TikTok Ban Delayed – Live Until September

TikTok has been granted a third 90-day extension, allowing it to continue operating in the United States until 17 September. This comes as discussions around a potential change in ownership remain ongoing.

The extension was issued through an executive order by former President Donald Trump, further delaying the implementation of a congressional ban on the platform. This marks the third time the deadline has been pushed back since the legislation was passed.

According to an official briefing from the White House and a statement released by TikTok, the delay offers more time for negotiations to take place. The aim is to secure a deal that would shift TikTok’s ownership to a U.S.-based company.

Until then, TikTok users in the U.S. will continue to have access to the app while the federal government works towards reaching a resolution.

White House Confirms Platform Remains Active

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that the latest extension granted to TikTok is intended to keep the platform running while negotiations continue.

According to Leavitt, the move is designed to allow more time to finalise a deal, while also prioritising the protection of users’ data. She stated:
“He’s making an extension so we can get this deal done. He also wants to protect Americans’ data and privacy… and he believes we can do both at the same time.”

The announcement of the executive order was made by Donald Trump via Truth Social, following his familiar approach of implementing major decisions at the eleventh hour.

Earlier this year, TikTok briefly became inaccessible after a congressional ban took effect in January. However, the app was soon reinstated following legal and administrative intervention.

Pattern Of Delays

This is now the third time the TikTok ban has been delayed since it was initially approved by Congress. The previous extension was granted in April, when a resolution appeared close—until China pulled its support in response to Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs.

The latest order temporarily halts enforcement, allowing infrastructure providers and app distributors to continue their operations with TikTok while discussions remain ongoing.

TikTok has responded to the news by expressing its appreciation, stating:
“We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support… as we continue to work with Vice President Vance’s Office.”

Public Opinion Shifting

Public backing for a TikTok ban in the United States appears to be fading. Fresh data from Pew Research suggests that support for the ban has dropped significantly.

Currently, just one-third of Americans are in favour of banning TikTok, a notable decline from the 50% support recorded in 2023. Meanwhile, another third are now against the idea, with the final third remaining undecided.

Among those who still support the ban, data security remains the primary concern, with 80% of supporters citing it as their top reason for wanting the app prohibited.

What This Means

TikTok remains available for now, offering marketers ongoing access to its vast user base. This continued availability means short-term campaign planning on the platform can still go ahead as usual.

However, there is still a degree of uncertainty. Marketers are advised to keep investing in TikTok for immediate campaigns while keeping a close eye on the looming 17 September deadline. Having contingency plans in place across other social media platforms is also recommended, in case the situation changes quickly.

Although the future is unclear, TikTok’s rapid growth and the current political dialogue suggest that a negotiated resolution is more likely than a sudden ban or shutdown.