The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously to prohibit TikTok in the country, with the ban taking effect on Sunday, January 19th.
TikTok’s activities in the United States must cease by the end of the week due to a 2024 law signed by President Biden prohibiting Chinese social networks from operating in the country.
What you should be aware of
- The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously voted to prohibit TikTok in the United States.
- The application must be shut down by January 19, 2024.
Congress believes that selling TikTok is important to address national security issues regarding data collection and its connections with a foreign adversary, showing a heightened worry about the privacy and security of American citizens’ information.
Last year, a TikTok lawyer challenged the government’s decision, contending that the ban should not be permitted. Despite initial indications favoring the government, the unanimous ruling came as a surprise to all.
Challenges and potential remedies
NBC News previously stated that President Biden was considering options to ensure TikTok remains in operation despite the ban. Administration officials clarified that there would not be a sudden ban on TikTok on Sunday, and now, with the Supreme Court’s decision, the responsibility lies with Biden, who may choose to extend the ban by 90 days.
The law PAFACA – 2024 gives the US President power to prohibit apps, especially TikTok, for national security reasons. It was widely supported when enacted but now faces scrutiny and efforts to delay or protect TikTok in the US.
One potential way to prevent prohibition is for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the app to an American company. The lack of an agreement on this matter has left the future of TikTok uncertain.
TikTok’s future and other options
If Biden chooses not to stop the ban from taking effect on Sunday, the responsibility will shift to President-elect Donald J. Trump, who will assume office on Monday. Trump has indicated a readiness to halt the ban to review potential solutions. Unless the app is extended or sold, TikTok will face a ban in the United States.
Some possible methods to get around this restriction include utilizing VPNs to reach TikTok.