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TikTok Ban Postponed: New Deadline Revealed and Top Contenders to Acquire the App

April 5, 2025, 12:59 am

Former US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a 75-day extension for the sale of TikTok’s US operations, citing progress in ongoing negotiations but the need for further approvals.

“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The Republican leader added that he hopes to continue working with TikTok and China to finalize the agreement. He emphasized his desire to avoid a shutdown of the app, stating, “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’”

New Deadline Set for June 19

Under a national security law signed by President Joe Biden in April 2024, ByteDance—the Chinese parent company of TikTok—was originally required to complete a “qualified divestiture” by April 5.

With Trump’s latest announcement, the new deadline for a potential sale or divestment is now June 19. A ByteDance spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that discussions with US officials are ongoing, but a finalized agreement has not yet been executed.

Major Companies in the Race to Buy TikTok

Several major players are reportedly in discussions to acquire TikTok’s US business. According to Reuters, Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, is exploring the possibility. Also in the race is a consortium headed by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely.

In addition, private equity giant Blackstone and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz are said to be considering involvement. The latter may offer outside funding to support a bid led by Oracle, which aims to buy out TikTok’s Chinese investors.

Trump also commented on the broader economic context in his Truth Social post:
“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!). This proves that tariffs are the most powerful economic tool and are very important to our national security!”

TikTok Returns to Apple and Google App Stores Following Trump’s Intervention

February 18, 2025, 7:27 pm

Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google restored ByteDance Ltd.’s TikTok to their app stores following a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said the prohibition on the app would not be enforced immediately. The move concludes weeks of suspense over the destiny of TikTok in the United States, with both companies removing the app last month in line with a 2024 law.

The latest TikTok app is now available to download

— TikTok US (@tiktok_us) February 14, 2025

Return of TikTok to the App Stores

TikTok was temporarily removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play store in January after a federal ban imposed by the US government. The legislation, enacted earlier this year in 2024, mandated the removal of the app unless ByteDance divested the US side of its company. Nevertheless, following a guarantee from Attorney General Pam Bondi, both Apple and Google reinstalled TikTok on their sites by Thursday night.

The move comes after an executive order dated January 20 by then President Donald Trump that directed the Attorney General “not to take any action to enforce the act during a period of 75 days from today so that my administration can have the opportunity to evaluate the appropriate future course of action.” Although TikTok is back, its long-term fate in the US hangs in the balance.

Federal Legislation and National Security Concerns

The controversy has focused on TikTok’s Chinese parent company, and US legislators are concerned that the app has the potential to spy on US citizens. It is mandatory in China for firms to provide the government with access to data whenever they are requested. Consequently, US legislators enacted the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” in 2024, which required a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sold the US division of the company by January 19.

Trump, who initially advocated for a ban on TikTok, shifted his position, saying, “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally.” ByteDance has staunchly insisted that TikTok is not up for sale, and the future of the app in the US remains uncertain.

Unless there is an agreement by early April to address the national security issues of TikTok’s ownership, the app might be shut down again. The current situation demonstrates the conflict between the national security issues and the app’s general popularity in the US.

TikTok Threatens to Go Dark in US Amid Ban Deadline

January 18, 2025, 9:58 am

TikTok has warned that it will “go dark” in the US on Sunday unless the government intervenes. The company stated that the Biden administration and the Department of Justice have not given the necessary clarity to service providers.

Supreme Court Ruling

This comes after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by Sunday. TikTok argued that the law violates free speech for its 170 million US users. If no buyer is found, TikTok will be removed from app stores and web hosting services.

Impact on Existing Users

Initially, it was believed that the ban wouldn’t affect users who already have the app. However, TikTok’s recent statement suggests that the app may also become unavailable to current users.

Political Context

As President Biden’s term ends, Donald Trump will take office. The White House stated that the new president would need to enforce the law. Although Trump initially supported the ban, he now opposes it. He said, “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation.”

ByteDance’s Position

ByteDance has refused to sell TikTok and plans to shut down its US operations by Sunday unless the law changes. The US government imposed the ban over concerns about TikTok’s connection to China. However, TikTok has consistently denied sharing user data with Beijing.

