In a significant legal development, the United States Supreme Court has unanimously upheld a federal law that mandates the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to an approved buyer by January 19, or face a ban in the US. The decision follows concerns from the US government over national security threats posed by the popular app, which boasts 170 million users across the country. The law, passed with bipartisan support in Congress and signed into action by President Joe Biden in April, aims to address fears that the app's algorithm is susceptible to manipulation by Chinese authorities.
The legislation stipulates that if TikTok is not sold to an approved buyer within the specified timeframe, internet hosting services will be prohibited from hosting the app. Moreover, new users would be unable to download TikTok or receive updates, although existing users could continue to use it until it becomes unworkable, a view supported by the Justice Department. The sale of TikTok appears challenging due to Chinese laws restricting the transfer of its proprietary algorithm, which is key to its success.
The law also provides for a 90-day pause in the restrictions on TikTok if significant progress toward a sale is made before the deadline. However, as of now, a sale does not seem imminent. This situation leaves TikTok's vast user base in limbo, with potential disruptions looming unless a deal is struck soon.
The Biden administration has signaled a reluctance to enforce the law starting Sunday, January 20, coinciding with President Trump's final full day in office. Despite this, the Supreme Court's decision marks the culmination of a yearslong saga in Washington concerning TikTok and its alleged ties to Beijing.
TikTok has consistently denied accusations that it could serve as a tool for Chinese authorities. Nonetheless, the app's algorithm remains a focal point of concern, as it shapes what users see and can potentially be manipulated. These apprehensions have led to heightened scrutiny and regulatory actions aimed at safeguarding US national security interests.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching. If TikTok is banned, it would mark one of the most significant moves by the US government to restrict a major social media platform based on security concerns. This could set a precedent for how other foreign-owned apps are treated in the future.
