US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options to delay the impending ban on the popular social media platform, TikTok, by temporarily suspending the law mandating the app’s divestment or ban in the United States. According to a Washington Post report, Trump is considering a temporary suspension of the law for a period ranging from 60 to 90 days.
This development comes amid ongoing concerns over national security risks linked to TikTok, particularly the Chinese ownership of its parent company, ByteDance. The Trump administration has been vocal about the potential dangers of TikTok, citing fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. This prompted Trump to sign an executive order earlier in 2020 demanding that ByteDance divest TikTok’s US operations or face a ban in the country.
However, the deadline for compliance with the divestment order has been approaching, leaving stakeholders anxious about the future of the app in the United States. Despite mounting pressure to enforce the ban, Trump’s proposed executive order to delay the ban raises questions about the legality and implications of such a move.
Legal experts have pointed out that the executive order may face significant challenges. The power of a US president to override established laws through executive orders is a topic of debate. Some argue that Trump’s move could face legal hurdles, especially if it undermines congressional authority or conflicts with existing regulatory frameworks. It remains to be seen whether such an order would stand up in court or whether it could lead to further legal complications.
The Trump administration’s stance on TikTok has become a highly contentious issue, dividing lawmakers, business leaders, and the American public. While some view the ban as a necessary step to safeguard national security, others see it as an overreach that infringes on privacy and free-market principles. Additionally, the app has garnered a substantial following in the US, with millions of users across the country, many of whom have expressed strong opposition to the potential ban.
Should Trump proceed with the proposed 60 to 90-day suspension, it would provide more time for discussions and negotiations to find a resolution. This pause could also allow stakeholders to explore alternative solutions, such as the sale of TikTok’s US operations to a domestic company or the implementation of enhanced security measures to address concerns about data privacy.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the next steps in the ongoing saga of TikTok’s future in the United States. The outcome of this delay decision could shape the platform’s future and the broader landscape of digital governance in the country.
