With TikTok facing a potential ban in the United States this Sunday, President Joe Biden’s administration is racing to find a way to keep the app alive. The popular social media platform, used by 170 million Americans, could go dark unless a solution is found. Behind the scenes, the White House is exploring options to delay or soften the impact of the ban, but time is running out. In the meantime, TikTok is trying to push users to a new sister platform called Lemon8.
TikTok’s Clock Is Ticking
The ban stems from a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. Lawmakers worry that TikTok, owned by a Beijing-based company, could be used by the Chinese government for data collection or content manipulation. ByteDance was given nine months to sell its U.S. business, a deadline that ends this weekend.
Despite mounting pressure, the Biden administration is signaling that TikTok won’t disappear overnight. According to officials, they are “exploring options” to prevent an immediate shutdown while still enforcing the law. One possibility involves delaying enforcement by granting a 90-day extension if ByteDance shows progress toward divestment.
A Political Tug-of-War
The situation has created unusual alliances. Former President Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his term, is now positioning himself as a savior for the app. His team has hinted that Trump could intervene after his inauguration to preserve TikTok’s presence in the U.S. marketplace.
Meanwhile, Biden faces pressure from lawmakers on both sides. Supporters, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), are urging him to delay the ban, emphasizing TikTok’s importance to millions of users. Critics, like Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), argue that the only viable solution is for ByteDance to fully divest from the platform.
What Happens If TikTok Goes Dark?
If the ban proceeds, TikTok could still remain accessible but without updates or bug fixes. However, such a move might frustrate users and weaken the app’s appeal over time. Many Americans have already started downloading alternative apps, including some with similar ties to China, raising further concerns about data security.
While TikTok fights back in court, arguing that the ban violates free speech, the Supreme Court has yet to rule definitively. Chief Justice John Roberts recently questioned whether the app’s connection to Chinese intelligence laws could be ignored, signaling a tough road ahead for TikTok’s legal defense.
A High-Stakes Countdown
As Sunday approaches, Biden’s next move could shape the future of one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. Whether TikTok gets a reprieve or faces its final hours in the U.S., millions of users and influencers are watching closely, hoping their digital community won’t be lost.