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TikTok, the popular social media app utilized by 170 million people in the United States, is facing a potential ban in the country unless President Joe Biden takes action. The app, owned by a Chinese company, has been the subject of national security concerns by the US government, leading to a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court upholding the ban.
In response to the ruling, TikTok announced that it would “go dark” in the US on January 19 unless the Biden administration ensures that service providers will not enforce the ban. This decision, which would prevent the app from being available for download in app stores, has sparked controversy among creators, activists, and civil rights groups who argue that it is a form of censorship.
President Donald Trump, who had previously promised to “save TikTok,” has been vocal about his opposition to the ban and has suggested that he may intervene to prevent it from taking effect. As the deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges and executive actions looming.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban was based on concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices and its relationship with the Chinese government. The court ruled that divestment was necessary to address national security risks posed by the app’s connection to Beijing. However, TikTok has argued that divesting or selling its assets to a non-Chinese corporation is not feasible.
During oral arguments, justices questioned TikTok’s claim to first amendment rights, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressing skepticism about the app’s argument that the ban was a form of censorship. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, maintained that the ban was targeted at the app’s speech rather than legitimate security concerns.
President Biden’s administration has indicated that it believes TikTok should remain available to Americans, but under ownership that does not pose a security threat. The administration has suggested that actions to implement the ban should be left to the next administration, which takes office on Monday.
As the deadline for the ban approaches, TikTok is facing increasing pressure to comply with the court’s ruling or find a way to remain operational in the US. The company has expressed concerns about the potential financial impact of the ban on service providers like Apple and Google, who could face billions of dollars in fines under the statute.
In the coming days, the fate of TikTok in the US will likely be decided by the actions of President Biden and his administration. With the future of the app hanging in the balance, millions of TikTok users in the US are anxiously awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
