Fri Jan 17 15:27:18 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Rejects TikTok’s Appeal, Paving Way for US Ban
**WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 17, 2025)** – The US Supreme Court today dealt a significant blow to TikTok, refusing to block a law mandating the sale or ban of the popular short-video app by Sunday, January 19th. The court ruled that the law, passed last year on national security grounds, does not violate the First Amendment.
The decision comes despite arguments from TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, that the ban infringes on free speech rights of its 170 million US users. The justices countered that Congress’s concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties to China, a geopolitical rival, justified the measure.
The case pitted free speech against national security concerns, highlighting the complexities of regulating social media platforms in the digital age. The Biden administration argued that the law targets the app’s Chinese ownership, not protected speech, and that TikTok could continue operating if it severed ties with ByteDance. Justice Department lawyer Elizabeth Prelogar cited concerns about China’s potential access to vast amounts of user data for espionage and influence operations.
TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, countered that the law’s real target is speech, aiming to prevent Americans from being swayed by Chinese misinformation. He argued the app is a crucial platform for free expression and that a ban would silence millions.
The ruling comes as incoming President Donald Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok, has expressed a more lenient stance, reportedly hoping for a negotiated solution. However, many of his Republican allies continue to support the ban. While Trump’s incoming national security advisor, Mike Waltz, indicated a willingness to find a solution to keep the app operational, the short timeframe leaves little room for maneuver before the Sunday deadline. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also called for an extension to allow TikTok to find an American buyer.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday. The company plans to shut down US operations on Sunday unless a last-minute reprieve is granted. The app’s 7,000 US employees and millions of users await the final outcome with bated breath.
First Piper 