 "As per the recently pased law, TikTok must be sold to a US-based company by the January deadline to avoid being removed from major app stores like Apple and Google. However, no buyer has stepped up to seal the deal, and time is running dangerously short. Image Credit: Reuters")
TikTok has made a last-ditch plea to the US Supreme Court, asking it to temporarily block a law that could see the wildly popular app banned in the United States. The emergency request, filed on Monday, comes after a lower court refused to put the brakes on the impending law. With time running out, TikTok hopes the Supreme Court will step in and prevent the ban while it can continue challenging its legalities.
At the heart of the fight is the claim that the ban would violate TikTok’s First Amendment rights, along with those of its 170 million American users. The law is set to take effect on 19 January, putting immense pressure on TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to find a solution fast.
A race against the clock
The ban stems from concerns over TikTok’s alleged ties to Chinese ownership and fears of foreign influence. Under the new law, the app must be sold to a US-based company by the January deadline to avoid being removed from major app stores like Apple and Google. However, no buyer has stepped up to seal the deal, and time is running dangerously short.
If TikTok fails to comply, app stores and internet service providers could face hefty fines for hosting the platform. The legislation does offer a slim reprieve: the sitting president can grant a one-time extension. However, with President-elect Donald Trump not taking office until 20 January, there’s uncertainty about how things might play out.
Trump’s take on TikTok
Trump’s stance on TikTok has been far from consistent. While he’s previously pushed for bans and forced sales, he’s now signalling a softer tone. At a recent press conference, he hinted that he has a “warm spot” for the app, especially given its massive popularity with younger voters. However, he stopped short of outlining any clear plan.
Adding to the intrigue, Trump recently held a meeting with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, at his Florida estate. While details remain under wraps, it’s believed to be part of ongoing efforts by TikTok to find a way forward and potentially avoid the ban altogether.
What’s next for TikTok?
The Supreme Court’s decision is now the most critical factor in TikTok’s future. If the court grants TikTok’s request, the ban could be temporarily paused, buying the company more time to fight its case. If not, the platform could disappear from US app stores within weeks.
As TikTok continues to navigate political and legal minefields, its millions of American fans are left wondering if their favourite app will soon vanish. For now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court and whether it’ll give TikTok the lifeline it desperately needs.