TikTok, the popular short-video platform with 170 million U.S. users, resumed operations after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to delay enforcing a ban that took effect on Saturday. The ban was upheld by the Supreme Court last week, citing national security concerns due to TikTok’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.
Key Developments in TikTok’s U.S. Ban
- Trump’s Commitment to Delay the Ban
President-elect Trump, who previously supported a TikTok ban, now plans to issue an executive order to extend the time frame for ByteDance to address security concerns or strike a deal. TikTok thanked Trump for the decision and pledged to work on a "long-term solution" that allows the app to remain in the U.S.
- TikTok Service Restored
TikTok pulled its services from the U.S. on Saturday evening after the law came into effect. By Sunday, service resumed, and the app assured users it was restoring access with Trump’s backing. However, the app remains removed from app stores like Google Play and Apple's App Store.
- Political and Legal Tensions
- National Security Concerns: The bipartisan law requiring TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold was based on allegations that ByteDance could share user data with the Chinese government. Lawmakers such as Senator Tom Cotton argue that allowing TikTok to operate violates the law.
- Free Speech Debate: TikTok argued before the Supreme Court that the law infringed on users' free speech rights, but the court unanimously upheld the law.
- Uncertain Legal Grounds for Trump’s Executive Order
Legal experts say Trump’s proposed executive order delaying the ban could face challenges in court, as an executive order cannot retroactively change a law. The law includes provisions allowing a 90-day delay if TikTok shows progress on addressing security concerns, but it’s unclear if those conditions have been met.
The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
- State-Level Bans Possible: Even if Trump delays the national ban, several states have filed lawsuits against TikTok, which could lead to state-specific restrictions.
- Challenges for Hosting and App Stores: Apple and Google removed TikTok in anticipation of the ban, creating uncertainty about the app's future availability on major platforms.
- Long-Term Solutions Needed: Experts suggest that Trump collaborate with Congress to resolve the issue legally and avoid further complications.
Why TikTok’s Ban Matters
TikTok’s immense popularity in the U.S. has made it a key platform for social media influencers, businesses, and even political campaigns. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between national security, free speech, and international tech ownership.
Source bbc.co.uk
