You’d think that TikTok would have a Plan B by now, but it seems the company is unprepared for the implications of a Supreme Court ruling against them.
It has become evident that TikTok never anticipated a scenario where it would face such legal challenges. Perhaps this lack of foresight stems from the fact that the Chinese government ultimately holds the power over any potential sale. Currently, TikTok’s leadership is banking on Donald Trump to intervene in a desperate move that will undoubtedly come with conditions.
From a political standpoint, TikTok has mismanaged its strategy throughout this prolonged ordeal. Executives have repeatedly downplayed the risk of a ban, even going as far as laughing at the mere suggestion. They were caught off guard when Congress overwhelmingly supported a ban. Subsequently, they faced defeat before the Supreme Court with only a day remaining before the law was set to take effect. Their only remaining leverage seems to be Trump’s belief that the app played a role in his electoral success — coupled with their readiness to comply with whatever demands he may impose.
On a technical level, TikTok has backed itself into a corner as well. The company invested over $1 billion in Project Texas to alleviate concerns regarding US data potentially reaching China. Remarkably, TikTok initiated Project Texas before receiving any governmental approval, which, unsurprisingly, never materialized. US…
