TikTok on Brink of Shutdown in US as Supreme Court Upholds Ban
WASHINGTON: TikTok warned late Friday it will go dark in the US on Sunday unless President Joe Biden’s administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.
Supreme Court Upholds Ban
The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the US on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark in just two days.
Fate in Trump’s Hands
The court’s 9-0 decision throws the social media platform – and its 170 million American users – into limbo, and its fate in the hands of Donald Trump, who has vowed to rescue TikTok after returning to the presidency on Monday.
What’s at Stake
Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on Jan 19, the company said.
Background
TikTok has become one of the most prominent social media platforms in the US, particularly among young people. For years, its Chinese ownership has raised concerns among US leaders, and the TikTok fight has unfolded at a time of rising trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.
Foreign Adversary Control
Lawmakers and Biden’s administration have said China could use TikTok to amass data on millions of Americans for harassment, recruitment, and espionage. “TikTok’s scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swathes of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the government’s national security concerns,” the Supreme Court said in the unsigned opinion.
Users React
Some users reacted with shock that the ban could actually happen. “Oh my god, I’m speechless,” said Lourd Asprec, 21, of Houston, who has amassed 16.3 million followers on TikTok and makes an estimated US$80,000 a year from the platform.
What Happens Next
The Biden administration has emphasized that TikTok could continue operating if it is freed from China’s control. The White House said on Friday that Biden will not take any action to save TikTok. Biden has not formally invoked a 90-day delay in the deadline as allowed by the law.
Conclusion
TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance as the clock ticks down to the January 19 deadline. With the fate of the app in the hands of President Trump, the world waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for this popular social media platform.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the ban on TikTok?
A: The ban is due to national security concerns, with the US government citing the potential for China to use TikTok to amass data on millions of Americans for harassment, recruitment, and espionage.
Q: What does the Supreme Court’s decision mean for TikTok?
A: The Supreme Court’s decision upholds the ban on TikTok in the US, putting the app on track to go dark in just two days.
Q: What is the deadline for TikTok to comply with the ban?
A: The deadline for TikTok to comply with the ban is January 19.
Q: Is there a chance for TikTok to continue operating in the US?
A: Yes, the Biden administration has emphasized that TikTok could continue operating if it is freed from China’s control.
Q: Who is responsible for implementing the ban on TikTok?
A: The law bars providing certain services to TikTok and other foreign adversary-controlled apps, including by offering it through app stores such as Apple and Google.