US Senator Ed Markey is moving legislation that extends the deadline for TikTok to comply with US regulations. The so-called “Extend the TikTok Deadline Act” would grant TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, an additional 270 days to divest its US operations or comply with requirements set by the government. Without such a provision, TikTok may well be compelled toward a January 19, 2025 deadline that could be its end in the country.
Markey has advocated for restraint, citing the fact that TikTok has been a cultural and economic home to millions of Americans. As discussions over the app’s privacy and mental health issues remain well debated, Markey has said a full-on ban would wipe out a crucial platform for small businesses, nonprofits, and creators dependent on the site for outreach and income.
TikTok will cease to issue updates and introduce new features if a solution is not found before the deadline; the app also disappeared from stores-which barred new downloads. About 170 million Americans, including those businesses which bank on TikTok to expand their outreach for marketing their services, are going to be badly affected.
TikTok has been preparing for the possibility of shutting down its U.S. operations if ByteDance cannot comply with the government’s demands. The company has signaled that it could cease operations as early as the deadline date, leaving millions of creators and businesses scrambling to adapt.
Several parties have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets, though its algorithm—a key part of its success—would not be part of the deal due to intellectual property restrictions from China. Project Liberty, backed by billionaire Frank McCourt and investor Kevin O’Leary, is among the interested buyers. Influencer and entrepreneur MrBeast has also shown interest, recognizing the platform’s value for creators and its potential for revenue growth.
The fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations has broader implications for tech policy and global business relations. Decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only the app’s future but also how digital platforms are regulated and governed in the United States.
