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The TikTok ban in the US has been a rollercoaster of legal battles, political negotiations, and last-minute extensions. As of April 5, 2025, the fate of the app—used by 170 million Americans—remains uncertain. This article covers everything you need to know, including:
- The current deadline and Trump’s latest extension
- Why the US wants to ban TikTok
- Potential buyers (Amazon, Oracle, Elon Musk?)
- What happens if TikTok is banned
- Alternatives for users and creators
1. The TikTok Ban Deadline: Trump’s Last-Minute Extensions
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban. The original deadline was January 19, 2025, but President Trump has extended it twice:
- First extension (Jan 20, 2025): 75-day delay 611.
- Second extension (April 4, 2025): Another 75 days, pushing the deadline to June 18, 2025
Trump has hinted he may extend it further if a deal isn’t reached, saying, “We’re very close to a solution”
2. Why Does the US Want to Ban TikTok?
The US government cites national security concerns, fearing that China could access user data or influence content. Key arguments:
- Data privacy risks: TikTok collects vast amounts of user data, which could be shared with the Chinese government .
- Algorithm control: The app’s addictive algorithm is owned by ByteDance, raising fears of propaganda or censorship.
- Bipartisan support: Both Democrats and Republicans backed the ban, with Congress passing PAFACA in April 2024.
ByteDance denies these claims, calling the ban “unconstitutional” and arguing that divesting is “not commercially or technically possible”
3. Who Might Buy TikTok? Potential Buyers in 2025
Several high-profile investors and companies have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s US operations:
- Oracle (leading bidder) – Already hosts TikTok’s US data; backed by Trump ally Larry Ellison.
- Amazon – Submitted a last-minute bid 14.
- Elon Musk – Trump suggested Musk as a buyer, though Musk said he’s not interested .
- Frank McCourt & Kevin O’Leary – Proposing a decentralized model without the algorithm .
- Andreessen Horowitz – A venture capital firm linked to Trump supporters .
However, China must approve any sale, and Beijing has resisted forcing ByteDance to sell .
4. What Happens If TikTok Is Banned?
If no deal is reached by June 18, 2025, TikTok could:
- Disappear from US app stores (Apple & Google would remove it) .
- Stop working for existing users (as seen in the Jan 2025 shutdown) .
- Face legal challenges (TikTok may sue again, claiming free speech violations) .
Alternatives for Users & Creators
- Instagram Reels & YouTube Shorts – Already gaining TikTok refugees .
- Xiaohongshu (RedNote) – A Chinese alternative surging in popularity .
- Twitch & OnlyFans – Some creators are migrating to these platforms .
5. Will Trump Save TikTok?
Trump has flip-flopped on TikTok:
- 2020: Pushed for a ban.
- 2024-2025: Now wants to “save TikTok”, possibly for political gain (he has 60M+ followers).
His latest move—linking TikTok’s fate to China trade talks—suggests he may use it as leverage to reduce tariffs .
Final Verdict: Will TikTok Survive in the US?
- Likely outcome: Another extension or a forced sale (possibly to Oracle).
- Worst-case scenario: A full ban by late 2025, pushing users to alternatives.
- Wildcard: China blocking a sale, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
For now, TikTok remains available, but its future depends on US-China negotiations and Trump’s next move.
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