The US Supreme Court ruled Friday to allow a controversial TikTok ban to take effect this weekend, despite an appeal from the app’s owners claiming it violated the First Amendment, according to US media.
The unsigned opinion did not include any dissents. This decision follows concerns raised by the Joe Biden administration, which has warned that TikTok poses a national security threat due to its ties to China.
The ruling allows the ban to start on Sunday, though the logistics of how it will be enforced remain unclear, as there is no precedent for the government blocking a major social media platform.
The court acknowledged that TikTok serves as a significant platform for expression and community for millions of Americans but emphasiSed national security concerns as the deciding factor in its decision.
Congress has called for divestiture to address these concerns, particularly regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and its relationship with China. The court referenced these national security issues as central to its ruling.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has signalled that the decision is ultimately his, suggesting he may intervene to reverse or delay the ban.
He confirmed speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok and other issues, hinting at his intent to engage in efforts to save the app. In contrast, the Biden administration indicated it would leave enforcement of the ban to Trump’s incoming administration.
With the ban scheduled to take effect just before Trump’s inauguration, TikTok has warned that it may “go dark.” Despite this, some members of Congress are pushing for more time for TikTok to find a buyer, which could lead Trump to delay the ban.
If extended, the president has 90 days to decide, contingent on progress in a potential sale of the app, though TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has not shown interest in selling.
