With President-elect Donald Trump bringing uncertainty about TikTok’s future, everyone is watching what big companies like Google and Apple will do. A U.S. law might make TikTok disappear from app stores in just two days! Last Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law that could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok. But it’s still unclear how this will all unfold.
Trump has said he could find a way to save TikTok once he takes office, while current President Joe Biden’s team has indicated they won’t enforce the ban on Sunday, which is his last full day in office. TikTok is particularly important to over 170 million Americans, and TikTok’s leaders are asking for a clear answer from the Biden Administration. They worry they might have to stop their services if they don’t get it.
If TikTok does get banned, current users might still have the app, but they won’t be able to get updates, making it unusable in the long run. Trump’s incoming national security adviser suggested they might try to keep TikTok running, but it’s unclear how they can do this legally.
Meanwhile, tech companies like Apple and Google are trying to decide what to do. They could face huge fines if they keep TikTok available after the deadline. Some experts believe it’s risky for them to keep offering TikTok, despite wanting to find a way to please Trump.
Senator Tom Cotton warned that fines for companies that keep TikTok could reach $850 billion, which makes it a serious risk for these businesses. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, expressed gratitude towards Trump for his willingness to work together to solve the problem. As of now, TikTok told its U.S. employees to keep working, saying their jobs are safe, even if the situation isn’t resolved.
In addition, some lawyers are asking the Biden Administration to pause enforcement of the TikTok ban until clearer guidance is provided.
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