The days of accessing TikTok in the United States may be numbered, as the Supreme Court appears ready to endorse a congressional law that would shut down the social media platform unless it cuts ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. On Friday, the High Court held a hearing to listen to arguments from both TikTok and the federal administration.
The administration argues that the platform poses a national security risk by potentially allowing Chinese government interference. It insists that ByteDance must sell the app to a company from a nation that is not considered a U.S. "adversary." TikTok, on the other hand, contends that the law violates the First Amendment which guarantees freedom of expression.
During the hearing, justices expressed concern over the power TikTok grants the Chinese government by collecting vast amounts of data on American citizens. One justice mentioned that through the app, China could "develop spies and convert and blackmail" young people, while another pointed out, "they are regulating a means of communication."
A TikTok representative argued that the law opens the door to censorship and infringes on the freedom of expression for both the company and its users. The legislation in question, passed by Congress in April 2024 with bipartisan support, gives ByteDance nine months to secure a new investor. The deadline is January 19, just a day before Donald Trump's inauguration, something social media advocates find "particularly fitting" to at least delay the ban.
Trump, who previously attempted to ban the app during his presidency over concerns that China could access American user data or manipulate content on the platform, reversed his stance last December. He requested the Supreme Court delay the law's enforcement until he retakes office.
"The justices seem inclined to rule that this does not directly infringe on First Amendment rights as TikTok claims, and the security concerns raised by Congress are likely to prevail," remarked Kevin Frazier, a constitutional law and emerging technology expert from the University of St. Thomas, to Local 10.
If the Supreme Court ultimately approves the federal law, TikTok will cease operations on January 19.
Impact of Potential TikTok Ban in the U.S.
Why is TikTok considered a national security risk by the U.S. government?
The U.S. government views TikTok as a national security threat because it could potentially allow the Chinese government to interfere by accessing American users' data or manipulating the content on the platform.
What are the concerns of the Supreme Court justices regarding TikTok?
Supreme Court justices are concerned about the significant amount of data TikTok collects on American citizens, which they believe could empower the Chinese government to exploit or manipulate individuals.
How does TikTok argue against the proposed legislation?
TikTok argues that the legislation violates the First Amendment, which ensures freedom of expression, and claims it opens the door to censorship affecting both the company and its users.
What is the deadline for ByteDance to find a new investor according to the law?
According to the law passed by Congress, ByteDance has until January 19 to find a new investor, just one day before Donald Trump's inauguration.