WASHINGTON, Jan 21: On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the operation of TikTok, the Chinese-owned short video sharing platform, for an additional 75 days. During this time, he aims to find a resolution that ensures national security while preserving a platform utilized by 170 million Americans.
“I am directing the attorney general not to take any measures to enforce the Act for 75 days starting today, allowing my Administration the chance to determine the best path forward that secures national interests without abruptly shutting down a communication platform relied upon by millions of Americans,” stated Trump’s signed executive order.
Legislation signed by Joe Biden in April of the previous year, which gained substantial bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, provided TikTok’s parent company ByteDance with 270 days to divest from the app or face a ban in US app marketplaces.
The deadline was January 19.
The popular video sharing service halted operations on January 18 but resumed functions after Trump assured an extension of the deadline the following day.
“Throughout this time, the Department of Justice will not enforce the Act or enforce penalties on any entity for noncompliance, including regarding the distribution, maintenance, or updates (or enabling such actions) of any foreign adversary-controlled application as defined by the Act,” the executive order clarified.
In his executive order, Trump asserted his unique constitutional role in safeguarding US national security, executing foreign policy, and managing other critical executive duties.
“In fulfilling these responsibilities, I plan to engage with my advisors, including the leaders of pertinent departments and agencies regarding the national security risks associated with TikTok, aiming to achieve a resolution that ensures national security while conserving a platform that serves 170 million Americans,” added Trump.
“My Administration also needs to review sensitive intelligence pertaining to these risks and assess the adequacy of any mitigation measures TikTok has implemented so far,” Trump stated in the executive order.
“The unfortunate timing of section 2(a) of the Act—just one day before my inauguration as the 47th President of the United States—hinders my capacity to evaluate the national security and foreign policy ramifications of the Act’s prohibitions before they become effective,” he remarked.
“This timing also obstructs my ability to negotiate a solution to avert an abrupt shutdown of the platform while addressing national security issues,” he concluded. (Agencies)
