The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling on Friday supporting a federal law that could result in the ban of TikTok in the country. The law, which was passed with broad bipartisan support in Congress last year and approved by former President Joe Biden, was reviewed by the court.
During the hearing, the judges confirmed that the law does not violate the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech from government restrictions.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Law That Could Ban TikTok
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against TikTok in its challenge to a federal law that could force the app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to be sold or banned in the U.S. by January 19.
The justices upheld the law, passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress last year and signed by President Joe Biden, stating it did not violate the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. This ruling overturned a lower court’s decision that had supported the measure, which was challenged by TikTok, ByteDance, and some app users.
The Supreme Court acted quickly, holding arguments on January 10, just nine days before the law’s deadline. The case highlighted the tension between free speech and national security concerns in the social media era.
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TikTok’s Legal Battle in the U.S
TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the United States, with around 270 million American users, including a large number of young people. Its success comes from its powerful algorithm, which curates short videos based on individual user preferences. Users can access TikTok’s vast library of videos, usually under a minute, via the app or website.
However, TikTok’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance has raised security concerns, particularly with ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China.
American leaders worry about the potential for Chinese government control over the app, which could threaten national security by collecting sensitive data on Americans and influencing public opinion. The Biden administration has argued that the law targeting TikTok isn’t about limiting free speech but about protecting U.S. security from foreign control.
The law, passed in April, was challenged by TikTok, ByteDance, and several users, eventually reaching the U.S. Supreme Court after losing in the Court of Appeals in December. Despite this, some Republican leaders, including Donald Trump, have shifted their stance.
Trump now supports TikTok, recognizing its popularity with young voters during his 2024 campaign. He has called for a political resolution and even requested the Supreme Court to pause the law.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s future national security adviser, mentioned that the new administration might work out a deal to keep TikTok active in the U.S. He suggested a 90-day extension if significant progress was made on a divestiture. Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, have also shown support, urging more time for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer while ensuring national security.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will be present at Trump’s inauguration, alongside other key invitees. The company argues that the law violates First Amendment rights, affecting not just the app and its users but also advertisers, content creators, and its 7,000 U.S. employees. TikTok claims the law is a direct attack on free speech, with concerns that the U.S. government is worried about Chinese misinformation.
If the law is enforced, TikTok may be forced to shut down its U.S. operations unless ByteDance sells it to a U.S. company. Legal representatives for TikTok argue that the real goal of the law is to suppress speech, not national security, and that such decisions should be left to the American people, not the government.
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FAQs
Q.1. What did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding TikTok?
Ans. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law that could ban TikTok in the U.S., supporting national security concerns over freedom of speech.
Q.2. Why is TikTok facing a potential ban in the U.S.?
Ans. The ban is due to concerns about Chinese government control over TikTok, potentially compromising U.S. national security and collecting sensitive data on Americans.
Q.3. What was TikTok’s response to the law?
Ans. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, challenged the law, arguing that it violated First Amendment rights and threatened free speech.
Q.4. How does the law affect TikTok users in the U.S.?
Ans. If enforced, the law could lead to TikTok shutting down its U.S. operations, affecting users, advertisers, and employees, while possibly limiting access to the app.
Q.5. What actions did Trump and other political figures take regarding the TikTok ban?
Ans. Trump has expressed support for TikTok, urging a political resolution, while some Republican and Democratic leaders have suggested more time to find a U.S. buyer.
