Application of Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok

Jan 30, 2025

Summary

Stops the government from enforcing a law against TikTok for 75 days to review national security risks and find a solution without a sudden shutdown.

What problem does this solve?

A law restricting TikTok took effect just one day before a new President took office, leaving no time to review the national security issues. This order pauses the law for 75 days so the new administration can assess the situation and avoid an immediate shutdown of the app.

What does this order do?

Pauses enforcement of the act for 75 days

Orders the Attorney General not to take any action to enforce the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 75 days from the date of the order.

Protects companies from past penalties

Ensures that no penalties will be given to any company for not following the Act during the 75-day pause or for any time before the order was signed.

Gives the federal government exclusive enforcement power

States that only the Attorney General has the power to investigate and enforce the Act, preventing states or private groups from trying to take action on their own.

Requires official notice to companies

Directs the Attorney General to send letters to service providers confirming that they have not broken the law and are not responsible for any actions taken during the pause.

Who does this affect?

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance Ltd.
TikTok users in the United States
App stores and internet hosting services

What is the real world impact?

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Allows time for a national security review

Provides the new administration a 75-day window to review intelligence, assess the national security risks posed by TikTok, and negotiate a solution that protects the country without shutting down a platform used by 170 million Americans.

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Avoids political backlash from a ban

Delays an immediate ban on a very popular social media app, which could anger millions of users. This pause allows the administration to find a less disruptive solution and manage the political consequences of taking action against the platform.

When does this start?

The order pauses enforcement of the Act for 75 days, starting January 20, 2025.

75-Day pause on enforcement

For 75 days starting January 20, 2025, the Attorney General is ordered not to take any action to enforce the Act against TikTok or related entities.