TikTok Seeks Court Intervention to Prevent Potential Ban
TikTok has filed a request with a federal appeals court to block the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could potentially lead to a ban on the popular social media platform. The law in question requires ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to divest its stakes in TikTok or face prohibition in the United States.
This legal action follows a recent ruling by a panel of three judges who deemed the law constitutional, prompting TikTok’s appeal. The company claims that if the law is not overturned, it will be forced to shut down operations by January 19, 2025, affecting its 170 million American users.
The potential impact of a shutdown is significant. TikTok estimates that a one-month closure could result in the loss of approximately one-third of its daily U.S. users. Additionally, the company projects a 29% decrease in its targeted global advertising revenue for the following year. The threat of a ban is also expected to lead to talent loss as employees may seek more stable employment opportunities elsewhere.
TikTok’s legal team argues that the case merits Supreme Court review due to its unprecedented nature involving social media platforms and government actions related to national security. Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court may indeed choose to weigh in on this high-profile case.
The company’s attorneys have requested the appeals court to decide on an enforcement pause by December 16. They argue that such a delay would allow the incoming administration to reassess its position, potentially mooting the impending harms and negating the need for Supreme Court intervention.
However, the Department of Justice plans to oppose TikTok’s request for an enforcement pause. Justice officials suggest that a swift denial of TikTok’s request would provide the Supreme Court with more time to consider the case if necessary.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, with potential far-reaching consequences for millions of users and the broader social media landscape.
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