TikTok’s US operations may be saved by a plan involving Oracle and Walmart, and a judge has issued an injunction against the WeChat ban. 

Oracle and Walmart to TikTok’s rescue?

The Chinese app could be allowed to continue operating in the US, after President Trump apparently approved a plan involving Oracle and Walmart. 

In a statement, the Treasury said:

“The President has reviewed a deal among Oracle, Walmart, and TikTok Global to address the national security threat posed by TikTok’s operations. Oracle will be responsible for key technology and security responsibilities to protect all U.S. user data. Approval of the transaction is subject to a closing with Oracle and Walmart and necessary documentation and conditions to be approved by CFIUS.”

The TikTok ban has now been delayed until 27 September, pending a review of the proposal by the Treasury’s Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS). If CFIUS does approve the plan, and the Chinese government also gives it the green light, then TikTok’s US operations may be saved. 

Injunction granted against WeChat ban

In related news, yesterday Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler issued a preliminary injunction against the sanctions imposed on Tencent-owned WeChat by the United States Department of Commerce. The injunction had been filed on Friday afternoon by the WeChat User Alliance – a group representing US users of the app. 

Judge Beeler granted the injunction on the grounds that she believed the sanctions against the app would infringe on users’ First Amendment rights, and that the government had not provided evidence to the court showing that WeChat posed a threat to national security.

Elaborating on her decision, Judge Beeler said:

“Certainly the government’s overarching national-security interest is significant. But on this record — while the government has established that China’s activities raise significant national security concerns — it has put in scant little evidence that its effective ban of WeChat for all U.S. users addresses those concerns. 

“And, as the plaintiffs point out, there are obvious alternatives to a complete ban, such as barring WeChat from government devices, as Australia has done, or taking other steps to address data security.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Given the obviously political nature of this drama, even if the US approves the Oracle/Walmart plan for TikTok, there’s no guarantee the Chinese government will allow it. And, as for the injunction against the WeChat ban, it’s likely just a temporary reprieve, as we’re sure the feds will be able to magic up some ‘convincing evidence.’

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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