After a tumultuous year filled with anxiety and legal battles, TikTok may have found a potential lifeline in the form of former foe Donald Trump. The President-elect, who previously sought to ban the social media platform, has now pledged to oppose a ban on TikTok, which could come into effect as early as mid-January pending a court decision in Washington.
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have been entangled in a legal dispute with the U.S. over a federal law that mandates divestiture for national security reasons. The law, signed by President Joe Biden, requires ByteDance to sever ties within a specified timeframe, potentially leading to TikTok's shutdown by January 19.
Both parties have argued against divestiture, with a federal appeals court expected to issue a ruling by December 6. The losing side may appeal to the Supreme Court, further prolonging the process.
While details on Trump's plan to 'save TikTok' remain undisclosed, his transition team has affirmed its commitment to the cause. Trump, in a recent statement, reiterated his stance against banning TikTok, citing concerns over aiding its competitor, Facebook.
ByteDance has engaged in lobbying efforts to sway the decision, with reports of payments to lobbyists and political figures advocating for TikTok's interests. If the law is upheld, Trump's administration would be tasked with enforcement, potentially leading to fines for non-compliance.
Trump could explore alternative measures to prevent TikTok's closure, such as issuing an executive order or seeking Congressional repeal of the law. The possibility of brokering an American takeover of TikTok has also been suggested.
Despite interest from investors, ByteDance has expressed reluctance to sell TikTok, raising concerns about the platform's future. Analysts speculate that even if sold, TikTok may require significant restructuring.
Potential avenues for negotiation between Trump's administration and TikTok have been proposed, though challenges in enforcement have been highlighted. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's stance on TikTok underscores the need for strategic planning on the part of the platform.
