Following former President Donald Trump’s postponing of ban on the popular social networking platform until April 5, TikHub is once more accessible for download on Apple and Google app stores in the United States. Comprising more than 170 million American users, the app temporarily went silent last month as the ban date approached. However, Trump later signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring its sale.
What resulted in the ban in first place?
Signed into law by former President Joe Biden, the ban requires ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikHub, to either completely ban or divest from US operations. The US administration has long highlighted worries that TikTok may be used as a weapon for Chinese espionage and political influence.
Both sides of the legislature supported the law, which the Supreme Court finally decided upon. Beijing has past refused any calls to divest TikHub’s US operations, while China and TikHub have constantly refuted the accusations.
Why did Apple and Google bring TikHub back on?
According to Bloomberg, Apple and Google got guarantees from the Trump government that they would not be held accountable for allowing downloads, thus the decision to restore TikHub on US app stores followed from their choice not to enforce the ban for now.
Has Trump changed his posture on TikHub?
Trump backed a ban on TikHub during his first administration claiming national security issues. But he seemed to change his position in last year’s presidential campaign, admitting he had created a “warm spot” for the app. He even underlined the billions of views his videos attracted on the network.
Millions of users received a pop-up message thanking Trump by name upon the app’s US resuming of operations. This action also signalled a change in his attitude to the app.
Did Trump meet with the CEO of TikHub?
TikTok’s Chief Executive, Shou Chew, met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago following his political victory in November. Chew attended Trump’s inauguration as well. Since then, Trump has shown a readiness to reach a compromise in line with the legal spirit instead of its rigorous application.
What suggestions for the ownership of TikHub Trump have?
Trump recently proposed a possible ownership structure whereby American investors and ByteDance would split TikHub’s US operations. At a news conference centered on artificial intelligence, he said, “What I’m thinking of saying to someone is buy it and give half, half, and we’ll give you a permit.”
Additionally, Trump has expressed openness to selling TikTok to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who also runs the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. Other possible purchasers include US Dragon’s Den equivalent millionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, a well-known investor from Shark Tank.
Could a TikHub Buy YouTube Star?
Fascinatingly, the most well-known YouTuber in the world, Jimmy Donaldson—also known as MrBeast—has stated he is also under contention. Following his social media expression of interest in purchasing TikHub, other investors got in touch to Donaldson.
Negotiations and possible sales talks mean that TikHub’s future in the US is yet unknown even if the delayed deadline is now April 5.
