TikTok Faces US Ban Over National Security Risks: A Timeline of Events

By Oladeji Olabisi
2 Min Read
TikTok Faces US Ban

The proposed TikTok US ban national security concerns escalated last year when a bipartisan majority in the U.S. Congress voted to restrict the app, citing risks tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Lawmakers argued that TikTok’s data practices could threaten American user privacy and national interests.

Why Was TikTok Banned in the US?
In 2023, Congress mandated ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The decision stemmed from fears that China’s government could exploit TikTok’s user data—a claim ByteDance denies. Despite TikTok’s voluntary shutdown of certain features, the app was removed from U.S. app stores, leaving millions of users scrambling for alternatives.

Political Dynamics and Extensions
Former President Donald Trump, who initially supported the TikTok US ban national security measures during his first term, later granted a 90-day extension under U.S. law before the ban’s enforcement. Trump suggested a joint U.S.-owned TikTok model, predicting the app could become a “trillion-dollar business.” Meanwhile, TikTok criticized the ban as “politically motivated,” urging the Biden administration to clarify its vague national security rationale.

ByteDance’s Response and Legal Battles
ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok’s U.S. arm, calling the mandate unconstitutional. The company filed lawsuits arguing the ban violates free speech rights and lacks evidence of espionage. For context, similar debates over Chinese tech firms like Huawei have shaped U.S.-China tech tensions (Reuters, 2023).

What’s Next for TikTok?
As the 2025 deadline approaches, TikTok’s fate hinges on legal outcomes or a potential sale. Experts warn the ban could reshape social media competition and deepen U.S.-China trade rifts. For updates on tech policy, visit Congress.gov or read our analysis on US-China Data Privacy Laws.

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