The Supreme Court approved a law on Friday that could potentially prohibit TikTok in the United States, where it has 170 million users, starting this Sunday.
The court’s decision against TikTok highlights that the law does not violate freedom of speech and validates the U.S. government’s apprehensions about the app’s Chinese ownership.
ByteDance argued in court last week that the new rule should be delayed as it infringes on freedom of speech.
Last year, the US Congress mostly passed a law mandating that the Chinese company sell TikTok or stop operating in the country by January 19.
The judges stated on Friday that TikTok provides a significant avenue for self-expression, participation, and community-building for over 170 million Americans.
Congress has decided that the transfer is needed to deal with its valid national security worries regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and its association with a foreign adversary.
The ban’s expiration date remains set for Sunday despite calls for a delay from various legislators and officials.
Future of TikTok
The law in question was created in response to the common belief in Washington that China is using TikTok for spying or propaganda.
The White House officials told reporters on Friday that they would not enforce the ban, instead leaving the decision to President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, the day after the possible veto.
Trump stated that he talked about the TikTok matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone call on Friday.