As TikTok's potential ban looms due to national security concerns, Trump’s administration is exploring avenues to keep the popular platform active for its 170 million users in the US.
Trump Aims to Intervene in TikTok Ban, Advisor Claims
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Trump Aims to Intervene in TikTok Ban, Advisor Claims
In a race against time, Trump's national security adviser suggests that the President-elect will find a solution to prevent TikTok from being banned in the US.
The looming ban on TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faces urgent intervention calls from Trump’s administration as its new national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, insists that the President-elect will act swiftly to save the app from a nationwide blackout scheduled for this weekend. The impending ban—fueled by apprehensions regarding data privacy and security linked to the Chinese Communist Party—has prompted both Trump and President Biden to explore solutions to keep the application accessible to its 170 million American users.
Waltz hinted on Fox News that Trump may issue an executive order to delay the ban, contingent on the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision regarding a law mandating ByteDance to sell the platform by January 19 or face a ban. The law, passed by Congress last year, allows for a potential 90-day extension if substantial progress towards a sale occurs. This gives Trump a window to implement measures that could keep TikTok operational. He stated, “We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark,” reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
In a related effort, Trump has reportedly invited TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to his presidential inauguration next week, suggesting a potential negotiation path. The proposed ban, rooted in national security arguments, would not only restrict access to TikTok but would also hinder updates and availability on major platforms such as Apple and Google, essentially leading to TikTok's demise.
On the other end of the spectrum, President Biden’s administration has also been active in seeking alternatives to prevent the ban. Considerations within Biden’s camp suggest a deferral of the ban, aiming to create a pathway that would allow continued use of the platform while addressing privacy concerns.
The legal proceedings surrounding the case have begun, with the Supreme Court recently hearing TikTok's arguments against the ban. A decision is expected imminently, clarifying the future of the app in the US. Interestingly, both Biden and Trump's stances toward TikTok have shifted over time, revealing the multifaceted nature of political perspectives regarding digital platforms and security.
As anticipation builds surrounding the court's ruling, questions linger about the implications of the potential ban, especially for TikTok users migrating to alternate platforms, and the ongoing debate about data privacy and national security in the digital age.
Waltz hinted on Fox News that Trump may issue an executive order to delay the ban, contingent on the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision regarding a law mandating ByteDance to sell the platform by January 19 or face a ban. The law, passed by Congress last year, allows for a potential 90-day extension if substantial progress towards a sale occurs. This gives Trump a window to implement measures that could keep TikTok operational. He stated, “We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark,” reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
In a related effort, Trump has reportedly invited TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to his presidential inauguration next week, suggesting a potential negotiation path. The proposed ban, rooted in national security arguments, would not only restrict access to TikTok but would also hinder updates and availability on major platforms such as Apple and Google, essentially leading to TikTok's demise.
On the other end of the spectrum, President Biden’s administration has also been active in seeking alternatives to prevent the ban. Considerations within Biden’s camp suggest a deferral of the ban, aiming to create a pathway that would allow continued use of the platform while addressing privacy concerns.
The legal proceedings surrounding the case have begun, with the Supreme Court recently hearing TikTok's arguments against the ban. A decision is expected imminently, clarifying the future of the app in the US. Interestingly, both Biden and Trump's stances toward TikTok have shifted over time, revealing the multifaceted nature of political perspectives regarding digital platforms and security.
As anticipation builds surrounding the court's ruling, questions linger about the implications of the potential ban, especially for TikTok users migrating to alternate platforms, and the ongoing debate about data privacy and national security in the digital age.