Supreme Court Greenlights TikTok Ban, Citing National Security Concerns

January 17, 2025, 9:05 pm

US Supreme Court handed down its decision on Friday siding with a federal law that would likely lead to the ban of the Chinese social media application, TikTok. The ruling gives credence to the legislation signed into law last year by former President Joe Biden, addressing concerns about national security that have been linked to the app’s Chinese origins.

As held at the hearing, legislation does not breach the rights offered under First Amendment on freedom of speech. Justices have produced an unsigned opinion wherein no dissents are available which upheld government view about how risks concerning security existed while allowing application like TikTok.

The Biden administration has been using the rhetoric that TikTok poses a significant national security threat as it is owned by China. The Supreme Court’s decision allowed the ban to be enforced as of Sunday, January 19.

This ruling would be a key step in an ongoing debate concerning the security concerns of foreign-owned technology platforms operating in the US.

TikTok Ban Drama: Biden Hands Chinese App’s Destiny Over To Trump Before His Exit

January 17, 2025, 12:11 pm

As President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end, the outgoing administration has decided not to enforce a ban on the social media app TikTok, leaving the future of the app in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump. The law requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest the app by January 19, a day before Trump’s inauguration, was passed last year under Biden’s leadership. However, with the deadline fast approaching, the decision regarding the enforcement of the law and any potential ban will now rest with the incoming administration.

TikTok’s Future in Trump’s Hands

A U.S. official disclosed that Biden’s administration would not be enforcing the TikTok ban, allowing Trump to determine how the situation will unfold. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that the incoming president-elect’s team would decide whether to carry out the law or extend the deadline. Trump, who previously supported a TikTok ban due to national security concerns, has reversed his position, now pledging to keep the app available in the U.S.

Legal Challenges and Delay Requests

In the lead-up to the deadline, there have been numerous requests for an extension. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called for more time to allow for a potential deal, particularly highlighting the app’s importance to millions of American influencers and users. Despite efforts by Senate Democrats to pass a bill extending the divestment deadline, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton blocked the move, citing national security concerns and the app’s ties to the Chinese government.

TikTok CEO Expected at Trump’s Inauguration

In an unexpected twist, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, with reports suggesting that he will be seated alongside tech industry titans such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. This unprecedented inclusion of a company leader embroiled in a high-stakes political issue has added intrigue to the inauguration’s guest list.

Supreme Court Decision Looms

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to the law, with TikTok and ByteDance fighting against the potential divestment. The court seemed likely to uphold the law, which was originally designed to address national security concerns related to data privacy and Chinese government influence over the app.

Trump’s Change of Heart on TikTok

Trump’s stance on TikTok has shifted significantly since his initial push to ban the app during his first term. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump credited TikTok with helping him connect with younger voters, particularly in appealing to a more male demographic. Now, he is determined to protect the app’s U.S. user base while ensuring data security concerns are addressed.

As the legal and political battle over TikTok continues, the app’s fate in the U.S. will hinge on President Trump’s decisions following his inauguration.

TikTok Ban Threat: RedNote Takes Over, Becomes the Most Downloaded App on US Apple App Store

January 15, 2025, 1:09 pm

In the aftermath of a new wave of rumors that the administration might ban the Chinese-owned platform, American users are downloading Chinese app Xiaohongshu-the popular shopping application also known as RedNote-to epidemic proportions. Sources close to the NBC News team say RedNote took the number-one spot on Apple’s free list for US downloads on Monday and was followed closely by second place on Tuesday by Lemon8, the sibling app of the beleaguered TikTok.

Downloads are soaring among users seeking alternative video-sharing options, in case the popular service, TikTok, is shut down on January 19. TikTok is being shut down under a law forcing the company to break up with its parent company from China, ByteDance, or stop the services in the United States. Though the ban is set to happen, TikTok may still be reprieved by the US Supreme Court.

About Xiaohongshu (RedNote)

Created in 2013 in China, the app Xiaohongshu (also colloquially “Little Red Book”) combines shortform videos with online trading. The popular app, counting 300 million monthly active users mainly among younger women, started its popularity also outside of mainland China, specially in Taiwan as well as Malaysian Chinese diasporas. More often than not, RedNote users rely upon it for searching products, learning how to get to a good place, information on restaurants to eat at or some beauty recipe.

As the ban on TikTok looms, many American users are switching to RedNote, with some even adopting the app as a form of protest against the ban. Some users have also expressed plans to stop using Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook if the TikTok ban is enacted, referencing Meta’s reported involvement in efforts to malign TikTok in 2022 through a Republican lobbying firm.

