Trump Faces Pressure Over TikTok Ban as Inauguration Nears

The president-elect, who used TikTok extensively during his campaign, must decide whether to enforce or delay a looming U.S. ban on the Chinese-owned app.

• TikTok faces a U.S. ban starting January 19, 2025, unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership to a non-foreign entity.
• Donald Trump, who gained 14 million TikTok followers during his campaign, has publicly promised to 'save TikTok' despite previously labeling it a national security threat during his first presidency.
• The bipartisan Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed by President Biden, imposes penalties on app stores if TikTok remains available after the deadline.
• Critics cite concerns over TikTok’s data collection practices, alleging potential access by the Chinese Communist Party, as well as its influence on public opinion and youth mental health.
• Legal challenges and debates over data privacy and algorithm transparency continue, as Trump’s decision could signal his broader policy approach toward China.

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