Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, U.S. users to lose access on Sunday. The Supreme Court has upheld a law mandating that ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, divest its ownership of the popular social video app by Sunday. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok could face an effective ban in the United States.
Despite the looming deadline, ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok, which could result in millions of U.S. users losing access to the app.
While those who already have TikTok on their devices may still be able to use it, ByteDance has indicated it might shut the app down entirely.
The Supreme Court’s decision supports the Biden administration and the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024. The law stipulates penalties for third-party internet service providers, such as Apple and Google, that support a ByteDance-owned TikTok after the January 19 deadline.
If providers comply, TikTok will be removed from app stores, preventing new downloads and essential updates that keep the app functional.
TikTok’s Future Hinges on Incoming Administration
TikTok’s future in the U.S. now depends on President-elect Donald Trump. In December, Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay the law’s implementation, seeking time for his administration to negotiate a resolution. Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for Monday, just one day after the deadline for TikTok’s sale.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is among the tech leaders expected to attend the inauguration, signaling the app’s high-stakes position in ongoing political discussions.
Congressional Pressure and Legal Battles
In December, members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party urged Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai to prepare for compliance with the law.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from TikTok representatives, content creators, and U.S. government lawyers.
TikTok’s attorney, Noel Francisco, argued that the law infringes on the First Amendment rights of TikTok’s 170 million American users.
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar countered, emphasizing the national security risks posed by TikTok’s alleged ties to China through ByteDance.
Alternatives and Contingency Plans
Meanwhile, Chinese app RedNote, a TikTok alternative, has surged to the top of Apple’s app store as users explore substitutes.
Bloomberg News F that the Chinese government is also considering contingency plans, including a potential acquisition of TikTok’s U.S. operations by Elon Musk.