TikTok Faces Potential Ban as Supreme Court Hears Arguments. The Supreme Court signals support for a law banning TikTok unless ByteDance sells the platform. Decision expected before Jan. 19.
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| TikTok Ban Looms as Supreme Court Reviews National Security Risks. ByteDance must sell TikTok by Jan. 19 or face a U.S. ban, as the Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the law. Image/ Illustration: ChicHue |
Washington, USA — Jan 11, 2025:
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday signaled support for a federal law that could ban TikTok in the United States starting January 19, unless its China-based owner, ByteDance, sells the platform.
In a high-stakes clash between free speech and national security, justices appeared to favor the government’s argument that TikTok’s ties to China pose a significant threat. Chief Justice John Roberts cited ByteDance’s obligation to cooperate with Chinese intelligence operations as a major concern, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh highlighted risks associated with TikTok’s access to data on 170 million U.S. users, particularly young Americans.
The law, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in April, would require app stores to block downloads of TikTok and prevent updates, gradually rendering the app unusable.
ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok, arguing the law violates the First Amendment and threatens the livelihoods of creators and businesses reliant on the platform.
TikTok’s attorney, Noel Francisco, requested a temporary pause on the ban, but only Justice Neil Gorsuch appeared open to TikTok’s arguments, calling the law “paternalistic.” Francisco warned the ban would harm millions of users and small businesses, while the government maintained that TikTok’s continued operations jeopardize national security.
The Biden administration, echoing concerns from the Trump era, contends that TikTok’s vast user data and proprietary algorithm could be manipulated or accessed by the Chinese government. ByteDance denies these claims but has been unable to resolve U.S. concerns despite prior negotiations.
Potential buyers, including a consortium led by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and investor Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in TikTok’s U.S. assets.
However, TikTok’s lawyer suggested a sale under the law’s terms may not be feasible.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide before the January 19 deadline. Millions of content creators, businesses, and users anxiously await the ruling, which could reshape the social media landscape.