The court heard oral arguments on TikTok’s bid to block a law that would lead to its ban in the U.S. starting Jan. 19 if it isn’t sold by its Chinese owner.

Summary

The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a U.S. law requiring TikTok’s China-based owner, ByteDance, to divest ownership, potentially banning the app.

While TikTok and users argue the law violates First Amendment rights, justices leaned toward national security concerns about China’s access to American user data.

Chief Justice Roberts noted Congress’s findings on ByteDance’s ties to Chinese intelligence.

TikTok argued the law is unprecedented and impacts free speech, but Solicitor General Prelogar downplayed claims of operational shutdown.

A decision is imminent, and political complexities remain, including potential divestiture negotiations.

  • @DarkFutureEnglish
    15•15 days ago

    Come on TikTok. Just buy the justices some RVs or pay their family’s rents/mortgages. Have you learned nothing?

    • @MrMcGasion
      6•15 days ago

      Trump already asked them to delay the ban until after he gets into office (politico article source). This might say less about his promises, and more about the Supreme Court not being as much in his pocket as he thinks.

      • FiveMacs
        7•15 days ago

        Because he wants them to pay him, to remain unbanned.