The US Supreme Court has upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States, marking a significant loss for the popular video-sharing app. The decision, announced on Friday, means the app could go dark for its 170 million American users starting Sunday.
The court ruled that the ban does not violate free speech rights and that the US government presented credible national security concerns tied to ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company. The ruling stems from fears that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government for spying or propaganda purposes.
Supreme Court Decision
In its ruling, the court acknowledged TikTok’s role in providing a platform for expression, engagement, and community. However, the justices emphasized that Congress had legitimate concerns.
“For more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, a means of engagement, and a source of community,” the court noted. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.”
This decision upholds a law passed last year requiring ByteDance to sell the platform or shut it down in the United States by January 19, 2025.
Government Response
While the White House has stated it will not enforce the ban, President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday, will have the final say. Trump confirmed that he had discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call on Friday.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, indicated that the administration might delay the ban if a suitable deal is proposed. Speaking on Fox News, Waltz said, “The legislation allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table. This essentially buys President Trump time to keep TikTok going.”
He also highlighted TikTok’s importance to Trump’s campaign, saying, “It’s been a great platform for him to get his ‘America First’ message out, but at the same time, he wants to protect users’ data.”
Also Read:
- Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Reaches Orbit on First Attempt
- Meta to Cut Jobs Based on Performance Reviews
Calls for Delay
Lawmakers from both parties are urging the government to postpone the ban. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer argued that more time is needed to find an American buyer for TikTok.
“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.
If the ban proceeds, Apple and Google will be directed to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads as early as Saturday. Reports suggest that TikTok plans to suspend its services entirely in the US if the ban is enforced.
TikTok’s Next Steps
TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, confirmed that the app would “go dark” on Sunday unless the ban is blocked. The company has been lobbying against the legislation and has hinted at seeking further legal action.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, signaling the app’s ongoing efforts to negotiate its future in the US.
As the deadline looms, millions of American users and content creators face uncertainty about the platform’s fate. The responsibility for enforcing the ban will fall on Trump’s attorney general, who could decide to delay or soften its implementation.
TikTok has not yet commented on the Supreme Court’s decision.