Trump Gives TikTok 75-Day Ultimatum to Find US Buyer

Interestional News : US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order allowing TikTok to operate in the US for an additional 75 days. This move aims to give his administration more time to negotiate a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.

Background of the Crisis

The crisis surrounding TikTok began due to concerns that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, might share user data with the Chinese government, posing a national security threat. In response, the US Congress ordered ByteDance to divest TikTok's ownership or face a ban in the country.

Trump's Ultimatum and Potential Buyers

Trump's administration has been exploring proposals from US companies interested in buying a stake in TikTok. Potential buyers include:- *Oracle*: Already holds a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global and serves as its cloud technology partner.

- Blackstone: An investment firm showing interest in acquiring TikTok.

- Perplexity AI: An AI startup proposing to merge with TikTok's US business and recreate its algorithm to align with US data security standards.

Implications of the Ban or Sale

The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with possible changes in the US administration's policies. Interestingly, Trump himself has millions of followers on TikTok and considers it a vital platform for reaching young voters.

Key Concerns and Allegations

The FBI and Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance might share user data with the Chinese government. However, TikTok denies these allegations, stating it has never shared user data and has no intention of doing so. The US government has yet to provide evidence supporting these claims.

Recent Developments

On January 20, 2025, Trump instituted a 75-day non-enforcement period for the ban via an executive order. This period has now been extended by another 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US while negotiations for its sale or restructuring are underway.

Potential Consequences

The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for TikTok's global operations and the broader tech industry. A sale or restructuring could lead to changes in the platform's ownership, management, or data handling practices, potentially impacting its user base and market value