US Supreme Court rules TikTok can be banned, future of Chinese app in limbo

Chinese video-sharing app TikTok, already banned in India, is one of the most prominent social media platforms in the United States, used by about 270 million Americans - roughly half the country's population.

In Short

• TikTak law doesn't infringe on free speech, says US Supreme Court
• TikTok to be banned unless ByteDance divests US arm by Sunday
• TikTok's ties to China seen as national security threat in the US

The Supreme Court of the United States on Friday issued a verdict against Chinese social media platform TikTok by upholding the federal law that could potentially lead to the video-sharing app being banned in the country.

During a hearing earlier in the day, a top court bench noted that the law, passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress last year and approved by outgoing President Joe Biden, does not infringe upon the First Amendment's protection against government restrictions on free speech.

Justices handed down an unsigned opinion and there were reportedly no noted dissents. The top court decision, which was prompted by warnings from the Biden administration that the video-sharing app is a 'grave' threat to national security due to its links with China, paves the way for the ban to take effect starting Sunday (January 19).

As per the law signed by Biden, TikTok faces a ban from US app stores unless the Chinese parent company ByteDance Ltd. divests its American arm before Sunday.

The Supreme Court moved swiftly in the TikTok ban case, holding arguments on January 10 — just nine days before the statutory deadline in the country. The case highlighted a clash between free speech rights and national security concerns in the era of social media.

TikTok, already banned in India, stands out as one of the leading social media platforms in the United States with approximately 270 million users — nearly half the country's population, with many being young users. The app's success lies in its sophisticated algorithm, which delivers customised short videos to users based on their preferences.

The Biden administration has stressed that the law is aimed at addressing the app's control by a foreign adversary rather than restricting free speech. Officials have stated that TikTok could continue its operations unchanged if it were separated from Chinese ownership.

Justice Department Attorney Elizabeth Prelogar warned during the court hearing that TikTok's ties to the Chinese government "pose a significant threat to US national security". Furthermore, she highlighted concerns about China's efforts to collect vast amounts of sensitive data on Americans and conduct covert influence operations, news agency Reuters reported.

Prelogar argued that companies like ByteDance are compelled by Chinese law to discreetly provide user data and comply with government directives, raising serious security implications.

Notably, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will attend Trump's inauguration on Monday (January 20), seated among other high-profile invitees.