U.S. Lawmakers Push to Delay TikTok Ban Deadline amidst Uncertainty

14th January 2025 By The Global Heroes Technology

Two Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden and Congress to extend the January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to sell its U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban. The platform, popular among 170 million American users, risks being shut down if the sale is not completed on time.

Noel Francisco, a lawyer representing TikTok and ByteDance, argued that completing a sale by the deadline is unfeasible. He warned that a ban would result in the app going dark, effectively dismantling its unique cultural and informational ecosystem.

While Biden has the authority to extend the deadline by 90 days if substantial progress toward a divestiture is demonstrated, it remains unlikely that ByteDance can meet such criteria. Senator Edward Markey proposed legislation to push the deadline back by an additional 270 days, emphasizing the app’s significance for social connections and economic livelihoods.

“A ban would silence millions and dismantle a one-of-a-kind platform,” Markey stated, urging a more measured approach. Representative Ro Khanna echoed these concerns, calling for a pause to prevent harm to users’ free speech and economic stability.

The Supreme Court is also deliberating ByteDance’s challenge to the legislation. If the law takes effect, new TikTok downloads from Apple and Google app stores will be banned starting Sunday. While current users could temporarily access the app, its functionality would degrade as support services cease.

The Biden administration has yet to comment on the proposed extension, leaving the fate of TikTok in limbo as lawmakers and courts grapple with its future.