TikTok asks the Supreme Court for an emergency order to block a US ban unless it's sold
NPR Online News2 days
TikTok Seeks Supreme Court Aid to Block Imminent US Ban
Above: The TikTok logo is displayed on an iPhone screen on Dec. 6, 2024 in San Anselmo, CA. Image copyright: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
TikTok filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking to prevent a nationwide ban on the platform that would take effect on Jan. 19 if it fails to divest from Chinese parent company ByteDance.
The law, signed by President Biden in April, requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity. Any change in ownership will affect the platform's approximately 170M American users, with some arguing it could result in over $1B of revenue loss to small businesses.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The proposed ban represents an unprecedented violation of free speech rights and would silence millions of Americans who use the platform for political discourse, commerce, and artistic expression. The government's national security concerns are speculative and don't justify such extreme measures that would devastate small businesses and content creators.
Pro-establishment narrative
The government must act to protect Americans from a foreign adversary's ability to collect sensitive data and covertly manipulate public opinion. TikTok's ownership structure poses a significant national security threat that requires immediate action to safeguard US interests.
Metaculus Prediction
Public figures in this story
The Controversies
Go Deeper
Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!