Over recent days, it has taken up residence with RedNote in users described as ‘TikTok refugees,’ seeking advice for their ‘debut performances in navigation of app exploration in front of a moot ban.”.

With TikTok at Risk, Americans Turn to Chinese App RedNote

January 14, 2025, 2:29 pm

With the threat of a TikTok ban in the U.S., many users are turning to RedNote. Consequently, the Chinese app soared to the top of Apple’s U.S. App Store rankings this week, becoming a refuge for “TikTok refugees.”

What Makes RedNote Popular?

RedNote, often compared to a mix of TikTok and Instagram, appeals to young urban women. It boasts over 300 million monthly users in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions. Additionally, the app offers a platform to exchange tips on fashion, dating, and lifestyle.

TikTok’s Uncertain Future

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide TikTok’s fate soon. A January 19 deadline requires TikTok to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. However, TikTok has firmly refused to sell, arguing that such a move would violate free speech protections for its 170 million U.S. users.

RedNote Welcomes New Users

Meanwhile, RedNote has seen a surge in U.S. users. The hashtag “TikTok refugee” now features over 63,000 posts. These posts guide newcomers on navigating the app and even offer basic Chinese phrases.

For instance, one U.S. user humorously wrote, “To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos.”

However, RedNote is not without criticism. Like TikTok, it has faced allegations of censorship, especially on topics critical of the Chinese government. Moreover, public officials in Taiwan are restricted from using the app due to security concerns.

Reactions from U.S. Users

Despite concerns, many new users are embracing RedNote.

Sarah Fotheringham, a canteen worker in Utah, finds the app eye-opening. “RedNote opened my world up to China and its people,” she said. Dismissing security fears, she appreciates the cultural exchange.
Marcus Robinson, a Virginia-based fashion designer, joined to promote his brand. Although he was hesitant about agreeing to terms written in Mandarin, he took the risk.

RedNote’s Growing Popularity

As more users flock to RedNote, some say they now prefer it over TikTok. For example, Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley gained 6,000 followers within 24 hours of joining. She remarked, “Even if TikTok stays, I’ll keep building my platform on RedNote.”

Even if TikTok avoids a ban, users are actively exploring alternatives. RedNote, in particular, offers fresh opportunities and exposure to a global audience.

Cultural Discovery on RedNote

For many, RedNote is more than just another app. It has become a gateway to understanding Chinese culture and life. As Marcus Robinson noted, “The community has been super welcoming. I love RedNote … I just need to learn Mandarin!”

In conclusion, while TikTok’s future remains uncertain, RedNote continues to thrive. Consequently, it is reshaping how users connect and discover new cultures in the digital world.

US Supreme Court Hears TikTok’s Appeal Against Ban Today

January 10, 2025, 12:34 pm

The US Supreme Court will hear TikTok’s appeal on Friday. The case revolves around a law forcing ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to sell the platform or face a ban. This decision comes just nine days before TikTok could be removed from US app stores unless ByteDance divests its stake by January 19, 2025.

What the Law Demands

In April, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The law blocks TikTok from app stores and hosting services unless ByteDance gives up its ownership. US officials claim TikTok allows the Chinese government to spy on users and spread propaganda. However, China and ByteDance deny these allegations.

TikTok argues the law violates its First Amendment rights. A spokesperson said, “We believe the Court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue to exercise their free speech rights.”

The company also highlighted that the law imposes severe restrictions. TikTok stated in its Supreme Court filing, “Congress has enacted a massive and unprecedented speech restriction” that would “shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms.”

Trump’s Surprising Support

The potential ban has reignited debates about US-China relations. This issue comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. Interestingly, Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok. During his first term, he tried to ban the app, citing national security threats.

Now, he supports the platform. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Trump said, “Now (that) I’m thinking about it, I’m for TikTok, because you need competition.”

Free Speech Advocates Oppose the Law

Several free speech groups, including the ACLU, filed briefs opposing the law. They argue that banning TikTok would disrupt online communication. “Such a ban is unprecedented in our country and, if it goes into effect, will cause a far-reaching disruption in Americans’ ability to engage with the content and audiences of their choice online,” the ACLU stated.

