Skip to main content

Trump Delays TikTok Ban Until Mid-December

 By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025

On September 16, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) until December 16, 2025. This marks the fourth such extension, allowing TikTok to remain operational in the United States for the time being. The decision comes amid ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China to resolve national security concerns related to the app's Chinese ownership.


The PAFACA and TikTok's Legal Challenges

In April 2024, Congress passed the PAFACA, mandating that TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The law cited national security risks, including potential access to U.S. user data by the Chinese government and the possibility of algorithmic manipulation to influence public opinion.

ByteDance challenged the law in court, but the Supreme Court upheld the PAFACA in January 2025, ruling that it did not violate the First Amendment. Despite this, President Trump has repeatedly delayed enforcement, citing the need for a negotiated solution and the app's popularity among American users.

 A Strategic Move Amidst Negotiations

The September 16 extension provides additional time for U.S. and Chinese officials to finalize a deal that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. A tentative framework has been reached, involving a consortium of American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz, who would acquire an 80% stake in TikTok's U.S. operations. Under this arrangement, ByteDance would retain a minority share, and Oracle would manage U.S. user data.

However, key issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning control over TikTok's algorithm. Chinese officials have suggested that ByteDance would retain control over the algorithm through a licensing agreement, while U.S. lawmakers insist on independent control to mitigate national security risks.

Implications for Users and Investors

For Users:

  • Continued Access: The extension ensures that TikTok remains accessible to its 170 million U.S. users, many of whom rely on the platform for entertainment, news, and social interaction.

  • Potential Changes: Users may eventually be required to migrate to a new app developed specifically for the U.S. market, which would operate on a separate algorithm and data system.

For Investors:

  • Uncertainty: The ongoing negotiations introduce uncertainty for investors, as the final terms of the deal could impact the valuation and operations of TikTok's U.S. business.

  • Opportunities: The involvement of major investment firms like Oracle and Silver Lake could provide stability and growth prospects for the platform, depending on the outcome of the negotiations.


The December 16 Deadline

The December 16 deadline serves as a critical juncture for TikTok's future in the United States. Both U.S. and Chinese officials have expressed a desire to reach a resolution, but significant challenges remain, particularly concerning data security and algorithm control. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting implications for the platform's operations, user experience, and regulatory landscape in the U.S.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Utah Man, 22, Charged in Killing of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

  By Kiranagacha Mwaniki - The Common Pulse - Orem, Utah ;  September 13, 2025 The bustling quad of Utah Valley University was supposed to be a stage for debate and free expression. Instead, it became the scene of political violence that has shocked the nation. Charlie Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while addressing students at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate. Authorities say the shots came from a nearby rooftop, fired by a young man who had quietly prepared for weeks. On Friday, Utah County officials announced that Tyler James Robinson, 22 , had been taken into custody and charged in connection with Kirk’s killing. He is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. From Apprentice to Accused Killer Robinson grew up in Washington County, Utah, in what neighbors describe as a quiet household. He worked as an electrical apprentice and once attended Utah State University for a semester in 2021. “He was always ...
Post a Comment
Read more

No Exit: Biya’s Return, Democracy’s Decline

By Kirangacha Mwaniki The Common Pulse | August 2025 At 92 years old, Cameroonian President Paul Biya has signaled his intention to run for yet another term in the 2025 presidential election. Having ruled since 1982, Biya is now the second-longest-serving head of state in the world;  after Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang. His decision has sparked outrage, resignation, and confusion among Cameroonians, many of whom have never known another leader. This re-election bid is more than just a political event;  it is a glaring symptom of a system that has resisted reform, ignored generational change, and weaponized fear to maintain the status quo. The Man Who Time Forgot Paul Biya came to power before most Cameroonians were born. He has led through the Cold War, the rise of mobile phones, the internet revolution, and the African Continental Free Trade Area — all while aging behind the walls of Etoudi Palace. He is rarely seen in public, often ruling from abroad;  mostly Swit...
Post a Comment
Read more

“Flames Over Mwihoko: A Day of Panic, Bravery, and Search for Answers”

 By; Tobbias Mutunga The Common Pulse | August 2025 Here’s a powerful glimpse of the aftermath of the tragic aircraft crash in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, Kiambu County—an image showing the scene engulfed in intense flames and emergency responders working frantically.  A Fiery Afternoon in Mwihoko On the afternoon of Thursday, August 7, 2025, tranquility in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, an otherwise peaceful residential area, was shattered. A light aircraft plummeted into homes, igniting massive flames and causing widespread panic among residents. Eyewitnesses reported screams from those trapped inside structures as fire engulfed walls and rooftops. ( Nairobi Leo , Kahawa Tungu )  Community Rescues Amid Chaos In a race against time and rising flames, local residents grabbed whatever they could; buckets, garden hoses, shovels, to help douse the blaze while waiting desperately for official help. Their efforts were a testament to bravery and communal spirit as neighbors pulled each other ...
Post a Comment
Read more