US Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban on National Security Grounds
Washington: The US Supreme Court has upheld a law banning TikTok nationwide 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.
The court’s unanimous 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.
Foreign Adversary Control
TikTok’s Chinese ownership has raised concerns among American leaders, and the TikTok fight has unfolded at a time of rising trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. Trump is expected to levy high tariffs on Chinese goods due to what he terms unfair trade practices from the world’s biggest exporter.
Lawmakers and Biden’s administration had emphasized national security concerns regarding TikTok, including that China could use it to amass data on the millions of Americans using the app for harassment, recruitment, and espionage.
What Happens Next
The Biden administration has emphasized that TikTok could continue operating as-is 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; companies providing services to TikTok or hosting the app could face legal liability.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban on TikTok has raised concerns about the app’s future in the United States. With Trump set to take office, it is unclear what will happen to the app. Will it be sold to a new owner, or will it be forced to shut down? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Supreme Court uphold the ban on TikTok?
A: The Supreme Court upheld the ban on TikTok on national security grounds, citing concerns about China’s control over the app and the potential for it to be used for espionage or other malicious activities.
Q: What happens if TikTok is sold to a new owner?
A: If TikTok is sold to a new owner, it is possible that the ban could be lifted, and the app could continue to operate in the United States.
Q: What is the significance of the deadline for the ban?
A: The deadline for the ban is January 19, and if TikTok is not sold to a new owner by then, it is possible that the app could be forced to shut down.
Q: What are the implications of the ban for TikTok’s users?
A: The ban could have significant implications for TikTok’s users, including the loss of access to the app and the potential for their data to be compromised.