In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly set to grant TikTok a 90-day extension on January 20th, a decision that has reignited discussions around the app's operations in the United States.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been at the center of controversy over concerns about national security and data privacy. During Trump’s presidency, the app faced potential bans unless ByteDance divested its U.S. operations to an American company. However, negotiations and legal battles have delayed the enforcement of any sweeping actions.
According to sources close to Trump, the 90-day extension is aimed at giving TikTok more time to address compliance issues and finalize agreements with potential U.S.-based stakeholders. This decision comes amid ongoing debates about foreign tech companies operating in the U.S. and the need to balance economic opportunities with security concerns.
Critics argue that extending TikTok’s deadline may allow the platform to avoid meaningful changes, while supporters see it as a practical move to ensure smoother negotiations without alienating TikTok's large U.S. user base.
As of now, TikTok has not publicly commented on this development. With over 150 million U.S. users, the app remains a significant player in the social media landscape. All eyes will be on Trump’s announcement on January 20th to see how this decision unfolds and what it means for TikTok’s future in America.
