The TikTok ban in the U.S. has been an ongoing case since 2020 due to national security threats. The potential ban of the app is set for January 2025. Early this month, the Byte-Dance-owned company argued that the ban due to “flawed, speculative concerns” goes against Americans’ rights to free speech. In the new development of this case, the Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok’s argument.
National security concerns
The law at the center of this case, the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, aims to disallow apps like TikTok that are owned by companies tied to foreign governments. In accordance with this law, ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, must sell the app or face a ban in the United States before January 19, 2025.
Supporters of the law argue it is a necessary step to protect national security. They claim apps controlled by foreign companies could pose risks, including data collection and manipulation. The U.S. Department of Justice has defended the law as a critical safeguard to protect the country’s security against foreign influence.
TikTok’s response and the concerns of creators
TikTok, however, strongly opposes the ban. The company argues that the law violates free speech rights and is unfairly targeting its platform. A group of creators has joined TikTok to defend their cases in the Supreme Court, saying the ban would hurt their businesses and ability to express themselves online.
The Supreme Court will combine both cases into a single case and give TikTok and the creators two hours to make their arguments. The decision could set a major precedent for how the U.S. regulates foreign-owned tech platforms. With millions of users and creators at stake, the outcome will shape TikTok’s future in the country and influence debates on digital security and free speech.