TikTok, Tech & Trade: What the U.S. Ban Means for International Media and Investors

The proposed U.S. ban on TikTok is making global headlines again. With President Trump extending the deadline for a forced sale by 75 days, the uncertainty around the platform’s future remains a serious concern for international investors, tech companies, and content creators—particularly those in the UK and Europe seeking expansion into the U.S. digital market.

As a global media company or digital entrepreneur, you may be wondering what this means for your U.S. strategy. The risks of abrupt regulatory shifts are no longer theoretical—they are operational. Whether your business relies on TikTok for marketing, monetisation, or distribution, the current environment demands heightened legal due diligence.

One major consideration is intellectual property law UK and how it aligns with evolving U.S. data and tech regulation. Trademark rights, licensing structures, and platform agreements must be revisited, especially for content that crosses borders. Legal structures that previously offered commercial certainty may now face jurisdictional grey areas.

Second, the situation brings compliance risks to the forefront. U.S. legislation targeting foreign ownership of tech platforms intersects with national security reviews and regulatory compliance services. UK businesses using or investing in TikTok need to understand how U.S. scrutiny affects advertising agreements, influencer contracts, and data hosting.

At Abrams Law, our dual-qualified legal team, including a US lawyer in London, is uniquely positioned to guide UK clients through these challenges. We help clients restructure digital partnerships, review cross-border content agreements, and ensure regulatory alignment in both jurisdictions.

In summary, the TikTok developments illustrate a wider trend: technology, politics, and law are converging. Businesses navigating this intersection must seek proactive legal guidance to avoid disruption.

We regularly advise UK media, tech, and consumer-facing companies entering or operating in the U.S. If you are concerned about the implications of the TikTok developments or need support reviewing your commercial or IP agreements, please get in touch.

UPDATE: June 12, 2025:

Sources report the administration is preparing a third extension of TikTok’s operating permission, again for 75 days, via another executive order, mirroring earlier extensions.

There have been several failed acquisition talks – Oracle, Blackstone, Andreessen Horowitz, Michael Dell, Walmart, Amazon and even notable celebrities and influencers such as Elon Musk and Mr Beast have thrown their hats in the ring. None have gained any traction, largely it seems, due to stalled trade relations with China and lack of approval from China.

The President has acknolwledged TikTok’s popularity and has expressed a “warm spot” for the app, so he may ultimately delay enforcement if no suitable U.S. divestiture deal emerges.

It is worth noting that amid the ongoing regulatory scrutiny, TikTok has made efforts to demonstrate its independence from China by, for example, enhancing its Content Advisory Council by adding members focused on free expression.

Stay Tuned…

 Contact us at info@abrams.law or call +44 208 004 7016 to discuss how we can support your U.S. legal needs.