TikTok ban: Biden administration hands over to Trump
Washington: As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, his administration has decided not to enforce a law that mandates a ban on the social media app TikTok. The ban was supposed to take effect on January 19, just a day before the presidential inauguration. A US official confirmed that the outgoing administration is leaving the decision to President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20.
Last year, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest the company by January 19. However, Biden's administration has chosen not to enforce the law before his departure. Instead, the implementation and potential enforcement of the ban will be left to the incoming administration.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the decision reflects internal discussions within the Biden administration.
Trump’s position on TikTok
President-elect Trump had previously called for a ban on TikTok during his first term, but since then, he has pledged to keep the app available in the United States. Despite his change of stance, Trump’s transition team has not revealed how they plan to maintain TikTok’s presence in the country.
TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to attend Trump's inauguration, with a prime seat reserved for him on the dais. This is seen as part of the incoming administration’s stance to keep TikTok operational. Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz has indicated that steps may be taken to ensure the app does not "go dark" in the US.
Waltz also mentioned that the law mandating a TikTok ban allows for an extension if a "viable deal" is being negotiated.
Bipartisan support to extend the TikTok deadline
The debate over TikTok's fate has gained bipartisan attention. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer spoke with President Biden on Thursday, advocating for an extension of the deadline.
Schumer stated, "It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers."
Schumer and other Democrats attempted to pass legislation to extend the deadline on Wednesday. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked the effort. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that TikTok has had enough time to find a buyer. He labelled TikTok as a “Chinese Communist spy app” that “addicts our kids, harvests their data, targets them with harmful and manipulative content, and spreads communist propaganda.”
Supreme Court to decide on TikTok’s future
Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court has heard a legal challenge from TikTok and ByteDance, along with TikTok users. The case, which is focused on national security concerns, could potentially lead to a ruling that would require ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in one of its largest markets.
“If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favour of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out. But number two, he’s going to protect their data,” Waltz said on Wednesday.
Trump, who has been known as a dealmaker, added that his administration would work to "create this space to put that deal in place," should the law be upheld.
Trump's reversal on TikTok
Trump’s position on TikTok has evolved since his first term. Originally, he sought to ban the app over national security fears, but by the time of his 2024 presidential campaign, he had joined the platform. Trump’s campaign team used TikTok to connect with younger voters, particularly targeting male voters with viral content. He even credited TikTok with helping him gain more support from younger voters, promising to "save TikTok" during the campaign.
AP