TikTok’s future remains uncertain as President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for the app’s ban. The extension, set to expire on April 5, gives Chinese parent company ByteDance more time to divest TikTok. Failure to comply by the deadline could result in the app being shut down again, as it was in January. As of now, there are no finalized plans for the app’s sale.
Trump has hinted at potential incentives to encourage a sale, including lowering tariffs on China. However, he has stated that if a deal is not reached by the deadline, he will simply extend the ban once more.
As the deadline approaches, questions arise about the possibility of a ban on April 5 and the potential for further extensions. Senators have urged Trump to collaborate with Congress to find a solution to the TikTok ban, emphasizing the need for legislative action to address the issue.
Various parties have expressed interest in purchasing TikTok, with groups such as Project Liberty and MrBeast submitting bids. However, the final outcome remains uncertain as the deadline looms closer.
Internet sensation MrBeast, also known as Donaldson, is part of a group of investors, as confirmed by a news release from the law firm Paul Hastings. MrBeast was seen attending the premiere of a new Amazon Prime Video series “Beast Games” in Santa Monica, California on December 18, 2024. He is the most popular content creator on YouTube and had humorously hinted at buying the platform just before a January ban. This led to speculation after his post gained widespread attention, with him teasing about potential interest from billionaires. His TikTok bio even humorously stated “New CEO of TikTok?” as of a recent update.
Perplexity AI, a U.S.-based search engine, proposed a merger in January with TikTok, rather than a sale. This merger would create a new entity combining Perplexity AI and TikTok. Other notable figures expressing interest in acquiring TikTok include Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision, Doug McMillon of Walmart, Microsoft, and conservative video streaming platform Rumble.
There were rumors circulating about Elon Musk possibly buying TikTok, fueled by past support from former President Trump, but Musk has since clarified that he has no interest in such a purchase.
TikTok faced another ban in late January following the enactment of federal legislation signed into law by former President Joe Biden in 2024. The law, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, required ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest from TikTok by Jan. 19, 2025, or face a ban. Concerns have been raised about potential national security risks associated with TikTok, with suspicions of user data being shared with the Chinese government, allegations that ByteDance has consistently denied.
Despite previous support for a TikTok ban, especially during his tenure as president, Trump changed his stance following the 2024 election. During the temporary shutdown in January, Trump assured internet hosting services and app stores that they would not face legal consequences for restoring TikTok. However, many companies waited until the next month to reinstate the app, fearing potential fines under the legislation.
The article, written by Greta Cross, delves into the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future and its history of facing bans and legal challenges.
