- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his decision to issue an executive order to delay the enforcement of a federal ban on TikTok. This announcement came shortly after the popular social media app was removed from major app stores and ceased operations for US users. Trump highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating, “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
In his statement, Trump assured that the executive order would not hold any company liable for keeping TikTok operational prior to the order’s issuance. He stressed the importance of maintaining access to the platform, especially with the upcoming Inauguration events on Monday, which he described as exciting and essential for American viewers.
Trump further proposed that the United States should take a 50 per cent ownership stake in a joint venture involving TikTok’s current or new owners. He further stated, “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”
I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 19, 2025
The president-elect's proposal centres around establishing a joint venture that ensures US involvement in TikTok’s operations, which he believes would safeguard national security while preserving the app’s presence in the US market.
Trump Proposes Joint Venture To Secure Data
The looming ban on TikTok has been a contentious issue, with concerns about data privacy and national security prompting calls for stricter regulations. However, the app's vast user base and its role as a significant platform for content creation and social interaction have led to widespread backlash against the ban. Trump's proposed executive order seeks to address these concerns by allowing more time to negotiate a solution that satisfies both security imperatives and user interests.
As the situation unfolds, the executive order will serve as a temporary measure to keep TikTok accessible while the details of the joint venture are negotiated. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the future of TikTok in the United States and set a precedent for how foreign-owned social media platforms are managed in terms of national security and economic integration.
