Trump Order Revives TikTok, Demands 50% U.S. Ownership

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. President-elect Trump announced plans to revive TikTok in the U.S.
2. He proposed that at least 50% of the app be owned by American investors.
3. The app was removed from Google and Apple stores following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
4. Trump stated that a deal would be made to protect national security before the law’s prohibition takes effect.
5. TikTok has 270 million users in the U.S., primarily younger people.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Trump’s Historic Order

President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that he plans to restore access to TikTok in the United States through an executive order upon taking office. However, this will be contingent on the social media platform having at least 50% of its ownership controlled by American investors. TikTok, which is currently owned by ByteDance, was removed from digital stores after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the app posed national security risks due to its Chinese ownership.

Google and Apple’s Move

The announcement came just hours after tech giants Google and Apple removed TikTok from their digital stores, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s order that ByteDance sell its U.S. operations. This directive followed legislation passed earlier to protect American national security from perceived threats related to the app’s Chinese ownership.

National Security Concerns

Trump outlined that he plans to extend the deadline for the law’s prohibitions so that a deal could be made to ensure TikTok’s survival while securing U.S. national security. By doing this, TikTok will be allowed to continue operating in the U.S. without compromising safety.

50% Ownership Condition

The executive order specifies that for TikTok to remain operational in the U.S., at least 50% of its ownership must lie in American hands. This is seen as crucial for TikTok’s future stability, and Trump emphasized the importance of U.S. oversight for the app to stay active.

U.S. Law and TikTok’s Challenges

This legal shift follows a law passed in April last year, which garnered bipartisan support and mandated ByteDance to cut ties with TikTok’s U.S. operations. Despite a challenge from ByteDance, the Supreme Court upheld the law, ruling that it did not violate the First Amendment regarding free speech.

The TikTok User Base

TikTok’s user base in the U.S. is substantial, with 270 million users, accounting for nearly half of the U.S. population. Among these users, a large portion comprises younger individuals, reflecting the app’s immense popularity among youth in the U.S. and globally.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. Trump’s order mandates 50% U.S. ownership for TikTok’s revival in the U.S.
2. TikTok was removed from digital stores following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
3. Trump will delay the law’s effects to negotiate a deal protecting U.S. security.
4. TikTok boasts 270 million U.S. users, reflecting a strong social media presence.
5. The issue will continue to be a focal point for U.S. lawmakers in the future.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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