync, Comedy	Increased activity on Twitter and exploring music career.
Zach King	Magic, Comedy	Continued creating content for YouTube and other platforms.

Practical Tips for TikTok Users Amidst the Uncertainty

While the extension provided some breathing room, it’s prudent for US TikTok users to take proactive steps to prepare for any eventuality:

Backup Your Data: Download a copy of your TikTok data, including your videos, liked videos, and personal information, to ensure you don’t lose your content.
Cross-Promote Your Accounts: Promote your accounts on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, youtube, and Twitter, to build a following outside of TikTok.
Explore Alternative Platforms: familiarize yourself with alternative video-sharing platforms, such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Triller, and Byte, in case tiktok is banned.
Stay Informed and Adapt: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments regarding the TikTok situation and be prepared to adapt your strategy as needed.

First-Hand Experience: A Small Business’s Reliance on TikTok

For many small businesses, TikTok has become a vital marketing tool.A local bakery owner, Emily, shared her experience: “TikTok has been a game-changer for my bakery. I create short videos showcasing my cakes and pastries, and it’s driven a huge amount of traffic to my shop. The potential ban was really scary because it would have cut off a major source of revenue.” emily’s story highlights the economic impact of the TikTok ban on small businesses.

Benefits of TikTok for Emily’s Bakery:

Increased Brand Awareness: Reached a wider audience through engaging video content.
Boosted Sales: Drove traffic to the physical store with viral videos.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Organic reach on TikTok proved more effective than customary advertising.

The Road Ahead: Navigating the Complexities of Tech Regulation

The TikTok saga is just one example of the growing complexities surrounding tech regulation in the 21st century. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, governments around the world are grappling with how to balance innovation, competition, and national security. The debate over TikTok’s future in the US underscores the need for clear and consistent regulatory frameworks that can address the challenges posed by global tech companies.

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Meta Title: Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline: What This Means for US Users

Meta Description: Breaking down Trump’s extension of the TikTok ban deadline, exploring the implications for users, potential outcomes, and the ongoing concerns surrounding data security. Stay informed about the latest developments.

Trump extends TikTok ban deadline in US for another 75 days