A protester holds a pro-TikTok placard in front of the US Supreme Court on January 10, 2025
Allison Robert/The Washington Post/Getty Images
US Supreme Court justified The ban on popular video streaming app TikTok, which is scheduled to come into effect from January 19.
restrictions US companies must block users from accessing or updating TikTok through the App Store or Internet browser – unless the app’s Chinese parent company ByteDance sells it to a US company by the January 19 deadline.
TikTok’s challenge to the law, which the Supreme Court began hearing on January 10, argued that it violates the US Constitution’s free speech protections. The same day, the court heard arguments in a related case: a legal attorney representing TikTok content creators argued that the ban also violates those individuals’ constitutional rights.
But US Solicitor General Elizabeth Preloger argued that the ban on TikTok is about preventing foreign espionage as opposed to curbing free speech. The US government’s case is that the Chinese government could be using TikTok to collect sensitive personal data of millions of people in the US, which could later be used against them.
The Supreme Court unanimously agreed with the government’s argument and ruled against TikTok and the individual creators in both cases. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok provides a unique and broad outlet for expression, a means of engagement, and a source of community. “But Congress has determined that divestment is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” the opinion said.
TikTok will shut down the app for US users on the same day the ban goes into effect, January 19. According to ReutersBut this may not be the last twist in the legal drama.
US President Joe Biden will leave office on January 20, the next day after the ban comes into effect. An official in his administration has said Biden will not enforce the law. According to AP NewsInstead, the strength of the sanctions depends on the actions of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump initially supported the TikTok ban during his first term as president, but has since changed his stance and expressed support for allowing the platform to continue US operations. After assuming office on January 20, he can ask lawmakers to repeal or amend the law or direct the government not to implement it.
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