Biden won't enforce TikTok ban, leaves it to Trump as January 19 deadline looms
Word | Discover why President Biden has chosen not to enforce the TikTok ban, leaving the decision to President-elect Trump as the January deadline approaches.
US President Joe Biden has decided not to enforce the looming ban on popular video app TikTok, suggest reports citing an unidentified US official.
The ban on TikTok, a popular Chinese-owned social media app, was set to take effect just one day before Biden leaves office, but will now be left for the incoming Trump administration to handle, the Associated Press reported.
The controversial law, passed by both chambers of the US Congress and signed by Biden last year, requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell to a non-Chinese owner by January 19 or face a full ban in the US.
Trump inherits TikTok ban conundrum
TikTok, which boasts a user base of over 170 million Americans, as per reports, has started working to halt operations on Sunday (Jan 20). Despite the app's popularity, concerns over data security and its ties to China have made it a focal point of national security debates leading to the looming ban.
)
‘Indian terminal at Iran's Chabahar Port was not damaged in US strikes’: Indian MEA
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
As Sonam Wangchuk's protest enters 20th day, his father's 1984 fast that brought Indira Gandhi to Leh returns to focus
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
‘If US attacks continue…’: Khamenei's adviser issued stark warning for Trump, threatens 'full-scale offensive'
)
'Several US refueling aircraft and fighter jets destroyed', claims Iran amid escalating tensions
)
India attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Pakistan
)
IND vs ENG: Washington Sundar ruled out of Lord's ODI due to hamstring injury
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From The Odyssey to Troy: 5 movies based on the legendary Trojan War on OTT platforms
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian aircraft use flexible refuelling hoses compared to US refuelling booms
)
Lionel Messi reveals what makes Spain so dangerous before FIFA World Cup 2026 final
)
Argentina's ultimate bogeyman? Who is Slavko Vincic? Meet the referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final
)
Vance accuses Israel of targeting him over Iran deal as Netanyahu draws flak
)
‘US used Iran ceasefire to prepare for renewed war’: Khamenei’s aide
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
Older than Himalayas: 85mn-year-old Kewra plant reached India 24mn years ago, fossil discovery in Assam shows
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets mount nose camera balls compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Every launch comes at a price': Why firing an S-400 missile is so expensive
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
)
Balochistan unrest affects Pakistan's biggest copper mine as China flags security concerns
)
'I will return as a ghost': Sonam Wangchuk warns as fast enters 20th day, stays firm on Parliament march | Gravitas
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Trump's proposal to replace immigrant truckers with Army veterans may hit over 1.5 lakh Indian drivers
)
US launches 7th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. This is what we know
)
FIFA 2026: Jude Bellingham opens up on fiery exchange with Lionel Messi in WC semi-final
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
Also read | Donald Trump inauguration: Key events, performers, and security details. All you need to know
President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office the day after the Jan 19 deadline as per reports, will now inherit the issue.
Although Trump had previously called for a ban on TikTok, recently his stance has shifted. Reports suggest that the Republican is now exploring options to delay the enforcement of the law for up to 90 days, potentially giving TikTok's parent company ByteDance more time to comply.
Donald Trump's changing TikTok stance
Trump had previously attempted to ban TikTok on national security grounds during his first term. At the time, he cited fears of data misuse and propaganda from the Chinese government. These concerns, echoed by Democrats, led his successor, Joe Biden, to sign a law banning the app.
However, Trump recently shifted his perspective and has since softened his stance.
In December, he even expressed newfound support for the app and said: "Now (that) I'm thinking about it. I'm for TikTok, because you need competition."
"If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg," he told Bloomberg.
(With inputs from agencies)
