TikTok has been given a 75-day extension to continue operating in the United States, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at finding a new American owner for the Chinese-owned platform. The app had faced a national security deadline that could have forced it to shut down by January.
Trump’s decision came as US officials were close to agreeing a deal that would create a new US-based company, with majority American investors and a smaller share held by current owner ByteDance. But tensions grew after China reacted negatively to new tariffs announced by Trump, delaying approval for the potential agreement.
ByteDance contacted the White House, saying no deal could move forward without talks over trade and tariffs. Trump’s move allows his administration more time to work on the deal, despite the law still being in effect.
The legal situation remains unclear. Law professor Alan Rozenshtein said Trump has not actually changed the law, only paused its enforcement. “The companies are still violating it,” he said.
TikTok’s future depends on who controls its algorithm and user data. Cybersecurity experts warn that unless ByteDance fully gives up control, security concerns will remain. Public opinion on TikTok remains divided, with many citing data privacy as a key worry.
TikTok’s spokesperson confirmed that talks are ongoing, but nothing has been finalised. Trump says he remains hopeful for a deal. Meanwhile, critics urge Congress to find a long-term solution to avoid ongoing uncertainty.
