TikTok is one step closer to facing a ban in the United States after losing its bid to block a law requiring the platform to be sold. On Friday, a US appeals court upheld the law, ruling it does not violate the First or Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.
The ruling gives TikTok until January 19, 2025, to convince its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or find a buyer. If not, the platform could be banned.
TikTok argued the law infringes on the free speech rights of its 170 million American users. Michael Hughes, TikTok’s spokesperson, announced plans to appeal the decision, stating that TikTok believes the Supreme Court will protect Americans’ right to free speech. He criticized the law, calling it “flawed” and “hypothetical” and warned that banning TikTok would silence millions of voices.
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, requires TikTok to change ownership to address concerns about national security. Lawmakers fear ByteDance could share user data with the Chinese government or use TikTok’s algorithm to influence public opinion. TikTok claims it has taken steps to resolve these concerns, including negotiating with US officials, but the court sided with the government, citing significant security risks.
Although this ruling is a setback, TikTok still has options. If it appeals to the Supreme Court and loses, the ban could become reality, reshaping the social media landscape in the US. Platforms like Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat could benefit, while creators and businesses that depend on TikTok might struggle.
Supporters of TikTok, including the ACLU, argue the ban violates users’ First Amendment rights. However, the US government insists the law is necessary to protect national security. The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain as legal battles and political developments continue.
