September 16, 2025
TikTok is safe for another three months.
That’s because just before President Trump left for the UK he signed this executive order to once again – extend the enforcement of the TikTok ban. This means TikTok will be safe and available in the US until December 16th and none of the massive fines mandated in the protecting Americans from foreign adversary controlled applications act will be imposed on any US company that works with TikTok between now and then.
This extension – of course comes – after just yesterday the president said his administration has reached a “framework” deal that would allow for the sale of TikTok.
Now – you’re hearing a lot about potential buyers and what the platform will look like once it’s sold and what about the algorithm? The fact is – we don’t know the answers to any of those questions because there is no deal. A framework is not a deal. We have seen several “frameworks” announced by the president and the white house fall through. So this is most certainly not over.
We know the law says China cannot own more than 20% of TikTok in the United States so they will still be involved in some capacity. But the other 80-percent will have to be non-Chinese owners. Of course one of the frontrunners being floated is oracle – who is already partnered with TikTok. I did an entire special report on TikTok’s US data security operation and oracle’s involvement through their servers if you’re interested in learning more.
And what about the powerful algorithm that makes TikTok so special? Is that going to be part of this new deal? As I’ve been reporting for years — because of Chinese laws that algorithm cannot leave China without the government’s approval. Yesterday – China’s lead negotiator on this framework said specifically about the algorithm “China’s resolve to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests is unwavering, and it will resolutely protect national interests and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises overseas.” He goes on to say “China will conduct technology export reviews in accordance with laws and regulations. At the same time, the Chinese government fully respects the wishes of its overseas enterprises and supports them in conducting equal commercial negotiations with partners based on market principles.”
President Trump will be speaking with President Xi of China on Friday and will hammer out the final details. Once that happens, then we’ll know more. But even then – this may not be over.
Read the executive order here.
