There is one last hope for TikTok as it nears the deadline of January 19 to either sell or ban its app in the US.
This Friday, the US Supreme Court will hear arguments from TikTok's side. The law signed by President Joe Biden was passed to address national security risks in relation to the platform's collection of data from 170 million American users. Critics, from the minds of TikTok, ByteDance, and free speech advocates, say this law violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects free speech, per VCPost.
TikTok has an algorithm that reorganizes short videos based on the interests of its users. According to the officials, this is a "tool for espionage," Reuters reported. However, TikTok and its users argue that the platform is a major hub for free expression, with 7,000 US employees and countless creators depending on it. ByteDance asserts that banning the app would harm advertisers, users, and creators, making the law detrimental to the entire nation.
Supported by free speech groups, TikTok filed an injunction against the ban. It claims the law is targeting foreign ownership rather than any specific national security threats. It further alleges that its rights and those of its users are being unfairly restricted. On the other hand, the Justice Department says that if separated from Chinese control, the platform can operate without restrictions.
Trump on TikTok Ban
Newly-elected US President Donald Trump, inaugurating his second term on January 20, opposes the law and seeks its delay for furthering a political solution, according to The Independent. The reality, however, is that there are enough Republicans who back the law and reflect the bipartisan issues about Chinese influence in US tech. Even Trump himself was vying to ban the app during his first term before Biden.
The Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, will weigh these competing interests, affecting the future of TikTok in the country.
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