The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal ban on TikTok, the popular social media app used by 170 million Americans.
In a unanimous decision, SCOTUS agreed with the government that “national security concerns” regarding the app's partnership with the People's Republic of China and its data collection outweigh users' First Amendment rights.
“There's no question that TikTok provides a unique and far-reaching source of expression, participation, and community for more than 170 million Americans.” opinion Said. “However, Congress has determined that the sale is necessary to address widely held national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationships with foreign adversaries.”
Last April, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy Control Applications Act, forcing China-based ByteDance, which owns TikTok, to withdraw from the app by this Sunday. Ta.
TikTok It argued that the law was “designed and implemented on the basis of information based on inaccurate and flawed assumptions.” Noel FranciscoArguing before SCOTUS on behalf of TikTok and ByteDance, he said that if the law goes into effect, the apps will “go dark” on January 19th.
At that point, third-party providers such as Apple and Google could be penalized for offering the app in their respective stores, and users who have already downloaded the app may no longer receive updates for that app. There is. Some TikTok influencers have already started moving their content to other platforms.
President Joe Biden signed the ban but indicated that enforcement would be left to the incoming administration. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “TikTok should continue to be available to Americans,'' but added, “TikTok should remain available to Americans,'' but added, “TikTok is not protected by U.S. ownership or national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law.'' “Other ownership rights should address the concerns of others,” he said.
“The Supreme Court's decision was expected and everyone must respect it.”
As the deadline approaches, President-elect Donald Trump appears interested in reaching a centrist agreement on TikTok. Last month, he asked SCOTUS to suspend implementation of the law so the administration could seek a “political solution” to the issue. TikTok CEO Hsu Chiu will be one of several tech giants to attend President Trump's inauguration on Monday.
The courts have so far not cooperated. Back in December, a three-judge panel on the D.C. Court of Appeals (including an Obama appointee, a Reagan appointee, and a Trump appointee) upheld the ban.
Currently, SCOTUS (consisting of 1 Biden appointee, 3 Trump appointees, 2 Obama appointees, 2 George W. Bush appointees, and 1 George H.W. Bush appointee) is prohibited President Trump may have to get creative to find a solution.
Shortly after the ruling was handed down on Friday, President Trump suggested he had already expected SCOTUS to continue the ban. “The Supreme Court's decision was expected and everyone must respect it. My decision regarding TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future, but I have had time to consider the situation. I need it. Stay tuned!” he posted on society of truth .
In another post, President Trump suggested that he may be able to reach a solution regarding TikTok directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
I recently spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting was very good for both China and the United States. We hope to solve many problems together and to resolve them soon. We talked about balance on trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other topics. President Xi and I will do our best to make the world more peaceful and secure.
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