Billionaire Offers a Solution

In a surprising twist, billionaire Frank McCourt proposed buying TikTok’s US operations. McCourt, founder of Project Liberty, announced his consortium’s bid. “We’ve put forward a proposal to ByteDance,” McCourt said. He expressed optimism about working with ByteDance and the incoming Trump administration.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications. It will impact free speech, competition in the tech sector, and US-China relations. With TikTok’s fate in the balance, the court’s ruling will shape the future of one of America’s most popular platforms.

Nepal Lifts TikTok Ban, Orders ISPs To Remove Restrictions

September 7, 2024, 12:12 am

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has instructed all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to lift the ban on TikTok following a directive from the Council of Ministers. This decision, made on August 22, aligns with the Cabinet’s choice to reverse the ban, initially imposed in November 2023 under the administration of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, according to an official notice from the NTA.

The NTA confirmed the lifting of restrictions in a statement on Friday: “As per the government’s decision, made during the Cabinet meeting on August 22, to lift the ban on TikTok, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority has issued directives to all relevant internet and mobile service providers to remove the restriction until further notice.” This directive was authorized under Section 15 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997.

Dahal’s administration had introduced the ban after concerns about the misuse of the platform. The government also released the “Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2024,” which outlined 19 prohibitions for social media platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. These regulations aimed to manage content and address complaints regarding inappropriate material, as well as to address the lack of official representatives from these companies in Nepal.

However, the ban was met with strong opposition, particularly from users and legal experts who argued it violated freedom of expression. Fourteen writ petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the ban and seeking an interim order to lift it. While the court did not issue an immediate stay, the petitions are still under review, according to the NTA notice.

The ban reversal occurred after KP Sharma Oli assumed leadership as Prime Minister, forming a new alliance between his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Nepali Congress. On August 22, Oli’s government decided to lift the ban, with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, agreeing to comply with Nepalese regulations.

ByteDance has been given three months to fulfill specific conditions set by Nepali authorities, allowing the app, which has around two million users in Nepal, to resume its operations. This development marks an important step in balancing social media regulation and freedom of expression in Nepal.

Although the ban has been lifted, the Supreme Court is still set to hear the petitions challenging the restriction. The court’s final ruling will be closely observed as it may establish a precedent for social media governance in the country. The Dahal administration had justified the original ban by claiming TikTok was disrupting societal harmony. The court’s decision on the matter remains pending.

TikTok Takes Action Against Millions Of Videos In Pakistan

July 9, 2024, 5:19 pm

In a recent disclosure, TikTok reported that it took action against 20.2 million videos in Pakistan alone for violating its community guidelines, as per ARY News. The platform removed a total of 66,997,307 videos worldwide during the January-March period of 2024, which accounts for about 0.9% of all uploaded content.

Automated Detection and Reinstatement:
The majority of these removals were facilitated by automated detection technologies. A substantial number of these videos, totaling 129,335,793, were identified and removed through these automated systems. However, 6,042,287 videos were later reinstated upon further review, indicating the platform’s commitment to fair content moderation.

New Transparency Measures:
In an effort to increase transparency, TikTok has, for the first time, disclosed the number of comments removed and filtered by its safety tools. Nearly 976,479,946 comments were removed or filtered during the first quarter of 2024.

Combatting Spam and Protecting Minors:
TikTok has also implemented measures to prevent the spread of automated spam content and enhance its content moderation practices. Approximately 93.9% of videos that violated guidelines were removed within 24 hours of posting, with a proactive removal rate of 99.8% globally.

In a global effort to safeguard younger users, TikTok deleted 21,639,414 accounts suspected of belonging to individuals under the age of 13.

Improving Content Moderation:
TikTok’s latest report underscores its ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and respectful platform for its users. By leveraging advanced technologies and increasing transparency, TikTok aims to enhance its content moderation capabilities and ensure adherence to community guidelines.

Biden Signs Bill Potentially Banning TikTok in US by Next Year

April 25, 2024, 4:37 am

President Joe Biden signed a bill on Wednesday that could lead to the ban of TikTok in the United States as soon as next year.

After several attempts over the years, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate successfully passed a measure requiring TikTok to separate from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, within a year, or else face a nationwide ban. This legislation was included as part of a larger foreign aid package aimed at providing assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, making it challenging for some lawmakers to oppose it. Providing aid to Ukraine has been a central focus of Biden’s agenda since Russia’s invasion in 2022, and last week, he publicly supported the aid package.

