Trump announces a possible delay on TikTok ban
[TikTok with ‘O’ crossed out symbolizing prohibition; Photo Credit: Unsplash]
Following the news of a possible TikTok ban on Sunday, January 19, 2025, President Trump has announced plans to enforce a 90-day delay on the platform’s shutdown.
The law mandating TikTok’s ban was passed last year and signed by President Biden with legislators citing TikTok’s connection with China and access to data as a potential threat to U.S. security.
The legislation stipulated that the ban would take effect on January 19 unless ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, sold the platform by that date.
However, with the company refusing to find a buyer, the shutdown was scheduled to take place.
Late Saturday evening, TikTok began displaying a message to users that read, “We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned,” according to CNN.
Young Americans have led a wave of opposition to the ban, highlighting a generational split in public opinion.
A survey from YPulse, a youth research organization, showed that about 73% of 12-39 year olds opposed the ban of TikTok, as reported by AXIOS.
Despite initially warning about TikTok’s dangers approximately five years ago, President Trump announced plans to modify the law.
USA Today reported that the proposed 90-day extension would give the Trump Administration time to develop a solution.
On his second Inauguration Day, President Trump followed through by signing an executive order implementing a 75-day delay.
The extension aims to give ByteDance more time to find a buyer, and the brief but impactful disruption has already prompted the company to reconsider its position as evidenced by multiple formal bids from potential buyers.
Prior to the delay announcement, teenagers expressed their concerns.
One freshman in high school stated, “I really hope the law gets overturned. It’s how I stay up to date with current trends, news, and more! It’s practically impossible to imagine a day without TikTok.”
Another high schooler mentioned, “I mean like what do you mean TikTok is getting banned? How are we supposed to live? I really hope at least the 90 day extension will take place. By banning the app, I’m not really sure if it’ll have a positive or a negative influence in my life.”
Offering a different perspective, a junior stated, “I mean I don’t use TikTok that often, so I could see how the ban of the social media platform could benefit us as well, whereas a lot of those my age are not happy with the news. Personally, I agree with the suspension as I feel like guarding personal data should definitely be prioritized rather than entertainment. However, I do see and understand how others including my friends have an opposing view against this law.”
As the situation continues to develop, the public awaits the final decision on the platform’s fate.

- Yuna Cho / Grade 9
- Wesleyan School