U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Law 'Banning' TikTok
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Posted January 17, 2025 at 6:26pm by iClarified
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled to uphold a law that will 'ban' TikTok in the United States if ByteDance does not sell the app by Sunday, January 19, 2025.
This decision follows an earlier one from the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which also unanimously ruled against ByteDance's challenge to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. 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. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners' First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed.
The White House issued the following statement after the ruling.
--- The Administration, like the rest of the country, has awaited the decision just made by the U.S. Supreme Court on the TikTok matter. President Biden's position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the President's desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday. ---
Incoming President Donald Trump also commented on the ruling:
"The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!"
Additionally, Trump said he spoke with Chairman Xi Jinping of China about TikTok:
"I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!"
It's likely that after entering office, Trump will push for the sale of TikTok to a U.S. entity; however, it remains to be seen if a TikTok ban will be enforced until then.