In a significant case at the intersection of free speech and national security, the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding the fate of TikTok, a widely used social media platform in the United States. TikTok has announced its intention to shut down in the U.S. by Jan. 19 unless the Supreme Court intervenes in a law requiring the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company.
President-elect Donald Trump has requested the court to allow time for a 'political resolution' to be reached, a departure from his previous support for a ban on TikTok. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for free speech rights and the livelihoods of content creators and users.
The Biden administration, defending the law signed by President Joe Biden in April, argues that Chinese control of TikTok poses a serious national security threat. However, TikTok contends that there is no evidence of China using the platform for malicious purposes.
A panel of appellate judges upheld the law in December, rejecting First Amendment claims. The court is hearing arguments just days before the law is set to take effect, adding to the urgency of the case.
Lawyers for Trump have urged the court to temporarily prevent the TikTok ban while refraining from a final decision, emphasizing Trump's ability to negotiate a resolution. The court session is expected to be lengthy, with experienced lawyers presenting arguments from various perspectives.
The court will need to determine the level of scrutiny to apply to the law, with implications for its constitutionality. A decision is anticipated in the coming days as the court grapples with the complex issues raised by the case.
Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court for updates on this developing story.
