Trump May Give TikTok 90-Day Reprieve from Ban
WASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban after he takes office on Monday, as the app with 170 million American users buzzed with nervous anticipation ahead of a shutdown set for Sunday.
Trump’s Statement
“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC in an interview. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
TikTok’s Response
The Chinese-owned app, which has captivated nearly half of all Americans, powered small businesses and shaped online culture, said on Friday it will go dark in the US on Sunday unless President Joe Biden’s administration provides assurances to companies such as Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.
White House Dismisses TikTok’s Comment
The White House dismissed TikTok’s Friday comment as a stunt, reiterating on Saturday that it was up to the incoming Trump administration to take action, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown on Sunday.
Supreme Court Upholds Ban
Under a law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform has until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent ByteDance or shut down its US operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security.
Users Move to Alternatives
Uncertainty over the app’s future had sent users – mostly younger people – scrambling to alternatives including China-based RedNote. Rivals Meta and Snap had also seen their shares rise this month ahead of the ban, as investors bet on an influx of users and ad dollars.
Marketing Firms Prepare Contingency Plans
Marketing firms reliant on TikTok have rushed to prepare contingency plans this week in what one executive described as a “hair on fire” moment after months of conventional wisdom saying that a solution would materialize to keep the app running.
Signs of a Potential Comeback
There have been signs TikTok could make a comeback under Trump, who has said he wants to pursue a “political resolution” of the issue and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the ban.
TikTok CEO to Attend Inauguration
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the US presidential inauguration on Monday and sit among high-profile guests invited by Trump, a source told Reuters.
Conclusion
The fate of TikTok hangs in the balance as the deadline for the app’s shutdown looms. With President-elect Trump hinting at a possible reprieve, users are holding their breath in anticipation. Will the app be able to find a way to stay afloat or will it be forced to shut down?
FAQs
* What is the current status of the TikTok ban?
The ban is set to take effect on Sunday unless President-elect Trump decides to give the app a 90-day reprieve.
* What is the reason for the ban?
The ban is due to concerns that TikTok poses a threat to national security.
* What has been the reaction of users to the ban?
Users have been scrambling to find alternative social media platforms, with many expressing uncertainty and anxiety about the app’s future.
* What is the current standing of the Supreme Court’s decision on the ban?
The Supreme Court has upheld the ban, and it is set to take effect on Sunday unless President-elect Trump decides to intervene.