The future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance, as US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has issued a stark warning. He stated that the popular social media platform would be forced to cease operations in the country unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, agrees to a sale that ensures American control over the app’s technology and algorithms.
During an appearance on a CNBC cable show, Lutnick emphasized the necessity of removing TikTok from “Chinese control,” arguing that the app, which has over 100 million users in the US, poses a significant security risk. “You can’t have Chinese control and have something on 100 million American phones,” he declared. “That’s just not okay.”
Deadline Extended as National Security Concerns Grow
The warning follows a series of extensions by former President Donald Trump regarding the deadline for TikTok to be sold to a US entity. This marks the third time the deadline has been pushed back, reflecting ongoing concerns about the app’s ties to China. Last month, legislation was enacted, stipulating that TikTok would be banned unless a domestic buyer is found.
Lutnick noted that while ByteDance could potentially retain a minority stake in TikTok, “basically Americans will have control” over the technology and algorithm. Several entities have expressed interest in acquiring the platform, but no agreement has been reached yet.
In 2024, the US Supreme Court upheld a law that prohibits the app from operating unless it is sold to a US owner. This decision further complicates TikTok’s status in the country, with both President Joe Biden and members of both political parties voicing their apprehensions about the app’s national security implications.
Trump’s Shift in Stance on TikTok
While Trump initially sought to ban TikTok during his first term, he later reversed his position, joining the platform in 2024. He credited TikTok’s youthful user base as a key factor in his success during the presidential election held in November 2024.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future highlights the intersection of technology and national security, as the US government continues to grapple with the implications of foreign ownership of popular platforms. As discussions around ownership and control unfold, users are left to wonder what the future holds for the app they have come to embrace.