The US Supreme Court has approved a law that could ban TikTok in the country unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells the app’s US operations by Sunday.
According to BBC, TikTok argued that the ban would harm free speech for its 170 million American users, but the court unanimously rejected this claim. Now, TikTok must find a buyer or face removal from app stores and online platforms.
The White House says it will be up to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday, to enforce the ban. BBC highlights that Trump plans to review the situation and make a decision soon, while ByteDance has stated it would rather shut down TikTok in the US than sell it.
Lawmakers from both political parties pushed for the ban due to concerns about TikTok’s connection to China and fears that user data could be shared with the Chinese government.
TikTok has repeatedly denied sharing any information with Beijing, but as BBC reports, the US believes the app could pose national security risks.
If the ban takes effect, TikTok will no longer be available for download, and current users won’t receive updates, which could eventually make the app unusable. BBC also notes that this law has sparked concerns among influencers and creators who rely on TikTok for income. Many have expressed fear over losing their platform, with some saying the app helped them overcome homelessness or build successful careers.
This situation is unfolding as the US grows more cautious about Chinese technology. BBC explains that officials worry about TikTok collecting data beyond the app and how it could be exploited. The law was passed to address these risks, even though TikTok insists it hasn’t been asked to share data with China.
BBC adds that the decision has sparked debates about free speech, with TikTok calling the law a violation of First Amendment rights.
While the app’s CEO hopes for a resolution, content creators feel powerless, and some accuse the government of ignoring their livelihoods.
For now, the future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance, with Sunday marking a crucial deadline.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3e18qylq5do