In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained, “My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.” He later signed an executive order formalizing the delay, a move that has become increasingly crucial as the clock ticks on the contentious issue.

The delay comes after months of negotiations to transfer control of TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership. The process was derailed by Trump’s latest tariff announcement, which imposed an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods. The tariff move prompted ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to pause the deal, citing the need for further negotiations regarding the tariffs.

The initial deadline for the deal was set for April 5, and Trump had hoped that a deal could be finalized before that. The agreement would have involved multiple venture capital and private equity funds, along with tech giants, investing in a company that would control TikTok’s U.S. operations. ByteDance would retain a minority stake of 20%, and the app’s U.S. division would be required to operate independently of ByteDance, especially in regard to data sharing and algorithm control.

Despite the setback, Trump and Vice President JD Vance—who has been overseeing the TikTok negotiations—had both expressed optimism that a deal would be struck by the deadline. However, the new tariffs threw a wrench in the works. ByteDance notified the White House on Thursday morning that they would be pulling out of the deal until the tariff issue was resolved.

With no clear resolution on the horizon, the Trump administration decided to extend the enforcement of the TikTok ban by another 75 days, giving more time to navigate the complexities of the deal and the trade tensions with China.

For the time being, TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users can continue to use the app, but the uncertainty surrounding the deal raises questions about the app’s long-term future in the country. The escalating trade war between the United States and China adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with little indication from China that they are willing to approve a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs,” Trump said in his Truth Social post. “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’” He added that the U.S. government remains committed to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.

ByteDance, for its part, confirmed on Friday that it is still in discussions with the U.S. government about a potential solution for TikTok U.S. However, the company also acknowledged that the deal remains unresolved and subject to approval under Chinese law.

The delay in enforcing the TikTok ban could spark tensions in Congress. Last year, lawmakers from both parties expressed concerns about TikTok’s national security risks, a sentiment that was upheld by the Supreme Court. Some members of Congress may view the extension as undermining their efforts to protect national security.

“The first extension was controversial, and this second delay only compounds the issue,” said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. “It violates the intent of the law and raises concerns about the proper process being followed.”

TikTok, which went offline for several hours before Inauguration Day in January, has previously expressed its willingness to work with the Trump administration on a long-term solution. At that time, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, attended Trump’s inauguration, seated alongside cabinet secretaries and other tech leaders.

Jeremy Goldman, a principal analyst at eMarketer, described the extension as part of Trump’s negotiation strategy. “Drag out the clock, extract leverage, keep the drama simmering, and above all, make sure TikTok stays just visible enough to keep the dealmaking sharks circling,” Goldman said. “As long as TikTok is in limbo, Trump can continue to use it as a bargaining chip in his larger trade negotiations with China.”

With the clock ticking and tensions rising, all eyes are now on the next steps in the TikTok saga, as the deadline extension offers more time for deals—and disputes—to unfold.

Source: CNN – Trump to extend TikTok ban enforcement deadline after China tariffs derail deal

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Meta’s Victory in Age Verification Battle

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long argued that app stores—not individual platforms—should be responsible for verifying users’ ages. Now, Utah has become the first state to implement this idea with a groundbreaking new law.

Last week, Utah lawmakers passed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download apps. This legislation, awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s signature, is seen as a major win for Meta and other social media platforms that have faced intense scrutiny over child safety online.

At least eight other states have introduced similar bills, suggesting a possible nationwide shift in how users—both minors and adults—interact with app stores.

Tech Giants Push Back: Privacy and Legal Concerns Arise

While the bill aligns with Meta’s push for app store accountability, tech giants Apple and Google strongly oppose the legislation, citing privacy risks and First Amendment concerns.

• Apple: “All users, regardless of app usage, would have to hand over personally identifying information, which contradicts user privacy interests.”
• Google: “This law shifts the burden from platforms like Meta onto app stores without actually addressing online harms.”

Both companies propose shared responsibility between app stores and developers while maintaining user privacy. Google has even sent a veto request to Utah’s governor and provided alternative legislative text for consideration.

