This powerful country to ban TikTok over suspicion of spying and blackmailing its citizens by China

TikTok is allegedly used to spy, blackmail or censor the citizens.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Updated: September 15, 2025, 7:51 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/world/tiktok-to-be-banned-by-this-powerful-country-over-suspicion-of-spying-and-blackmailing-its-citizens-by-china-donald-trump-usa-new-jersey-bytedance-washington-8077194/ Copy

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, September 14, that if the deadline for the deal is met, he can let TikTok shut down. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Donald Trump said that he does not know whether he will extend the deadline for the deal again.

Decision depends on China

He clearly said that this decision will depend on China. That is, what steps will be taken further regarding the deal will be decided by China’s attitude and cooperation. Trump said, “The deal may or may not happen. We are talking on TikTok. Maybe let it close or extend it, not decided yet. It depends on China. I don’t care, but I would like to do it for the children because they like it very much.”

ByteDance was ordered to sell or shut down TikTok

If the deadline extends beyond September 17, this will be the fourth opportunity given by Donald Trump. This law basically orders ByteDance to sell or shut down TikTok by January 2025. Last month, Trump said that US buyers were ready to buy the app and that he could extend the deadline further.

‘TikTok is used to spy on US citizens’

Tough-mouthed anti-China activists in Washington have long feared that Beijing could use TikTok to spy, blackmail or censor US citizens. However, Trump says he wants to save the app, which helped him attract young people in the 2024 presidential election.

China obstructs TikTok deal

The deal has been a slow process as Beijing’s approval is required before TikTok’s key algorithm can be given to an American buyer. A deal was in the works a few months ago, under which TikTok’s US operations were to be separated into a new US company, with a majority stake and operations held by US investors. But the plan was put on hold when China indicated it would not approve it, especially after Trump announced heavy tariffs on Chinese goods.

HIGHLIGHTS

• TikTok might be banned by the US.
• It is alleged that China uses it to spy, blackmail, and censor its citizens.
• Donald Trump said that he does not know whether he will extend the deadline for the deal again.
• He said that what steps will be taken further regarding the deal will be decided by China’s attitude and cooperation.

If the deadline extends beyond September 17, this will be the fourth opportunity given by Donald Trump. This law basically orders ByteDance to sell or shut down TikTok by January 2025. Last month, Trump said that US buyers were ready to buy the app and that he could extend the deadline further.