TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court Against US Ban Set for January 19, 2025
TikTok has made a final attempt to block a law that could force its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app by January 19 or face a ban in the United States.
Emergency Request for Injunction
TikTok and ByteDance have filed an emergency request with the US Supreme Court to temporarily halt the law, which they are appealing after it was upheld by a lower court. A group of US users has also joined the appeal. The law, passed in April, demands ByteDance sell TikTok, citing national security concerns over the app’s access to American user data and its potential influence on content.
First Amendment Arguments
TikTok and ByteDance argue the law violates the First Amendment, which protects free speech. They claim Americans should have the right to choose whether to use TikTok, knowing the potential risks, without government interference.
Impact of Potential Ban
TikTok warns that a ban, even for one month, could result in the loss of a third of its US user base, hurting its ability to attract advertisers and content creators. The company stresses that there is no immediate national security threat.
Trump’s Stance on TikTok
The law would take effect one day before the presidential inauguration, and former President Donald Trump, who had once tried to ban TikTok, has reversed his stance. He has promised to help preserve the app, expressing support and planning to meet with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
Request for Urgent Decision
TikTok and ByteDance have asked the Supreme Court to make a decision by January 6, allowing time to address the potential shutdown. This case is set against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between China and the US.
National Security and Free Speech Concerns
TikTok continues to deny claims that it shares user data and labels concerns as speculative. The company urges the court to apply rigorous scrutiny to the law, as it could establish a dangerous precedent for banning other foreign-owned platforms.