How the Law Works: A One-Stop Age Verification System

The law mandates app stores to classify users into four age categories:

• Child (under 13)
• Young Teenager (13-16)
• Older Teenager (16-18)
• Adult (18 and over)

Minors’ accounts must be linked to a parent’s account, requiring parental consent for app downloads and in-app purchases.

Meta, Snap, and X have praised the bill, calling it a “one-stop shop” for parental oversight. Utah Governor Cox has also voiced support, stating that the law provides “a more streamlined and privacy-conscious solution for families.”

Potential Issues: Privacy, Legal, and Practical Concerns

Despite its intended benefits, critics argue the law could lead to several complications:

1. Privacy Risks: Users, including adults, may need to submit government IDs or facial scans, increasing the risk of data breaches.
2. Legal Hurdles: The law could violate the First Amendment by forcing adults to share personal information to access online content.
3. Practical Challenges: Families sharing devices may struggle with age verification. Teens in complex family situations might face barriers to downloading educational or harmless apps.
4. State-Specific Limitations: How will app stores enforce the law in one state while users travel or use VPNs to bypass restrictions?

Aaron Mackey of the Electronic Frontier Foundation warns, “At a time when people are already concerned about data privacy, this law forces companies to collect even more information.”

What’s Next? The Future of Online Safety Regulation

If Governor Cox signs the bill into law, it will go into effect next year.

While the legislation is seen as a step toward protecting minors online, it also raises new questions about digital privacy and free speech. Jane Horvath, former Apple chief privacy officer, notes that app developers may now be legally required to recognize and act on underage users already on their platforms, potentially leading to mass account deletions.

Despite these concerns, many experts agree that action is needed. Kris Perry, of the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, says lawmakers are “doing the best they can with the tools they have.”

As more states consider similar legislation, the battle between child safety and digital privacy is far from over.

Source

The post Utah Passes New Age Verification Law for Apps: A Win for Zuckerberg? appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Career-networking giant LinkedIn has pushed back against proposed Australian legislation aimed at banning social media access for children under 16, arguing that its platform is simply too unappealing to minors to be included in the ban.

“LinkedIn simply does not have content interesting and appealing to minors,” the Microsoft-owned company stated in a submission to the Australian Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

Australia’s Push for a Social Media Ban

The Australian government has proposed “world-leading” legislation to restrict children’s access to social media, citing concerns over online harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the measures are designed to address the worries of parents about their children’s online safety.

While other tech giants like Meta, Google, Snapchat, and TikTok have raised objections, LinkedIn took a different stance, asserting that its professional focus and minimum age requirement of 16 make it irrelevant to younger audiences. The company added that it actively removes accounts belonging to underage users when identified.

Industry Concerns and Criticism

Other social media platforms have voiced significant concerns about the proposed legislation:

• Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) argued the bill would fail to ease the burden on parents and claimed it disregards expert advice from child safety and mental health professionals.
• TikTok Australia criticized the legislation’s rushed timeline, warning it could lead to unintended consequences.
• Google, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) raised legal and practical issues, including the bill’s reliance on age verification technologies still under trial.

Privacy and Consultation Issues

Privacy advocates and human rights experts have also criticized the bill for its hasty development and potential privacy implications. Carly Kind, Australia’s privacy commissioner, and Lorraine Findlay, human rights commissioner, have both called for more comprehensive consultation and scrutiny before the legislation is enacted.

LinkedIn’s Case for Exemption

LinkedIn argued that regulating its platform under the new law would impose unnecessary costs and barriers for its users in Australia. By avoiding inclusion in the legislation, the platform could also sidestep the need for additional age verification processes.

International Interest

Australia’s approach has garnered attention worldwide. In the UK, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned similar legislation as a possibility, while France has already implemented a law requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media. However, research suggests nearly half of French minors have bypassed the restrictions using VPNs.

What’s Next?

The Australian government plans to pass the legislation before the end of the parliamentary year. However, experts warn the current timeframe and lack of consultation could hinder its effectiveness.

As the debate continues, LinkedIn’s professional focus and limited appeal to younger audiences may ultimately exempt it from these sweeping changes.

Source

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