President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would likely give the popular social media app TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a potential ban in the United States. The announcement comes amid growing concerns about national security risks associated with the app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.
In a press briefing, Trump explained that his administration was still in talks with ByteDance to find a solution to the app’s security issues. He emphasized that the extension would allow the company more time to address concerns over its data practices, particularly the possibility of personal information being accessed by the Chinese government.
“I’m giving them a little more time to make a deal,” Trump said. “We’ll see if they can come up with something that is satisfactory to us. Most likely, we’ll give them a 90-day extension.”
The President’s comments came after reports surfaced that the U.S. government was considering various options, including a ban of the app, due to concerns about the potential misuse of user data by the Chinese government. The Trump administration had previously suggested that TikTok posed a threat to national security, particularly given the growing tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, technology, and global influence.
TikTok, which has amassed over 100 million active users in the U.S., has repeatedly denied allegations that it shares user data with the Chinese government. The company has said it stores American users’ data in the United States and Singapore, not in China, and has pledged to implement additional safeguards to protect user privacy.
In an attempt to address the mounting pressure, TikTok has been in negotiations with several American companies, including Microsoft, to potentially sell its U.S. operations. However, no formal agreements have been reached, and the clock is ticking as the deadline for a potential ban draws near.
The 90-day extension, if granted, would give TikTok additional time to finalize these negotiations and implement measures to reassure U.S. officials about the app’s security protocols.
Critics of the proposed ban argue that it could be an overreach of government power, pointing to the impact such a decision could have on millions of American users who rely on the app for entertainment, business, and social connection. Meanwhile, supporters of the ban contend that TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government present an unacceptable security risk.
In response to the announcement, TikTok issued a statement expressing appreciation for the extra time and reiterated its commitment to working with U.S. officials to resolve concerns.
“We remain focused on providing an entertaining, positive experience for our community and ensuring the privacy and safety of our users,” the statement read.
As the debate over TikTok’s future in the U.S. continues, many are watching closely to see whether a deal can be struck before the 90-day extension expires or if the looming threat of a ban will become a reality.
