Trump Signs Executive Order to Freeze TikTok for 75 Days
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the social media world, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to freeze TikTok, a popular short-form video-sharing app, for 75 days. The order, which went into effect on Monday, is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the app’s future in the United States.
The decision to freeze TikTok is the result of ongoing national security concerns, which were first raised by the Trump administration back in June. According to White House officials, the app poses a significant risk to the national security and the personal data of Americans. Specifically, Trump and his team are concerned that the app’s parent company, ByteDance, may be forced to share US user data with the Chinese government, potentially compromising national security.
The executive order, which is titled "Prohibiting Certain Transactions, one with ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries in the United States," states that the President has the authority to take action to protect national security. The order asserts that "the transaction by ByteDance Ltd., its subsidiaries, and affiliates, including TikTok, to transmit data from the United States to countries outside of the United States, or to the possession, control, or benefit of a foreign government, persons, or entities, is a significant risk to the national security of the United States."
The order gives ByteDance 90 days to divest its ownership in TikTok and the US operations of the app, effectively halting all activities. The move is seen as a significant blow to the company, which has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
In a statement, a representative for TikTok said the company is "disappointed" by the decision, adding that "we will voluntarily adhere to the requirements of the order." The company has also vowed to explore all legal options available to challenge the order.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from many, including lawmakers and civil liberties groups, who argue that the order is overly broad and may disproportionately affect minority communities. "The executive order is a broad and overly broad attempt to restrict the free flow of information and stifle innovation," said Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The implications of the executive order are far-reaching, with many wondering what the future holds for TikTok. Will the app be able to find a new buyer or restructuring that will allow it to continue operating in the US? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain, leaving a nation of users wait with bated breath to see what’s next for their beloved app.
Source: The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN
