WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Friday regarding a law that could potentially ban the social media platform TikTok. The fate of the popular app hangs in the balance as the justices consider its constitutionality.
TikTok contends that the law infringes upon the First Amendment and should be invalidated. The app’s parent company, based in China, has raised concerns about national security threats posed by the app’s operations. The U.S. government argues that the company could be compelled by Chinese authorities to disclose sensitive data on American users or manipulate information on the platform.
An appeals court has upheld the law, which mandates the sale of TikTok to avoid a ban. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 19, just before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has a substantial following on the platform.
Key points to note about the case include the current status of the ban, the bipartisan support for the law in Congress, and the potential impact on TikTok users and content creators if the ban is enforced.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a swift decision after Friday’s arguments, with the possibility of providing insights on their stance during the proceedings. TikTok’s legal team is seeking intervention before the law goes into effect, citing significant financial losses and user decline that could result from a shutdown.
Former President Trump has expressed interest in negotiating a deal for the sale of TikTok, urging the Supreme Court to postpone the law’s implementation. Various groups, including free-speech advocates and lawmakers, have voiced their opinions on the matter, with differing views on the law’s implications for national security and free speech rights.
For more updates on the Supreme Court’s proceedings, visit https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.
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