A federal appeals court has rejected TikTok’s request for the Supreme Court to temporarily halt and review a law that could lead to the banning of the popular social media app in the United States. Despite this, remarks from President-elect Donald Trump suggest an uncertain future for the platform.
On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit turned down a motion from TikTok and its parent company ByteDance to suspend the law, which would prohibit the app in the U.S. if ByteDance fails to sell it before January 19, 2025. In response, TikTok and ByteDance urgently filed a request with the Supreme Court to review the law on December 9. The move came after the federal appeals court showed support for the legislation earlier in the month.
A TikTok spokesperson stated, “We intend to appeal to the Supreme Court, a body with a longstanding commitment to safeguarding Americans’ freedom of speech. Unless the TikTok ban is stopped, the voices of over 170 million Americans in the U.S. and globally will be silenced on January 19, 2025.”
Despite previously attempting to ban TikTok during his presidency, Trump expressed fondness for the app on Monday, citing its impact on engaging young voters in the 2024 election. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed by President Joe Biden, will render TikTok illegal for distribution in the U.S. if ByteDance does not sell it by January 19, 2025. The app will be barred from app stores and internet browsers, although existing users can continue using it if already downloaded.
Many government officials view TikTok as a national security concern due to concerns about ByteDance’s access to and potential sharing of American data with Chinese authorities. Both Trump and Biden have taken actions to restrict TikTok’s presence in the U.S. In response to these developments, TikTok faces an uncertain fate as legal battles continue over its operation in the country.
The TikTok app has gained widespread popularity due to its unique scrolling algorithm, which enables users to effortlessly browse through a variety of content. One of the key features of TikTok is its flexibility in video length, allowing users to create videos ranging from three seconds to 10 minutes long. Moreover, users have the option to enhance their videos by incorporating various filters, backgrounds, music, and stickers to make their content more engaging and visually appealing.
Karissa Waddick and Greta Cross, a prominent national trending reporter at USA TODAY, shed light on the potential risks facing TikTok in the United States. Greta Cross can be followed on X and Instagram @gretalcross for updates on trending topics. Additionally, for those interested in sharing a story idea or providing feedback, Greta Cross can be reached via email at gcross@gannett.com.
The fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance as concerns about its security and data privacy practices continue to mount. The looming possibility of a ban on TikTok has sparked discussions and debates regarding the reasons behind such a drastic measure and the potential timeline for its implementation.
Stay informed about the latest developments surrounding TikTok and be prepared for any changes that may impact its availability and usage in the US. Your awareness and understanding of the situation will be crucial as the story unfolds and decisions are made regarding the future of TikTok within the country.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY, providing valuable insights into the uncertain future of TikTok and the factors that could lead to its potential ban in the US. Stay tuned for updates and continue to follow the evolving story to stay informed and prepared for any changes that may lie ahead.
