Trump's TikTok Sale Order Enforcement Halted... Biden's Policy Expected Next Week

White House "Sale Issue Still Under Discussion"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] There is a growing possibility that the forced sale of TikTok, the Chinese video-sharing app pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, will end in failure.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 10th (local time) that President Joe Biden has indefinitely suspended the enforcement of the TikTok sale executive order while reviewing the Trump administration's policies on Chinese information technology (IT) companies.

The Biden administration is reviewing various regulations, including executive orders targeting Chinese IT companies from the Trump era.

WSJ reported that entrusting TikTok's data management to a trusted third party is being discussed as a likely solution. This essentially means that a forced sale is not necessary. It was also the option initially proposed by ByteDance in response to pressure from the Trump administration.

Previously, when the Trump administration issued an executive order to sell TikTok's U.S. business division, TikTok's parent company ByteDance agreed to establish TikTok Global with U.S. Oracle.

However, there is analysis that depending on the stance the Biden administration takes toward Chinese IT companies, a sale might still be required. Oracle is managed by Larry Ellison, a supporter of former President Trump.

The Biden administration's position is expected to be announced next week. Regarding the lawsuit TikTok filed against the U.S. government in response to former President Trump's executive order, the Department of Justice must submit its opinion by the 18th. Since executive orders banning the use of Chinese apps like WeChat are also coming into effect, the Biden administration's decision is imminent.

WSJ predicted that the Biden administration might enforce the executive orders related to Chinese apps but could also delay or cancel their implementation.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a press briefing that "a broad review beyond TikTok is underway" and that "it is not accurate to say there are new proactive measures by the Biden White House."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.