TikTok, the popular short-video app, continues to stay in the spotlight in the United States. The platform has faced pressure over national security and data privacy concerns because of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Congress approved a U.S. ban unless TikTok is sold to an American company, but so far, former President Donald Trump has kept extending the shutdown deadline.
Deadlines Extended Again and Again
Trump has already extended the TikTok ban deadline three times during his second term. The next deadline is set for September 17. The first extension came on January 20, his first day in office, when TikTok briefly went dark after the national ban was upheld by the Supreme Court. Later, another extension was given in April, as U.S. officials tried to negotiate a deal for U.S. ownership. However, the plan collapsed after China withdrew, following Trump’s tariff announcement.
Trump’s Take on TikTok
Despite the heated discussions, Trump recently called the security concerns “highly overrated”. He admitted being a fan of the platform, mentioning that he used TikTok during his campaign and that young people, including his own children, love it. The White House even started its own TikTok account this week, showing the app is still very much in play.
What Americans Think
Public opinion about TikTok is split. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that support for banning TikTok has dropped. In March 2023, half of Americans wanted a ban. Now, only about one-third support it, while another third are against it, and the rest remain unsure. Among those favoring a ban, most say their top worry is the risk of personal data falling into the wrong hands.
For now, TikTok is still alive in the U.S. and each extension makes a total shutdown look less likely. While the debate continues, millions of users keep scrolling, posting and enjoying the app every day.
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