The future of TikTok lies in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is gearing up to hear oral arguments on Friday regarding legislation that could potentially prohibit the popular social media platform from operating within the country in less than two weeks.
Last year, President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest the platform by Sunday, January 19. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in TikTok being banned in the United States, rendering it illegal for app stores and internet hosting services to distribute the app. The legislation was prompted by concerns over national security, specifically fears that TikTok might be sharing user data from the U.S. with the Chinese government.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court agreed in December to consider oral arguments presented by TikTok against the legislation, with the platform vehemently refuting allegations of posing a national security risk. The upcoming session on Friday is scheduled just days before the potential enforcement of the ban.
Despite prior criticism of TikTok, President-elect Donald Trump has urged the Supreme Court to halt the legislation, expressing a desire to explore avenues to salvage the platform. Notably, in recent weeks, billionaire Frank McCourt and “Shark Tank” host Kevin O’Leary have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets as part of a collaborative bid known as “People’s Bid For TikTok.”
Here’s what you need to be aware of regarding the timing of TikTok’s arguments at the Supreme Court and how interested individuals can follow the proceedings from home.
What is TikTok’s argument?
TikTok is contending that the legislation enacted last year, titled the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, infringes upon the First Amendment.
When will the Supreme Court hear TikTok’s arguments?
The Supreme Court is set to convene for a public session to listen to oral arguments from TikTok at 10 a.m. EST on Friday.
When will the Supreme Court announce its decision?
Following the oral arguments on Friday, the Supreme Court could issue its decision at any time.
Can the public attend the Supreme Court hearing?
Oral arguments presented before the Supreme Court are open to the public, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals can line up outside the court building before the session begins.
According to information on the Supreme Court’s website, seating for the TikTok oral arguments will commence at 9:30 a.m. The Supreme Court building will be closed to the public once the session is underway.
For further details on courtroom seating protocols, please visit supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/courtroomseating.aspx.
Is it possible to listen to the Supreme Court arguments live?
Yes, an audio feed of the public session will be livestreamed. Interested parties can access the livestream on the Supreme Court’s official website at supremecourt.gov/default.aspx. Additionally, an audio recording and
