TikTok Ban Gets Third Extension Amid Stalled US-China Ownership Talks

The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as President Donald Trump plans to extend the looming ban on the popular video-sharing app for yet another 75 days. This marks the third such extension since January, driven by a lack of progress in negotiations to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership.

Key Highlights:

• Third Extension: The new 75-day reprieve will be the third extension granted to TikTok, as the previous 75-day extension was set to expire on June 19.
• Legal Basis for Ban: The ban stems from the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” which went into law on January 19. However, President Trump has instructed the U.S. Department of Justice not to enforce the law currently.
• Failed Ownership Transfer: Efforts to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations from Chinese control to American ownership have stalled, with no deal yet reached.
• Interested Parties: Various U.S. entities and individuals have reportedly shown interest in acquiring TikTok, including tech giants like Oracle, Perplexity, and Amazon, as well as personalities like Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), Kevin O’Leary, Jesse Tinsley, and billionaire Frank McCourt.
• China’s Non-Cooperation: China’s lack of cooperation in approving a deal is a major hurdle, attributed to ongoing trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods.
• Continued Availability: Despite the political and legal complexities, TikTok remains available for download and use in the U.S., with the continuous extensions ensuring it is not immediately removed from app stores.

The prolonged negotiations underscore the complex interplay between national security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and the global reach of digital platforms. The continuous delays suggest that a definitive resolution for TikTok’s U.S. operations is still some time away.

For more information, you can read the full article on MacRumors: TikTok Getting Yet Another Ban Delay as Trump Fails to Reach Deal