The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Friday regarding the law that could potentially ban TikTok in the United States. The popular social media platform has challenged the law, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. The U.S. government has raised concerns about TikTok's Chinese ownership, citing national security risks.
The law, which is scheduled to take effect on January 19, requires TikTok to be sold in order to continue operating in the country. Both Republican and Democratic-appointed judges on an appeals court have upheld the law, leading to the case being brought before the Supreme Court.
Key Points to Consider:
Is TikTok Currently Banned? TikTok is not banned at the moment, but the Supreme Court's decision could lead to its shutdown in less than two weeks.
When Will the Supreme Court Decide? The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision promptly after the arguments on Friday. The court's conservative majority may provide insights into their stance during the oral arguments.
Trump's Involvement: President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in 'saving TikTok' and has sought to negotiate a deal for its sale. However, TikTok's parent company has stated that it has no plans to sell.
Other Perspectives: Free-speech advocacy groups have urged the court to block the law, emphasizing the lack of credible evidence of harm. On the contrary, Sen. Mitch McConnell and 22 states support the law, citing data protection and national security concerns.
As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on the TikTok ban, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of the social media platform in the United States.
Follow the latest updates on the U.S. Supreme Court's proceedings at AP's Supreme Court coverage.
