Trump Signals Potential 90-Day Extension for TikTok Amid Ban Controversy

In a surprising announcement, Donald Trump indicated that TikTok may receive a 90-day extension from its ban, an action that could significantly impact its 170 million US users and content creators.

In an interview with NBC News, Donald Trump mentioned that he would "most likely" propose a 90-day delay on the ban scheduled to go into effect on Sunday, coinciding with his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The announcement is expected to follow his inauguration, as TikTok's future remains uncertain.

This revelation comes amidst TikTok's alarming notice that it could “go dark” if the Biden administration fails to clarify the enforcement status of the ban. The Supreme Court had recently upheld a law demanding the platform, owned by the China-based company ByteDance, be sold by January 19 or face a ban in the country—an ultimatum ByteDance has currently shunned.

The app’s representatives expressed frustration on Friday, stating that the White House and the Department of Justice had not provided adequate reassurance to critical service providers necessary for the platform's maintenance. Countering TikTok's claims, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the company’s warning as a “stunt,” asserting that any enforcement actions would be the responsibility of the incoming administration.

Trump revealed on Friday that he had engaged in conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding TikTok among various topics. Notably, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, signaling potential dialogue between the administration and the platform.

US national security figures have voiced concerns about the possible exploitation of TikTok’s data by Chinese spies, allegations the app has consistently denied. The Chinese government, in response to the ongoing tension, accused the US of unfairly targeting TikTok, emphasizing that it would take necessary measures to protect its interests.

For many TikTok creators who rely on the platform for their livelihoods, the threat of a ban carries serious implications. Fashion designer Nicole Bloomgarden shared her perspective with the BBC, explaining that TikTok accounted for a significant portion of her income and would drastically alter her financial situation.

Should the ban proceed as initially planned, the US might follow a path similar to India’s, where TikTok was banned in 2020 due to rising tensions with China. India’s swift action resulted in the app becoming inaccessible to its 200 million users, ultimately leading to the rise of several competing platforms.

As the clock ticks towards the scheduled ban, TikTok creators are left anxiously awaiting clarity on their platform's future, hoping that Trump’s indicated reprieve will provide the breathing room they need to adapt to the evolving landscape of social media regulation.