Trump Grants TikTok Another 90 Days: Will A Sale Or Ban Follow?

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 19, 2025

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Trump Grants TikTok Another 90 Days: Will a Sale or Ban Follow?

The clock is ticking on TikTok's future in the US. President Trump's latest executive order grants the popular video-sharing app another 90-day reprieve, postponing a potential ban until mid-November. But the question remains: will this extension lead to a successful sale to a US company, or will a complete ban ultimately be enforced? The stakes are high, impacting millions of users and raising significant questions about national security and data privacy.

A Temporary Reprieve, But Uncertainty Remains

The initial deadline for a complete ban on TikTok in the US, set for September 20, has been pushed back to November 12th. This extension, announced by the President, allows for ongoing negotiations between ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, and potential US buyers. Microsoft and Oracle have been heavily rumored as potential suitors, each vying for a deal that would satisfy both the US government's concerns and ByteDance's desire to retain a significant stake in the platform.

However, this temporary reprieve doesn't guarantee a successful outcome. The administration has expressed serious concerns about TikTok's data handling practices and potential ties to the Chinese government, concerns that ByteDance has consistently attempted to address. The lack of transparency surrounding the negotiations has fuelled speculation and uncertainty, leaving both users and investors in a state of limbo.

Key Concerns Driving the Debate

The core of the issue revolves around several key concerns:

• Data Security: The US government fears that TikTok's user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, posing a national security risk.
• Censorship: Concerns exist that the Chinese government could exert influence over the content available on TikTok within the US.
• Algorithmic Transparency: The opacity surrounding TikTok's algorithm raises questions about its potential for manipulation and bias.

These concerns are not unique to TikTok; they highlight a broader conversation about the security implications of using apps developed by companies in countries with differing regulatory environments and geopolitical relations with the United States. Similar debates are currently underway regarding other Chinese-owned apps operating within the US market.

What Happens Next? The Possibilities

The next 90 days will be crucial in determining TikTok's fate. Several scenarios are possible:

• Successful Sale: A deal could be reached with a US company, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US under new ownership and subject to greater US regulatory oversight. This scenario is widely considered the most likely, though the terms of such a deal remain highly debated.
• Partial Ban: A compromise might involve restricting TikTok's access to certain US users or features, rather than an outright ban.
• Complete Ban: Should negotiations fail, the US government could proceed with a full ban, removing the app from app stores and potentially blocking access to its servers. This outcome would have massive repercussions for TikTok's millions of US users and its significant economic presence in the country.

The Broader Implications

Beyond the immediate impact on TikTok, this situation highlights the increasing tensions between the US and China over technology and data security. It sets a precedent for how governments might regulate foreign-owned technology companies in the future, and underscores the growing importance of data privacy and national security in the digital age. This is a story that will continue to unfold, with significant implications for global technology and geopolitical relations.

Stay tuned for further updates as this crucial 90-day period progresses. What are your thoughts on the future of TikTok in the US? Share your predictions in the comments below!