Supreme Court backs the new law demanding ByteDance divest TikTok or cease operations, leaving 170 million users in limbo.
January 18, 2025: TikTok, the popular social media app, has announced that it will “go dark” in the United States on Sunday, January 19, unless the Biden administration provides assurances that the recently upheld law requiring its ban won’t lead to punitive measures for service providers.
Also Read: US Supreme Court Approves TikTok Ban Amid National Security Concerns
In a statement following the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, TikTok emphasized the lack of clarity and assurances from the White House and Department of Justice. “Unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers, TikTok will be forced to go dark,” the statement said.
Also Read: Elon Musk To Buy TikTok? Chinese Consider US Takeover Amid Looming Ban
Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications
The US Supreme Court upheld a law supported by President Joe Biden and Congress, mandating ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to either sell its US operations or halt services by January 19. The court cited national security concerns linked to TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties with Chinese ownership.
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ByteDance and the Chinese government have categorically rejected the divestment demands, with Beijing labeling the law as an act of theft. The court’s decision noted TikTok’s significant role as a platform for over 170 million Americans but supported Congress’s stance on addressing national security risks.
Mixed Responses from the Administration
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, President Biden’s administration has announced it won’t enforce the law immediately, leaving the decision to the incoming administration under Donald Trump. Trump, opposing the ban, hinted at seeking alternatives while acknowledging the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice signaled that implementing the law would be a gradual process, hinting at delays in enforcement.
TikTok’s Legal and Strategic Moves
TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked President Trump for his willingness to find a resolution, underscoring the platform’s commitment to collaboration. However, TikTok’s legal counsel, Noel Francisco, warned of the platform’s imminent shutdown if no progress is made by Sunday.
The law also compels Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, with potential penalties of $5,000 per user who accesses the app after the ban.
Industry Repercussions
The TikTok ban could benefit competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, but many creators have expressed concerns about losing TikTok’s unique platform advantages.
“Making videos and reaching people on TikTok is so much easier than on other platforms,” said influencer Nathan Espinoza, who boasts over 500,000 followers.
Courtney Spritzer, head of Socialfly, highlighted the uncertainty among advertisers and creators. “While some are preparing for a shutdown, others remain hopeful,” she noted.
With the law allowing a potential 90-day delay to work out a resolution, stakeholders are closely watching for any last-minute developments.
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TikTok US ban, ByteDance divestment, Supreme Court ruling, Biden administration, Donald Trump TikTok policy, social media ban, TikTok creators, US-China tensions
