Trump Likely to Extend TikTok’s Deadline to Avoid U.S. Ban

Former President Donald Trump is poised to grant TikTok a 90-day extension that could prevent the popular social media app from being banned in the United States. The decision is reportedly influenced by ongoing negotiations to address national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned app. A source familiar with the matter indicated that this extension is aimed at allowing time for TikTok and the U.S. government to work out a solution regarding the app’s data security practices. Trump’s administration had previously threatened a ban on the app citing fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Experts are split on whether the extension will actually lead to a satisfactory resolution, with cybersecurity analysts continuing to express worry about potential data vulnerabilities. TikTok, which boasts over 100 million users in the U.S., has consistently maintained that it stores American user data on domestic servers and that it cooperates with investigations into its security practices. The potential ban and subsequent extension plan have reignited discussions about the broader implications of Chinese technology in U.S. markets. It remains to be seen how negotiations will unfold in the coming weeks, as TikTok’s future hangs in the balance. This recent news indicates that even with a temporary reprieve, the app faces continuing scrutiny from the U.S. government as it strives to reassure both lawmakers and the public about the safeguarding of sensitive data.