TikTok could soon face a ban in the United States if its China-based parent company, ByteDance, doesn’t sell its US operations by April 5. This deadline was extended earlier by President Donald Trump, but now time is running out.
What’s Going On?
Last year, then-President Joe Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or risk a nationwide ban. The concern? US lawmakers fear the Chinese government could access American user data or influence the app’s algorithm.
After the original deadline passed in January, TikTok briefly went offline for about 14 hours. Apple and Google also removed the app from their stores. However, Trump stepped in and gave a 75-day extension, allowing TikTok to return while a deal was being negotiated.
Who Might Buy TikTok?
Several big names have shown interest in buying TikTok’s US operations, including:
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Frank McCourt (former LA Dodgers owner)
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Kevin O’Leary (from “Shark Tank”)
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MrBeast (popular YouTuber)
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Jesse Tinsley (Employer.com founder)
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AI company Perplexity
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Oracle, TikTok’s current US tech partner, is also a strong contender
There’s even talk of a US sovereign wealth fund buying TikTok, though details are still unclear.
Will There Be a Deal by April 5?
Vice President JD Vance, who is helping oversee the deal, believes a high-level agreement will likely happen by the deadline. However, the full sale process could take more time.
To comply with the law, TikTok must no longer be controlled by ByteDance, which can keep no more than 20% ownership. The US version of the app must also operate independently from ByteDance, especially when it comes to its algorithm and data.
What If There’s No Deal?
If there’s no agreement, TikTok may once again go dark in the US. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle could face penalties for supporting the app if the ban goes into effect. However, if Trump promises not to enforce the ban right away, the app might continue working for now.
Some experts believe the deadline may get extended again, especially if a deal is in the works.
Meanwhile, TikTok is trying to stay on Trump’s good side. After it came back online in January, it credited “President Trump’s efforts” in a message to users.
