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TikTok's Threat to Go Dark Met with Skepticism by Biden Administration
Taylor Brooks
January 18, 2025
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3 min read
The Biden administration has dismissed TikTok's threat to shut down its operations in the US as a "stunt," amid ongoing tensions over the app's future in the country. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made the comment in response to TikTok's warning that it would go offline on Sunday if the Biden administration didn't provide reassurance that companies like Apple and Google wouldn't be held liable for defying the ban.
TikTok's CEO Shou Chew had appealed to Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for his support of the platform, and Trump has since hinted that he may extend the ban deadline by 90 days. However, it remains unclear whether Trump has the authority to do so, given that the ban's deadline is up before he's sworn in. The Supreme Court upheld the ban on Thursday, adding to the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's fate.
The Biden administration has signaled that it won't try to stop TikTok's threatened shutdown on Sunday, with Jean-Pierre stating that "actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration." This stance has raised questions about the future of the app in the US, with tech giants Apple and Google caught in the middle. If Trump chooses not to enforce the ban, it's still unclear whether Apple and Google would be willing to defy it, given the legal risks involved.
The situation highlights the complexities of the ban and its implications for the tech industry. While TikTok's threat to shut down may be seen as a negotiating tactic, it has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of the ban, including the loss of jobs and the impact on the digital economy. The Biden administration's stance has added to the uncertainty, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for TikTok and the tech industry as a whole.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance, with the tech industry holding its breath in anticipation of the next move. Will Trump extend the ban deadline, or will TikTok follow through on its threat to go dark? Only time will tell.
