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TikTok is a social media app that has become wildly popular among users in the United States, with approximately 170 million people using the platform. However, a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court has put the future of the app in jeopardy.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that TikTok poses a threat to national security, agreeing with the US Congress and the Department of Justice that the Chinese-owned app could be used by the Chinese government as a means of influencing and controlling American citizens. As a result of this ruling, TikTok may be banned in the United States, with the app no longer being available for download in app stores beginning on Sunday.
TikTok has responded to the ruling by stating that it will be forced to “go dark” in the United States on January 19 unless the incoming Biden administration provides assurances that the ban will not be enforced. The app has criticized the Biden administration for failing to provide clear statements regarding the enforcement of the ban, which has created uncertainty for service providers such as Apple and Google who could potentially face fines under the legislation.
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The US Justice Department has defended the ban, stating that TikTok poses a national security concern and could be weaponized by the Chinese government. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the Supreme Court’s decision for protecting the country from foreign threats, emphasizing the risks of Chinese control over TikTok.
Critics of the ban, including creators, first amendment activists, and civil rights groups, argue that the ban amounts to censorship and sets a dangerous precedent in the US. They believe that TikTok should have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and that the ban infringes upon those rights.
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TikTok has the option of divesting or selling its assets to a non-Chinese corporation in order to comply with the ban. However, the app has stated that divestment is not feasible for commercial, technological, or legal reasons, making it difficult for TikTok to comply with the ban.
Former President Trump has weighed in on the issue, filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court requesting that the ban be paused. Trump has expressed his willingness to work with TikTok and US politicians to reach an agreement that would allow the app to continue operating in the US.
As the deadline for the ban approaches, there is uncertainty regarding whether the ban will be enforced. President Biden’s press secretary has indicated that the Biden administration believes TikTok should remain available to Americans but under American ownership to address national security concerns. Biden’s administration acknowledges that it may not have the opportunity to implement the ban before the next administration takes office.
In light of the ongoing legal battle over TikTok’s future in the US, the fate of the app remains uncertain. It is unclear whether TikTok will be able to continue operating in the US or if it will be forced to shut down on January 19. The app’s future hangs in the balance as it waits for a final decision from the incoming Biden administration.
