SC Backs Law Calling For Sale Or Outright Ban Of TikTok In U.S.

The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against TikTok, rejecting the social media platform’s First Amendment challenge to a law that effectively bans its operations in the United States starting Sunday.

Despite TikTok’s legal arguments suggesting alternative measures, the court sided with the government, emphasizing the law targets ownership rather than speech. I Photo: TikTok Facebook

The decision, reported by Adam Liptak for The New York Times, signals a major blow to the app, which serves as a primary source of entertainment and community for 170 million Americans, particularly younger users.

“There is no doubt that TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression,” the ruling stated.

“But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties to a foreign adversary.”

The law, signed by President Biden last spring, was prompted by concerns about the Chinese government’s potential access to sensitive information and ability to disseminate propaganda.

Despite TikTok’s legal arguments suggesting alternative measures, the court sided with the government, emphasizing the law targets ownership rather than speech.

The ruling follows arguments heard just last week, expedited in part due to political pressure. President-elect Donald Trump claimed he could negotiate a resolution, while the Biden administration indicated it would not enforce the ban on Sunday, Biden's final full day in office.