Key Takeaways:
– Former U.S president Donald Trump, who once sought to ban TikTok over national security concerns, has recently shown support for the app.
– TikTok’s future still remains uncertain despite Trump’s new stance, attributed to the ongoing legal and political complexities, and security issues tied to its Chinese parent company ByteDance.
– ByteDance’s deadline to divest its TikTok ownership or face a ban could possibly be prolonged by President Biden, but this is deemed unlikely by legal experts.
– A lawsuit filed by TikTok and ByteDance against the U.S government alleging violation of 1st Amendment rights is awaiting court decision.
– A proposed security agreement involving U.S tech giant Oracle did not secure approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment.
Trump’s Change of Heart
Once an advocate for banning TikTweet in the United States, former president Donald Trump has seemingly reversed his stance in support of the video-sharing app. In a move that raised eyebrows, Trump joined TikTok in June and expressed sentiments that presented him as a supporter of the social media giant in the United States.
Trump’s Unpredicted Move Gleans Hope
The unexpected turn of events has raised optimism among TikTok creators. The prospect of a popular figure like Trump reassessing his decision has stirred hope in the TikTok community, including influencers like Kat Vera, who boasts over 457,000 followers.
The App’s Complex Position
Despite Trump’s change of stance, TikTok’s future still hangs in the balance. Many legal experts and tech analysts suggest that the route for TikTok to secure a solid foothold in the U.S market remains uncertain and complex.
Washington and TikTok: A Perilous Duet
Earlier this year, President Biden signed a law that would necessitate ByteDance to drop its TikTok ownership by January 19. This is due to security risks associated with the app’s links to China. Biden could opt to defer ByteDance’s deadline, but legal experts argue this may not happen.
TikTok and ByteDance’s Legal Sacrifice
In response to the imposing measures, TikTok and ByteDance instituted a lawsuit against the U.S government. They argue that a ban would infringe on 1st Amendment rights and that the new law does not convincingly establish national security threats posed by TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
The Plausible Court Verdict
With an impending court ruling expected next month, experts predict the outcome could swing either way. A favorable ruling for TikTok and ByteDance would declare the new law unconstitutional, while an unfavorable outcome could see them appealing to the Supreme Court.
The Oracle Deal
TikTok and ByteDance had sought to address security concerns by proposing data handling by U.S tech behemoth, Oracle. The proposed agreement also stipulated independent monitoring of TikTok’s platform content. The Committee on Foreign Investment, however, did not find the proposed agreement sufficient.
Political Power Plays
Trump’s recent alignment with TikTok may be attributed to personal motives and rivalry with app competitors like Facebook, whose CEO he has publicly criticized.
TikTok Influencers Find Alternative Platforms
With the future of TikTok in the U.S still under scrutiny, many creators have already expanded their content to other platforms. Theodora Moutinho, famous fitness issues a statement saying they are also focusing on Snapchat and Instagram, while eyeing upcoming platforms like Bluesky.
Internal Divisions Within the GOP
The Trump administration, however, has to deal with diverse viewpoints within the Republican Party on TikTok, with some favoring stricter measures against China.
Conclusion
While TikTok has immense popularity and a significant presence in the U.S, marked by active engagement from famous personalities and millions of users, the app’s fate is uncertain. As the political battle rages on at a higher level, creators, users, and industry watchers alike remain hopeful while monitoring the situation carefully.