The past 72 hours have been a whirlwind for TikTok influencers, consumers, and opponents of the Chinese-owned app alike. After a federal ban was activated Sunday, TikTok was temporarily unavailable to U.S. users. The bipartisan Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act signed by President Biden in April of last year addresses the use of applications linked to foreign adversaries, such as TikTok and its parent company ByteDance Ltd., citing national security concerns.
TikTok Ban Delayed
Last night, in a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office, President Trump signed an EO to postpone the enforcement of the TikTok ban by 75 days. In his statement, Trump emphasized his constitutional responsibility to protect the nation’s security while balancing the impact on millions of Americans. He noted, “To fulfill these responsibilities, I intend to consult with my advisors, including the heads of relevant departments and agencies, on the national security concerns posed by TikTok. Our goal is to pursue a resolution that protects national security while preserving a platform used by 170 million Americans.”
App Ownership
The delay will allow the new administration to evaluate the app’s implications and explore alternative measures, including the potential sale of 50% of the company to the U.S. During this period, the Department of Justice is directed not to take enforcement action or impose penalties for noncompliance. This extension will allow the Administration to review national security risks, assess TikTok’s mitigation efforts, and pursue a balanced resolution that addresses concerns without abruptly disrupting millions of users.
What’s the Future for TikTok?
The executive order directs the Attorney General to refrain from enforcing the Act for the 75-day period, giving the administration time to evaluate TikTok’s mitigation efforts and review sensitive intelligence. The aim is to determine the appropriate course of action while avoiding a sudden disruption to a widely used communications platform.
The delay underscores Trump’s intent to take a deliberate approach to this high-stakes issue, balancing national security with the realities of modern digital communication. The next steps will determine whether TikTok can remain operational in the United States under new security conditions.
