TikTok Banned in the US .. Why ?
TikTok has stated that it will be “forced” to cease operations in the United States on Sunday, January 19.
If Joe Biden administration doesn’t prevent the enforcement of a law banning the platform unless its Chinese owner agrees to sell it.
The US Supreme Court upheld a law on Friday that bans TikTok in the United States.
Potentially cutting off 170 million users from the video-sharing app on January 19.
In its ruling, the court found that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government has expressed legitimate national security concerns about the app’s ownership by a Chinese company.
The judges stated:
“There is no doubt that TikTok provides over 170 million Americans with a distinctive and extensive platform for expression.
A means for socialization, and a source of community.
But Congress has determined that its sale is necessary to address its well-founded national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data practices.
And its relationship with a foreign adversary.”
Trump Insists
President-elect Donald Trump insisted that the decision to uphold the ban must be respected.
But that he “should be given time” to decide whether to enforce the rule.
Trump had also discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform:
“The Supreme Court’s decision was expected, and everyone should respect it.
I will make my decision on TikTok in the near future.
But I should be given time to review the situation.
Stay tuned!”
Following the ruling, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden stated that it is up to Trump to decide whether to enforce the law.
Despite the court’s ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked the president-elect.
Due to his “commitment to working with us to find a solution”
Adding that Trump “truly understands our platform.”
TikTok has lobbied heavily to prevent the law from being enforced.
While Chew will attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Apple and Google Removes TikTok From Their App Stores
The law requires Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores and prevent new downloads.
Companies could face penalties of up to $5,000 for each user who can still access the app.
Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, would also be legally obligated to enforce the ban.
None of the companies have responded to requests for comment.
The law allows for a 90-day delay if the White House can demonstrate progress toward a viable deal
But ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has firmly rejected any sale.
$20 billion for TikTok’s US operations
Frank McCourt, the former owner of Los Angeles Dodgers, made an offer to buy TikTok’s US operations.
He said that he was “ready to work with the company and President Trump to complete the deal.”
Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary, who was involved in the bid, told Fox News that ByteDance was offered $20 billion for TikTok’s US operations.
He acknowledged the legal uncertainty surrounding the issue.
Questioning whether an executive order from Trump halting the ban would override the law.
Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, warned that “Congress wrote this law to be nearly presidential-proof.”
On January 17, Emirati chivalry is most evident, a day that consolidates national cohesion between the leadership and the people and affirms the strength and ability of the #UAE to face challenges. On this day, we renew our pledge of loyalty and belonging to our beloved country.… pic.twitter.com/5hTm9auLyU
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) January 17, 2025
Cornell law professor Sarah Kreps said:
“If an executive order conflicts with an existing law, the law prevails, and the courts can overturn the order.”
If TikTok stopped, its competitors in the United States will benefit.
Thousands of worried TikTok users have been preemptively downloading a Chinese app called “Xiao Hong Shu,” meaning “Little Red Book”.
This app is similar to Instagram.
US users have dubbed it “Red Note,” and it was the most downloaded app on the Apple App Store in the US this week.
