TikTok ban takes effect in the U.S. but President Trump might give it a 90-day reprieve

In a significant development for the popular social media platform TikTok, a U.S. ban on the app took effect today, raising questions about its future in the country. The move follows concerns from U.S. officials about national security risks tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership, citing fears over data privacy and potential misuse of user information.

However, President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office soon, hinted at the possibility of granting TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban. In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump addressed the looming restrictions, suggesting an extension is under serious consideration.

“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at,” Trump stated. “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. … We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation.”

The ban has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it infringes on free speech and unfairly targets a platform that has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger users. Proponents of the ban emphasize the importance of safeguarding national security and limiting foreign influence on American digital infrastructure.

The Biden administration had been expected to revisit the issue and possibly reverse the ban, but Trump’s comments suggest he might act preemptively to delay enforcement. Analysts view the 90-day extension as a potential opportunity for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to negotiate with U.S. officials, sell its U.S. operations to an American company, or implement measures to address security concerns.

The sudden enforcement of the ban has left millions of American TikTok users scrambling for alternatives, while influencers and businesses that rely on the platform for marketing and income are expressing frustration over the uncertainty.

The app’s global popularity and the growing interconnectedness of social media have added complexity to the situation. Critics of the ban argue that it sets a concerning precedent for government control over digital platforms.

If Trump follows through on the proposed extension, it could temporarily ease tensions and provide a window for resolution. Until then, the ban marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the intersection of technology, national security, and global diplomacy.