Interestingly, Biden’s response on Tuesday evening to the Senate vote did not mention TikTok whatsoever. Instead, he chose to emphasize the $95 billion in foreign aid incorporated into the bill.

“Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: We stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” Biden said.

“This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep US data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation,” a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. “This ban would devastate 7 million businesses and silence 170 million Americans. As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.”

On Wednesday, the company’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, posted a TikTok referring to the bill as a ban.

“Congress passed a bill that the president signed into law that is designed to ban TikTok in the United States,” Chew said. “Make no mistake, this is a ban. A ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice.”

Previously, the Chinese government has indicated its disapproval of a sale and has implemented export controls on the company’s algorithm.

Sister shot sister while making TikTok video in Pakistan!

December 31, 2023, 1:49 pm

A 14 year old girl fatally shots her sister while filming TikTok video in Sarai Alamgir town, located in Punjab’s Gujrat district, as reported by ARY News.

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and post video content. As per the reports, while the two sisters, Saba Afzal and Maria Afzal were filming a video for the same, they got into an argument after which 14 year old Saba lost her temptr and fatally shot her sister Maria.

The tragic incident is a reflection of a similar tragedy occurred in December when three youngsters died while filming a TikTok video near Sheikhupura district.

The individuals, who were residents of Khanqah Dogran city in Safdarabad Tehsil, met with a tragic accident while recording a TikTok video on a motorcycle. Regrettably, the collision occurred when their attention was diverted, leading to a head-on collision with a car approaching from the opposite direction. This unfortunate incident resulted in the untimely demise of all three young individuals.

On December 24, Jamia Binora Town, a prestigious school in Karachi the capital of Sindh province, issued a fatwa (a religious decree) announcing the use of TikTok illegal and ‘haram’ claiming that it is one of the most distracting thing to exist today. He termed it as the biggest temptation of the modern era, Pakistani vernacular media reported.

An online fatwa issued by Jamia Binoria declares TikTok as a growing threat, branding it ‘fitna’ (temptation) in the contemporary era and deeming it illegal and haram according to Shariah. The fatwa outlines several reasons for its prohibition, including the app’s incorporation of images and videos featuring animals, which is considered forbidden in Sharia. Additionally, the creation and dissemination of explicit videos by women on the platform are highlighted as reasons for its prohibition.

Moreover, the fatwa condemns the practice of both men and women on TikTok producing videos involving dancing and singing, viewing it as a means of promoting obscenity and nudity, ultimately seen as a waste of time leading to moral decay. Jamia Banoria’s fatwa emphasizes that TikTok not only hosts videos that mock scholars and religion but serves as a platform where anything can be subjected to mockery and ridicule.

Religious scholars in the past have consistently called for a ban on TikTok due to its perceived role in spreading immorality, leading to intermittent partial bans in Pakistan. In 2021, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority imposed a five-month ban on TikTok from July to November, which was lifted after assurances from TikTok to implement measures controlling indecent or immoral content on the platform.

Nepal Government Announces Ban on TikTok Over Societal Disruption

November 13, 2023, 5:42 pm

The Nepal government, led by Minister of Information and Communications Rekha Sharma, has officially declared a ban on the social media app TikTok. While the complete technical enforcement may take some time, the decision, made during a recent cabinet meeting, comes in response to concerns that TikTok content has led to societal disruptions and break-ups. In the past 4 years and 3 months, the Nepal Police’s cyber bureau recorded 1648 cases of cybercrime, with a significant number linked to TikTok content.

This move makes Nepal the latest country to ban TikTok, joining over 50 others that have already implemented restrictions on the Chinese social media platform. The decision aligns with the recent introduction of the ‘Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023,’ which mandates that social media platforms operating in Nepal establish offices in the country. Companies like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube are required to set up an office or appoint a focal person within three months, failing which they may face shutdowns.

This directive also outlines a 19-point list of prohibited activities for users on platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Australia, Belgium, Canada, Afghanistan, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Norway have previously imposed partial or complete bans on TikTok due to security concerns. The ban in Nepal follows similar actions, emphasizing the global scrutiny of the platform’s impact on societal harmony and security.