Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban, Citing National Security Risks
The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the controversial TikTok ban may take effect this weekend, rejecting an appeal from the app’s owners that claimed the move violated the First Amendment. The court’s unsigned opinion, delivered without noted dissents, emphasized national security concerns tied to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and its relationship with the Chinese government.
The decision allows the ban, which begins Sunday, to move forward despite uncertainty about how it will be enforced. The court acknowledged TikTok’s role as a platform for expression and community for 170 million Americans but prioritized Congress’s focus on protecting sensitive user data from foreign adversaries.
President-elect Donald Trump now faces the decision of enforcing or potentially reversing the ban. Speaking with CNN, Trump said, “Congress has given me the decision, so I’ll be making the decision,” signaling a pivotal moment for the popular app’s fate.
The Biden administration, which supported the ban, has indicated it will leave implementation to Trump. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, hinting at potential negotiations to delay or extend the ban, particularly as Congress discusses giving the company more time to find a U.S.-based buyer.
The court’s ruling highlights concerns about TikTok’s extensive data collection practices, including fears of user data being used for blackmail or content manipulation by the Chinese government. The justices noted the narrow focus of their decision, emphasizing that TikTok’s scale and susceptibility to foreign influence warranted unique consideration.
While TikTok may “go dark” when the ban takes effect, the app’s future remains uncertain, as legal, political, and business developments unfold.