President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the deadline for TikTok to spin out from its Chinese parent company for the third time. The new deadline is set for mid-September, giving TikTok another 90 days to finalize a deal to ensure the safety and security of American user data. Despite previous efforts by ByteDance and an Oracle-led coalition to reach an agreement, hurdles such as trade tensions and uncertainties around China’s approval of selling TikTok’s algorithm have stalled progress. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of Trump’s extensions, emphasizing the need for compliance with the law and protection of American user data. The possibility of legal action remains if someone challenges the extension in court, but for now, companies providing TikTok services in the US are relying on assurances from the administration to avoid potential lawsuits. Members of Congress have expressed varying opinions on the issue, with some calling for a ban on TikTok to ensure data security and others questioning the legality of Trump’s actions. Despite the ongoing debates and concerns, it remains unclear what the future holds for TikTok and whether Trump will continue to grant extensions that may not fully align with the law.
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