TikTok Threatens to Go Dark on Sunday Unless Biden Intervenes

In a shocking move, TikTok has warned that it will go dark on Sunday unless President Biden intervenes “immediately”. The popular social media app is facing a potential ban in the US due to concerns over its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.

The controversy surrounding TikTok’s ownership has been ongoing since 2020, when the Trump administration announced plans to ban the app citing national security concerns. The situation has been complicated by the Chinese government’s export control rules, which require ByteDance to undergo a government-reviewed licensing procedure if parts of TikTok are sold to a company based outside China.

TikTok’s Warning

In a statement, TikTok warned that it will go dark on Sunday unless President Biden intervenes. The company claims that it has done everything in its power to address concerns over its ownership and data management practices. However, with the deadline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok looming, the company is calling on the President to take action.

“Barring an immediate intervention from President Biden, TikTok will go dark on Sunday,” the company said in a statement. “We have done everything in our power to address concerns over our ownership and data management practices. It is now up to the President to take action and ensure that TikTok can continue to operate in the US.”

Senators Urge Biden to Extend Deadline

The situation has been further complicated by a letter from Senators Markey, Booker, and Van Hollen, who urged the Biden administration to extend the deadline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok. The Senators argued that the current deadline does not provide enough time for ByteDance to complete the divestment process.

TikTok’s Data Management Practices

TikTok has maintained that it does not store user data in China and that its data management practices are safe. However, concerns persist about the potential for the Chinese government to access user data through ByteDance.

“The Chinese government has a history of using technology to surveil and censor its citizens,” said Senator Markey. “We cannot allow TikTok to operate in the US unless we are confident that user data is safe from Chinese government interference.”

Potential Consequences

If TikTok goes dark on Sunday, it will leave its 170 million American users and 7 million businesses that rely on the platform without access. The move could also have significant economic implications, as many businesses rely on TikTok for marketing and advertising.

“The potential consequences of TikTok going dark are significant,” said a spokesperson for the National Retail Federation. “Many businesses rely on TikTok to reach their customers and drive sales. A ban on the platform could have a major impact on the US economy.”

The fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance as the deadline for ByteDance to divest from the platform looms. With Senators urging the Biden administration to extend the deadline and TikTok threatening to go dark on Sunday, the situation is increasingly uncertain. One thing is clear: the next few days will be crucial in determining the future of TikTok in the US.