A potential delay in the TikTok ban has emerged as a White House official announced that President Joe Biden's administration is reconsidering its timeline. With the ban initially set to take effect on January 19, the holiday weekend complicates the decision-making process. Meanwhile, TikTok is preparing to cease its U.S. operations, although the delay might offer them a temporary reprieve. Nonetheless, the company remains under threat from the Foreign Adversary Act.
The White House revealed that President Biden intends to transfer the responsibility for the TikTok ban to the incoming President, Donald J. Trump. TikTok has already presented its case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing against the prohibition. The platform's American users are anxiously advocating for its continued operation.
The ban's potential enforcement poses financial challenges for tech giants like Apple and Google, who have been requested to assist in removing TikTok from their app stores. A delayed ban could extend TikTok's operations in the U.S., providing some relief to these companies. Reports suggest President Trump is open to allowing TikTok to continue for a brief period before finalizing its fate.
Amidst this uncertainty, other options for TikTok's survival are being explored. One possibility includes selling the platform to entrepreneur Elon Musk. Meanwhile, some users have migrated to RedNote, a new Chinese social media platform, becoming part of the so-called "TikTok refugees."
Despite having the authority to extend TikTok's sale deadline by up to 90 days, President Biden has not yet exercised this option. As the transition of power approaches, the matter remains unresolved, leaving TikTok's future in the U.S. hanging in the balance.
