The United States Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the country, a decision set to impact around 170 million users. The ruling, delivered on Friday, declared that the ban does not violate free speech rights and supported the government’s concerns over national security.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, had argued that the law was unconstitutional, but the justices disagreed, citing worries about data collection and the company’s ties to China.
“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court stated. However, it concluded that the government’s national security concerns outweighed these benefits.
The ban is set to take effect on January 19, though some lawmakers and officials have called for more time to negotiate an alternative solution. ByteDance will need to sell TikTok to an American company or face a complete shutdown in the United States.
Concerns about TikTok’s potential use for spying or propaganda by the Chinese government have fueled the legislation, which was passed by Congress last year.
Despite the ruling, White House officials indicated they would leave the enforcement of the ban to incoming President Donald Trump, who assumes office a day after the ban starts. Trump has been vocal about TikTok’s role in his campaign but has also emphasized the importance of protecting user data.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump’s incoming national security advisor, Mike Waltz, said measures could be implemented to keep TikTok operational if a "viable deal" is being negotiated. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also urged for more time, emphasizing the app’s importance to many users and influencers.
If the ban proceeds, Apple and Google will be instructed to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing further downloads. TikTok has announced it would suspend operations in the U.S. if no resolution is reached.
The fate of TikTok now rests on the incoming administration’s actions. Trump has promised to explore ways to save the app, but it remains unclear if a deal will be reached before the deadline.
