The fate of one of America's most popular social media platforms hangs in the balance as the Biden administration prepares to hand over power.
According to AP News, President Joe Biden's administration will not enforce a congressionally mandated ban on TikTok set to take effect January 19, instead deferring the decision to incoming President Donald Trump and his team.
The decision comes amid growing uncertainty about the platform's future in the United States. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously about internal deliberations, confirmed that the implementation and potential enforcement of the divestment law will be left to the Trump administration.
The law, signed by Biden last year, requires TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban.
Trump's stance on TikTok had undergone a dramatic shift since his first term when he attempted to ban the platform over national security concerns. His campaign actively embraced TikTok during the 2024 presidential race, using it to connect with younger voters through viral content. The president-elect has publicly committed to keeping the platform operational in the United States.
Incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz offered hope for TikTok's continued operation, noting that the law allows for deadline extensions if viable deals are being negotiated. The situation has created unusual political alignments, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer joining calls for extending the deadline.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton, however, maintains strong opposition to the platform. As chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Cotton blocked Democratic attempts to extend the deadline, arguing that ByteDance has had sufficient time to find a buyer.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's expected presence at Trump's inauguration, alongside tech industry giants like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos, underscores the significance of the platform's fate. Sources familiar with inauguration planning revealed that these tech leaders will receive prominent seating on the dais.
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging the divestment law, with early indicators suggesting the justices may uphold the legislation. This development adds another layer of complexity to the incoming administration's handling of the situation.
Waltz emphasized Trump's dual commitment to preserving TikTok's platform while protecting user data. The administration's approach appears focused on finding a workable solution that addresses both national security concerns and the platform's popularity among American users.
The TikTok controversy represents a pivotal moment in U.S. technology policy and international relations. The Biden administration's decision to defer enforcement effectively places the platform's fate in Trump's hands, marking a significant shift in approach to Chinese-owned technology companies.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the focus turns to how Trump's team will navigate the complex balance between national security concerns and the platform's massive user base.
With both Democratic and Republican leaders involved in the discussion, the resolution of this issue could set important precedents for future technology policy decisions.
