TikTok’s future remains in doubt despite President Trump’s move to delay a potential ban on the app. Legal experts warn that the executive order could face challenges, as federal law mandates ByteDance’s forced divestment from the platform.
Sarah Kreps, from Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, questioned the president’s authority to retroactively apply a 90-day delay. Lawmakers who supported the ban expressed concerns that such a move could undermine legislative authority, with Speaker Mike Johnson reiterating that ByteDance’s ownership is a “dangerous” national security risk.
The enforcement of the ban depends heavily on tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle. Oracle, a major cloud service provider for TikTok, faces scrutiny over its adherence to federal regulations, while app stores have legal obligations to halt app downloads.
Despite the delay, doubts persist regarding TikTok’s long-term survival in the U.S., with shifting political dynamics and Beijing’s stance potentially influencing future negotiations. As government officials and corporations continue to address the issue, millions of U.S. users remain uncertain about the app’s future.
