• Table of Contents

  • TikTok Begins Restoring US Service After Trump Vows to Delay Ban
  • The Ban on TikTok
  • The Deal with Oracle and Walmart
  • Restoring US Service
  • Impact on TikTok Users
  • Controversy Surrounding the Deal
  • Future of TikTok in the US
  • Conclusion

TikTok Begins Restoring US Service After Trump Vows to Delay Ban

On September 18, 2020, the Trump administration planned to ban TikTok in the United States. They cited national security concerns as the reason for the ban. Just hours before the ban was set to take effect, President Trump announced a delay for one week. This decision came after TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, reached a deal with Oracle and Walmart. They decided to create a new entity called TikTok Global. This entity would be based in the US. As a result, TikTok has started restoring its services in the US. This brings relief to its millions of American users.

Ban on TikTok

The ban on TikTok was initially announced by President Trump in early August. He cited concerns that the app was collecting data on American users and sharing it with the Chinese government. The Trump administration argued that this posed a threat to national security. It gave TikTok until September 20 to sell its US operations to an American company. Otherwise, they would face a ban. This decision faced backlash from TikTok users. They argued that the app provided a platform for creativity and self-expression. It was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Deal with Oracle and Walmart

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, reached a deal with Oracle and Walmart. This created a new entity called TikTok Global to avoid the ban. Under this deal, Oracle and Walmart would own a combined 20% stake in the new company. ByteDance would own the remaining 80%. The new entity would also be headquartered in the US and would be responsible for handling TikTok’s US user data. The Trump administration viewed this deal as a compromise. It addressed their concerns about national security. It also allowed TikTok to continue operating in the US.

Restoring US Service

Following the announcement of the deal, TikTok has begun restoring its services in the US. The app was set to be banned on September 20. However, President Trump announced a delay for one week. This delay was to allow time for the deal to be finalized. This decision was met with relief from TikTok users, who were worried about losing access to the app. However, the ban is still looming and could potentially be enforced if the deal falls through.

Impact on TikTok Users

The potential ban on TikTok has caused a lot of uncertainty and concern among its millions of American users. Many creators on the app rely on it as a source of income and were worried about losing their platform. The delay in the ban has provided some temporary relief. However, the future of TikTok in the US is still uncertain. If the deal with Oracle and Walmart falls through, the ban could still be enforced. This would leave many users without their beloved app.

Controversy Surrounding the Deal

The deal with Oracle and Walmart has allowed TikTok to continue operating in the US. It has also sparked controversy. Some critics argue that the deal does not address the national security concerns raised by the Trump administration, as ByteDance would still have a majority stake in the new entity. Others argue that the deal is simply a way for President Trump to save face and appear tough on China, as the ban was initially seen as a political move.

Future of TikTok in the US

As of now, the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. The deal with Oracle and Walmart still needs to be approved by the US government, and there is no guarantee that it will be. If the deal falls through, the ban on TikTok could still be enforced, leaving its American users without access to the app. However, if the deal is approved, TikTok Global could potentially become a major player in the US tech industry, providing competition for other social media giants like Facebook and Instagram.

Conclusion

The delay in the ban on TikTok has provided some temporary relief for its American users, but the future of the app in the US is still uncertain. The deal with Oracle and Walmart has allowed TikTok to continue operating, but it has also sparked controversy and raised questions about the true motives behind the ban. As the deadline for the ban approaches, all eyes will be on the US government to see if they approve the deal and allow TikTok to remain in the US market.

Overall, the situation with TikTok highlights the growing tensions between the US and China, as well as the increasing role of technology in international relations. It also serves as a reminder of the power and influence that social media platforms have on our daily lives. Whether TikTok will continue to thrive in the US or face a ban remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – its impact on popular culture and the digital landscape will not be forgotten anytime soon.