WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an order to delay a ban of popular short-video app TikTok that was slated to be shuttered on Jan. 19. The decision to delay the ban has been met with a mixture of relief and skepticism, as many are left wondering what this means for the future of the app in the United States.
The initial ban was announced in August, citing national security concerns and the app's ownership by a Chinese company, ByteDance. However, the order signed by Trump on Monday will give TikTok a temporary reprieve, delaying the ban that was set to take effect on January 19.
The delay is likely a result of the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. government and ByteDance, as well as the app's potential suitors, including Oracle and Walmart. The two companies have expressed interest in acquiring a majority stake in TikTok, which could potentially alleviate the national security concerns that led to the initial ban.
Despite the delay, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain. The app's popularity has continued to grow, with over 100 million active users in the country, and many are eager to see a resolution to the saga. However, others are more cautious, citing concerns about data privacy and the potential for the Chinese government to exert influence over the app.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok in the United States will have significant implications for the tech industry and beyond. The app's popularity has made it a cultural phenomenon, and its potential ban has sparked a wider conversation about the role of social media in society.
For now, TikTok users can breathe a sigh of relief, as the app will continue to be available for download and use in the United States. However, the delay is only temporary, and the clock is still ticking. As the negotiations between the U.S. government, ByteDance, and potential suitors continue, one thing is certain: the future of TikTok is far from certain.