6th April 2025, Kathmandu
TikTok has received an additional 75 days to comply with a U.S. law requiring the company to sell its U.S. operations. This extension was granted by President Donald Trump after a meeting with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
TikTok US Ban Averted
Trump’s Statement
President Trump shared the news on Truth Social, stating that his administration is working hard to secure a deal for TikTok. He emphasized that while progress has been made, more work is needed to complete the deal and obtain necessary approvals.
The Law Behind the Extension
The U.S. law, passed by Congress, mandates that ByteDance must sell its controlling stake in TikTok. Otherwise, the app could face a ban in the U.S. The law was created due to concerns over national security and potential Chinese government influence.
Trump’s decision to extend the deadline comes as previous talks were nearing their expiration. The law gives ByteDance six months to find a buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations or risk removal from American app stores.
Challenges in the Deal
ByteDance confirmed that while talks are ongoing, the deal has not yet been finalized. Key issues still need resolution, and approval from China’s government remains essential. These hurdles have slowed the process, as China has indicated that it would not approve a deal until tariff discussions are addressed.
Potential Buyers Emerge
Several companies have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Amazon reportedly made a last-minute offer to purchase the platform. Other potential buyers include Microsoft, private equity firm Blackstone, and Perplexity AI, along with notable investors like Frank McCourt and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit.
Trump’s team is in discussions with four different groups about a potential deal. However, no agreement has been finalized so far. The talks are still in progress as the clock runs out on the 75-day extension.
The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
This extension offers TikTok a chance to finalize a deal, but challenges remain. If negotiations continue to stall, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. As the deadline approaches, the situation will continue to evolve, and all eyes will be on the outcome of the ongoing discussions.
For more: TikTok US Ban Averted