Will Extend TikTok Deadline if No Deal Reached by June 19: Trump
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has announced that he would extend the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the US assets of TikTok if no deal had been reached by June 19. This statement comes as a surprise, given the initial deadline of June 15, set by the Trump administration, which is just a few days away.
Trump’s announcement was made during a press conference, where he expressed his willingness to give ByteDance more time to negotiate a deal. The reason behind this extension, according to Trump, is that he has a “sweet spot” for TikTok. He praised the app for its ability to help him win over young voters in the 2024 presidential election.
TikTok, a social media platform popular among the younger generation, has gained massive popularity in the United States, with over 170 million Americans using the app. The app’s user base is predominantly comprised of young adults, who are drawn to its entertaining and creative content. TikTok’s success has led to its acquisition by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, in 2016.
However, the Trump administration has been scrutinizing TikTok over concerns about its potential to be used as a tool for Chinese surveillance and censorship. The administration has also raised concerns about the app’s data collection practices and the risk it poses to national security.
In response to these concerns, Trump issued an executive order in August 2020, directing ByteDance to divest its US assets and sell TikTok to an American company within 90 days. The deadline was initially set for November 12, 2020, but was later extended to June 15, 2021.
The deadline of June 15 was set to give ByteDance and its potential buyers ample time to negotiate a deal. However, no deal has been reached yet, and the deadline is fast approaching. Trump’s announcement that he would extend the deadline if no deal had been reached by June 19 is seen as a sign that the administration is willing to give ByteDance more time to negotiate.
The extension is likely to benefit ByteDance, as it would give the company more time to find a suitable buyer or negotiate a deal with the Trump administration. However, the extension also raises concerns about the potential risks associated with TikTok’s continued operation in the United States.
The Trump administration’s concerns about TikTok are not unfounded. China-based companies have been accused of using their technology to spy on foreign governments and individuals. The Chinese government has also been criticized for its strict censorship laws, which can be used to suppress dissenting voices and restrict access to information.
TikTok has repeatedly denied any allegations of data collection and censorship, stating that it does not share user data with the Chinese government. However, the app’s data collection practices have been questioned by privacy advocates and lawmakers, who have called for greater transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, Trump’s announcement that he would extend the deadline for ByteDance to divest its US assets if no deal had been reached by June 19 is a significant development in the ongoing saga of TikTok. While the extension may benefit ByteDance, it also raises concerns about the potential risks associated with TikTok’s continued operation in the United States.
As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether ByteDance will be able to find a suitable buyer or negotiate a deal with the Trump administration. One thing is certain, however: the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, and the world is watching to see what happens next.
