In an unexpected move, President-elect Donald Trump is contemplating an executive order to delay the looming ban on TikTok set to be enforced on Sunday, according to sources close to the matter.

Trump aims to suspend the ban for 60 to 90 days, offering his administration a window to explore long-term solutions to keep the app available in the United States, Daily Mail reported.

The TikTok ban was originally necessitated by a law that demands ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025. This measure, signed by President Joe Biden last year, aims at mitigating national security concerns associated with the Chinese-owned app. Despite a recent appeal by TikTok to the Supreme Court, the judiciary is expected to allow this legislation to unfold as planned.

Significant Implications for U.S. Technology Landscape

The ban will take effect on Sunday, just one day before Trump assumes the presidency. If the ban proceeds, it will bar American tech companies from collaborating with TikTok and penalize them if they continue providing the app or any infrastructure support. This action will ultimately remove the app from U.S. app stores, and ByteDance expects the software to degrade over time.

The potential executive order will not negate the law itself. Former Department of Justice adviser Alan Rozenshtein explained that executive orders should not be mistaken for "magical documents" and primarily reflect the President's intentions. He emphasized that while the ban will remain, the order could indicate Trump's reluctance to enforce it strictly.

Legal Experts Weigh the Feasibility

The complexity of this situation raises questions about the legality and efficacy of Trump's proposed executive order. Experts argue that altering or repealing legislation would naturally require new legislative action or modifications through the Department of Justice. Trump may face challenges securing congressional support to achieve these goals.

Further complicating the situation is the legal framework under which TikTok files its appeal. Without intervention, the likelihood of the ban proceeding seems probable, adding urgency to Trump's considerations. ByteDance, in anticipation of the ban's enforcement, is preparing for the American shutdown of its app and will allow users to download their data before any service interruption.

Trump's Firm Stance on Unpopular Ban

Interestingly, Trump has publicly communicated his dedication to maintaining TikTok's foothold in the American market to his followers on the app. The President-elect will unveil his strategy following his inauguration on Monday, aiming to fortify the app's presence while addressing regulatory concerns.

Trump's approach includes seeking potential permanent fixes for TikTok that could satisfy regulatory bodies and Congress. Whether this involves restructuring ownership or revisiting cross-national data handling policies remains speculative. The idea is to craft solutions that not only comply with legislative requirements but also ensure user safety and data security.

The technology industry is closely analyzing these developments, as the ban's enforcement could send ripples through the digital landscape. Notably, tech companies such as Apple and Google face operational dilemmas and potential financial repercussions should they continue business terms with TikTok in America post-ban.

Industry Awaits TikTok's Next Steps

An unnamed source highlighted that the shutdown of such services would not necessitate prolonged preparation. This insight underscores the immediacy and potential consequences TikTok must navigate in curtailing services for its American audience.

The calculated delay Trump proposes would give ByteDance crucial time to adapt its operational models. This added period may encourage new discussions around local partnerships or reshaping business practices to adhere to U.S. regulations.

If Trump issues an executive order that temporarily halts the ban, many may perceive this as a strategic victory for both consumers who favor the app and the company itself. Moreover, it might position Trump favorably among TikTok’s sizable American follower base, who view the application as a pivotal social platform.

Forms of Contingency and Resilience

ByteDance appears poised to respond swiftly if the ban reversal becomes viable. The company's agility in reinstating services will be key should there be favorable shifts in the implementation of legislations.

Overall, Trump's looming action reflects a keen understanding of not only the immediate impact on users but also the broader implications on American technological standing in the global economy. The outcome of these deliberations will undoubtedly shape the discourse around digital sovereignty and data security policies in upcoming months.