In recent news, there has been a buzz surrounding President-elect Trump and his potential actions regarding the popular social media platform, TikTok. Known for its catchy dance challenges and endless scrolling, TikTok has come under scrutiny due to concerns about data privacy and the Chinese government’s influence. Millions of Americans use this app daily, and it seems that everyone, from teenagers to grannies, has taken their turn at the latest viral dance. But does Trump have a trick up his sleeve to keep TikTok alive and kicking in the U.S.?
A consumer law attorney and adjunct professor from Ohio State College of Law has indicated that Trump might have the ability to grant an extension or reprieve to TikTok, as long as the work is completed within 90 days. While there may not be any current statutes to support this action, there’s a possibility that Trump could stretch this timeline. If he plays his cards right, he could keep TikTok around—at least for a little while longer. Considering that Trump already signed an executive order related to TikTok back in 2020, it isn’t a far-fetched idea that he would do so again.
However, the issue isn’t as simple as waving a magic wand. Even if Trump can keep TikTok afloat, there are ongoing concerns about data being collected by the app. The worry is that the Chinese Communist Party is busy vacuuming up users’ information through TikTok like it’s their job. Despite TikTok’s claims that it does not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, skepticism remains due to China’s national security laws that require companies to comply with data requests from the government. Even if a high-profile figure like Kevin O’Leary makes a deal to buy TikTok, the fundamental problem of data privacy would still linger like that odd smell in the fridge you just can’t find.
If a big-name investor buys the platform, there’s skepticism over what could change. The algorithm that makes TikTok so lovable and addictive is the core of its success, and rights to that algorithm wouldn’t come bundled with a sale. Essentially, a buyer might end up with the app and its infrastructure but would have to start from scratch to rebuild what makes it tick. If that wasn’t tricky enough, it leaves people wondering whether any major companies in the U.S. could whip up a clever competitor. After all, if it were that easy, wouldn’t someone have done it already?
Creating a worthy rival to TikTok is no small feat. If top competitors like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook have yet to crack the code, one has to ask what magic potion they are missing. Despite their best efforts, they still seem to be chasing a shadow, and new innovators might have the chance to rise in the process. In the world of social media, everything can change in the blink of an eye, so it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds. Whether TikTok has a future or will be eclipsed by a new contender remains anyone’s guess, but one thing is for sure—this saga is far from over.