TikTok warns of potential ban if US Supreme Court allows, raising national security concerns

From Investing.com: 2025-01-11 07:55:50

During Supreme Court arguments, TikTok’s lawyer warned that a law could force the sale of the app or ban it, setting a Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance to comply or face a ban on national security grounds. The law, with bipartisan support, aims to prevent Chinese government exploitation of TikTok for spying or influence. TikTok has about 170 million U.S. users. The law singles out TikTok, not other Chinese companies, raising concerns about its First Amendment implications. The Biden administration is defending the law, which Trump opposes, arguing that it is necessary to address national security risks. If the law takes effect, Apple and Google would no longer offer TikTok for new downloads, potentially making the app unusable over time. The Supreme Court debated whether TikTok could be used for covert influence campaigns or propaganda by China. Trump urged the court to delay the deadline, but the law requires significant progress toward a sale before an extension. The law allows the president to extend the deadline, but Trump does not take office until after Jan. 19. The justices questioned whether the president could choose not to enforce the law, highlighting concerns about enforcement discretion.



Read more at Investing.com: TikTok warns of broader consequences if US Supreme Court allows ban By Reuters