In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court has upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States, potentially affecting 170 million users. The court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government has legitimate national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
The decision comes after ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, argued that the law should be blocked due to free speech violations. Despite this, the Supreme Court concluded that Congress has determined divestiture is necessary to address national security concerns related to TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.
In a statement, the justices acknowledged the significance of TikTok as a platform for expression and community-building. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, a means of engagement, and a source of community,” they said. However, they ultimately sided with the government’s assessment of national security risks.
The ban, set to take effect on Sunday, has sparked concerns among lawmakers and officials, with some calling for a delay. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for more time to find an American buyer and avoid disrupting the lives of millions of Americans. “It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and avoid disrupting the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, especially the influencers who have built large followings,” Schumer said.
To enforce the ban, the US government will direct Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Noel Francisco, stated that the site would “go dark” on Sunday if the justices failed to block the ban.
The situation remains uncertain, as President-elect Donald Trump’s administration considers ways to delay or rescue the app. Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, mentioned that the administration would implement measures to keep TikTok operational, citing the need to protect users’ data. “The legislation allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table,” Waltz explained. “This essentially buys President Trump time to keep TikTok going.”
Trump himself has expressed support for TikTok in the past, and his campaign has utilized the platform to reach a wider audience. During a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Trump discussed TikTok, although the details of the conversation remain unclear.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance. The company has been lobbying intensively to block the law’s implementation, and CEO Shou Chew will attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the US government’s concerns about TikTok’s national security implications have led to a significant turning point for the popular app.
