US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order extending a 90-day deadline for TikTok’s sale in the US, temporarily delaying a possible ban on the social media app. The move comes after a federal law gave the company nine months to sell its US platform or be banned. The Supreme Court last week unanimously upheld the federal ban.
Trump’s decision allows TikTok an additional 75 days to find a buyer, citing “unfortunate timing” that the deadline arrived while he was taking office. This delay may benefit Trump, who could use it to negotiate with big investors and frame himself as the savior of the platform.
The extension might also be a strategic move for Trump, who has expressed concerns over data security and privacy on TikTok. He believes the app is essential for reaching younger voters, particularly young males. However, granting an executive order alone cannot override the law banning TikTok.
Experts warn that finding a buyer during this extension period may prove challenging due to the complexity of Chinese ownership and limited government funding options. Trump’s proposal for a US government stake in TikTok has significant challenges, including court challenges and congressional approval. The move may be seen as an overture to younger voters and could serve as a quick win for Trump on this issue.
Source: https://kpic.com/news/nation-world/trump-throws-a-lifeline-to-tiktok-delays-possible-ban-75-days-social-media-politics-bytedance-china-data-security-and-privacy