TikTok, the hugely popular video app, is facing a major problem in the US. The government is worried about its Chinese owner, ByteDance, and the possibility of user data being shared with the Chinese government. This has led to talks of banning TikTok entirely unless ByteDance sells its US operations by April 5, 2025.This isn't a new issue. Back in 2020, then-President Trump tried to ban TikTok. However, a judge stopped this. Later, President Biden signed a law requiring TikTok to be sold or face a ban. TikTok is fighting this ban in court, saying it's unfair and violates free speech. Recently, Trump delayed the ban by 75 days, giving TikTok until April 5, 2025, to find a buyer.So, who might buy TikTok? Several groups are interested. One group, called "The People's Bid for TikTok," includes Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and billionaire Frank McCourt. They want to use blockchain technology to give users more control over their data. According to CFRA Research, TikTok's US business could be worth a whopping $60 billion.What happens if TikTok is banned? If no sale happens by the deadline, new users won't be able to download it, and the app won't get updates. People who already have TikTok can still use it, but it will become outdated over time. This uncertainty is a big deal for TikTok's millions of users and creators.One common question is what a ban would mean for existing users. As mentioned, they could still use the app, but it would gradually stop working well without updates. Another question is who the potential buyers are. While specific names haven't been officially confirmed beyond "The People's Bid for TikTok", Reuters reported in March 2025 that the US government was talking to four different groups about a potential sale.The future of TikTok in the US is still up in the air. Will a sale go through before the deadline? Will the ban be enforced? This situation shows the complex relationship between technology, national security, and international politics. The coming weeks will be crucial for TikTok, its users, and the future of social media in the US.
