US to Halt TikTok and WeChat Downloads Starting 20th, Usage Allowed Until November (Comprehensive)

Action Taken Ahead of TikTok Transaction Restriction Deadline
No Usage Restrictions Until November 12
Extension of TikTok Sale Negotiation Deadline

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States has announced an executive order banning the download and use of China's video-sharing app TikTok and messenger app WeChat within the U.S.

According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated this in an interview with Fox News on the 18th (local time). As a result, TikTok users in the U.S. will no longer be able to newly download or upgrade TikTok and WeChat from Google Play and the Apple App Store starting from that day.

He also mentioned that an executive order completely banning TikTok use by November 12 is being prepared. He explained that this measure is from the perspective of national security and personal information protection.

A major foreign news outlet reported that the U.S. government plans to allow TikTok use until before November 12, effectively extending the deadline for TikTok's sale negotiations.

Secretary Ross also added regarding the ongoing TikTok sale negotiations, "Depending on the outcome of discussions to protect information within TikTok, users in the U.S. will be able to continue using TikTok."

Previously, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transactions with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, and Tencent, WeChat's parent company, after the 20th.

Secretary Ross's remarks may be intended to pressure negotiations between ByteDance and Oracle, the preferred bidder for TikTok's U.S. business sale. Major foreign media, citing officials, added that President Trump could withdraw this measure before the 20th.