Donald Trump orders China-based ByteDance to sell off TikTok 's US business in 90 days

US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday to direct ByteDance to sell its in video-sharing app TikTok business in the US within 90 days.

“There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance … might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,” Trump said in his order

The order forces China-based ByteDance to sell off TikTok and legally buttresses the Trump administration`s crackdown on the Chinese-owned social media app.

The earlier executive order from Trump prohibited the China-based company from doing business with the US firms after 45 days. The recent order allows time for ByteDance to sort out a potential deal for TikTok in the US. ByteDance is asked to destroy all its copies of TikTok data attached to U.S. users, and inform the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Also read : Hope India won’t complicate border issue: China on stand-off

ByteDance responded to the latest order: “As we’ve said previously, TikTok is loved by 100 million Americans because it is a home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection. We’re committed to continuing to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform for many years to come.”

The order also authorised US officials to inspect TikTok and ByteDance to ensure the safety of personal data of nearly 80 million American users of the short video making app.

The earlier executive orders were issued amid discussion by Microsoft to purchase the US business of TikTok by September 15. Microsoft revealed its intention to purchase TikTok’s US business following a discussion between the company’s CEO and President Trump. However, reports surfaced that the Microsoft-TikTok deal may not happen as odds of the deal are “not higher than 20 percent”.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.