Related videos:
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order on Tuesday that extends the deadline for the enforcement of the law seeking to ban TikTok and other applications controlled by "foreign adversaries" until December 16, 2025.
Following the publication on the White House's website, this is the fourth extension since the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act came into effect earlier this year.
The new postponement means that, during this period, the Department of Justice will not be able to impose sanctions or measures against the application or against the companies associated with its distribution and updates.
Support for TikTok and political message
The text also orders the attorney general to issue a letter to the providers to state that there will be no legal liability for actions taken before the new deadline, including the period since the law came into effect in January.
Trump justified the measure based on "national security interests" and the need for law enforcement to remain under the exclusive authority of the federal Executive, preventing parallel actions by states or third parties.
Next steps
With this decision, TikTok gains new breathing room in the United States, although uncertainty about its future remains. It will be in December when, unless another extension is granted, the prohibition established by the law passed in Congress will come into effect.
The measure keeps the popular Chinese app at the center of the political and technological debate, in a year where the Trump administration seeks to balance its national security rhetoric with the pressure from millions of users and businesses that rely on the platform.
The presence of TikTok in the United States has been a constant tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing, marked by political, trade, and legal tensions.
In December 2024, the Federal Court of Appeals upheld the obligation for ByteDance to sell the application before January 19, 2025, under the threat of its prohibition in the country. The measure was supported by Congress on national security grounds.
With time running out, the Supreme Court intensified its pressure in January 2025. The judges leaned in favor of the law that would ban TikTok, and shortly afterwards, the Supreme Court approved its suspension in the United States.
The application was blocked on January 19, on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration, creating uncertainty about its return.
Once in power, Trump changed his strategy and proposed alternatives to avoid a definitive shutdown. The president suggested the establishment of a joint venture in which the U.S. would maintain 50% control of the application, offering a negotiated solution that would allow TikTok to continue operating under national security conditions.
In the following months, Trump continued to apply pressure but also opened up avenues for negotiation. In April, he granted a 75-day extension for ByteDance to find a U.S. buyer, and in June, he extended the deadline by another 90 days, again avoiding the immediate ban on the app.
Finally, Trump stated that he had found a buyer for TikTok, although he clarified that the deal would require approval from China.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of TikTok in the United States
Why has Trump postponed the TikTok ban in the United States?
Trump has postponed the closure of TikTok in the United States until December 16, 2025, due to "national security interests." The measure aims to prevent parallel actions by states or third parties and to ensure that the app remains under the exclusive authority of the federal Executive. Furthermore, this allows time to find a U.S. buyer that meets national security requirements.
What does the new postponement mean for TikTok?
The new deferral means that TikTok can continue operating in the United States until December 2025 without facing immediate sanctions. During this time, efforts are being made for ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell the application to a U.S. buyer deemed safe by the authorities. This allows time to negotiate a potential sale and enables continued use of the application while ensuring the security of user data.
What is the reason behind the restrictions on TikTok in the United States?
The restrictions on TikTok in the United States are due to national security concerns. There is fear that the Chinese government could access personal data of American citizens through ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. The legislation passed in 2024 aims to ensure that applications controlled by "foreign adversaries" do not compromise the security of user data on U.S. soil.
Who is interested in buying TikTok in the United States?
Among the companies interested in purchasing TikTok in the United States are Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Blackstone, among others. However, no offer has been officially accepted so far. Trump has suggested that a viable solution could include the establishment of a joint venture with 50% U.S. ownership, although the details of the negotiations have not yet been fully disclosed.
Filed under: