The White House has dismissed TikTok's warning of a potential shutdown in the US on Sunday as a "stunt". The social media platform is seeking assurance from the outgoing Biden administration that tech giants like Apple and Google won't face legal consequences for defying the impending ban. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration leaves office on Monday."
President-elect Donald Trump indicated that a 90-day extension for TikTok is probable. TikTok cited a lack of clarity from the White House and Department of Justice as reasons for the impending shutdown on Sunday. Despite this, the White House clarified that the implementation of the ban would be deferred to the incoming administration.
Following a Supreme Court ruling upholding the ban unless TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, divests the platform by Sunday, ByteDance stated it will not seek a buyer. Trump mentioned a likely extension and disclosed discussing TikTok with China's President Xi Jinping.
TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is anticipated to be present at Trump's inauguration on Monday. The platform has denied allegations of data spying raised by US national security officials. Despite being favored by millions of users in the US, TikTok faces a ban that could impact content creators financially. Nicole Bloomgarden, a fashion designer and TikTok user, expressed concerns about the potential shutdown affecting her income significantly.