Trump extends TikTok ban delay as ownership talks advance
- The U.S. Department of Justice has been directed not to enforce the TikTok ban during the extension period.
- Concerns over national security and data collection are central to the discussions surrounding TikTok's future.
- The extension highlights the administration's intention to work towards an ownership structure that mitigates these security risks.
In the United States, on September 15, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to extend the enforcement delay on a law targeting the popular video-sharing app TikTok until December 16, 2025. This marks the fourth postponement allowing more time for discussions regarding a U.S.-based ownership structure for TikTok's operations. The extension follows earlier delays issued in January, April, and June of this year, as the administration continues to navigate legal and national security implications associated with TikTok's ties to its Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential for data collection and content manipulation by the app, leading to national security worries, particularly related to the Chinese government's influence. During a press conference, Trump stated, "We have a deal on TikTok; I’ve reached a deal with China," indicating ongoing negotiations with Chinese officials. He mentioned he would confirm these details in a call with President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the need to ensure that TikTok's U.S. operations would be owned primarily by American investors to alleviate security concerns. Reports suggest that the proposed framework would place TikTok's U.S. business under a new company controlled by a consortium of investors, including Oracle and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The investors could hold about 80% of the company, while Chinese shareholders would retain less than 20%. Anonymous sources indicated that talks had intensified over concerns regarding user data security, and complexities surrounding TikTok's powerful algorithm, central to its popularity and functionality, have also emerged in discussions. As the deadline for compliance under U.S. law approached, the extended timeline gives both parties more room to settle on terms favorable to U.S. interests. The urgency manifests in Trump's remarks denoting his reluctance to shut down TikTok, as it has become a significant platform, especially in light of his reliance on social media for the upcoming 2024 election. There is a significant role for tech company Oracle in managing U.S. user data, further complicated by the existing ties that both Oracle and Andreessen Horowitz have with the Trump administration. The unfolding situation reflects the ongoing tension between the U.S. and China regarding technology access and data security, with TikTok at the heart of these geopolitical issues. The executive order written into law prohibits the Department of Justice from enforcing the ban during this interim period while also offering protection for past actions under the enforcement timeline established earlier. Thus, as negotiations continue, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, but with a clear pathway toward possible restructuring and ownership shifts.