What's Next for TikTok in the US?

The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain after a bill was passed requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the popular video-sharing app. The path forward involves a ticking clock, potential legal battles, and the question of who might end up owning TikTok.

The Clock Starts Ticking

Once signed into law by President Biden, the clock starts for ByteDance. They have 270 days, roughly nine months, to find a US buyer for TikTok. There's a possibility of an extension for another 90 days if a deal seems close to completion by the deadline. This extension decision would fall to whoever is President on January 20th, 2025, which could be either Biden seeking re-election or the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump.

Legal Challenges Likely

TikTok is expected to take legal action against the bill, arguing that it's unconstitutional. This wouldn't be their first rodeo. Last year, they successfully obtained an injunction to prevent a ban on the app in Montana. Similar lawsuits are anticipated from TikTok itself and potentially from its users, aiming to block the US bill's enforcement. The bill designates the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as the sole venue for these legal challenges.

The Outcome: A Sale or Something Else?

The success of the forced sale hinges on several factors. Legal battles could significantly delay or even derail the process. Finding a US buyer willing to meet ByteDance's asking price and navigate US national security concerns is another hurdle.

Uncertainties for Users and the Tech Industry

The situation creates uncertainty for TikTok's millions of US users. They face the possibility of the app being shut down or significantly altered depending on the final outcome. The tech industry is also watching closely, as this case sets a precedent for how the US government might deal with other foreign-owned tech companies in the future.

While the clock is ticking for ByteDance, the true picture of TikTok's future in the US will likely be determined in courtrooms and through negotiations between the company and potential buyers.