TikTok Future significant turn as outgoing President Joe Biden decided to pass the decision its ban to President elect Donald Trump

The fate of TikTok in the U.S. has taken a significant turn as outgoing President Joe Biden decided to pass the decision regarding its ban to President-elect Donald Trump. With the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to divest the app set for January 19, the responsibility now lies with the incoming administration.

TikTok Ban Background

1. Legislative Context:
   In 2023, Congress passed a law signed by Biden requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok on national security grounds. The deadline for compliance is January 19, 2025.
2. Biden’s Decision:
   The Biden administration has chosen not to enforce the divestment or ban during its final days in office, opting instead to leave the issue to the Trump administration.
3. Implications:
   If TikTok fails to comply with the divestment, the app could face a U.S. ban. However, incoming officials have indicated a willingness to explore solutions to prevent the app from being removed from American markets.

Trump Administration’s Approach

• Trump’s Stance:
  President-elect Donald Trump has reversed his earlier position on TikTok. Initially advocating for a ban during his first term, he has since embraced the platform, crediting it for aiding his 2024 campaign by connecting with younger voters.
• National Security Concerns:
  Trump’s team, including incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, has emphasized a dual approach of maintaining TikTok’s availability while protecting user data.
• Deal Possibilities:
  Waltz mentioned that there is room to negotiate an extension or deal to avoid the app’s ban. This could involve stricter data regulations or alternative ownership structures for TikTok in the U.S.

Legal and Political Dynamics

• Supreme Court Review:
  The Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging the divestment law. A decision in favor of the legislation would strengthen Trump’s position to enforce ByteDance’s compliance or ban the app.
• Bipartisan Debate:
  The issue has seen support and opposition across party lines. While Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called for more time to find an American buyer for TikTok, Republican Senator Tom Cotton has reiterated concerns over TikTok being a tool of the Chinese government.

TikTok CEO and Tech Industry Presence at Inauguration

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, alongside tech industry leaders Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos. Chew’s presence underscores the importance of TikTok’s future in the U.S. under the Trump administration.

What’s Next?

The next steps in TikTok’s future hinge on several factors:

1. The Supreme Court’s Decision: Expected to clarify the legality of divestment requirements.
2. Trump’s Executive Actions: Possible issuance of orders or negotiations to prevent the app from going dark.
3. Industry and Public Response: Tech leaders and public advocacy may influence the outcome.

TikTok’s future remains uncertain, but the Trump administration’s actions in its early days will likely determine whether the platform can continue to operate in the U.S.