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Eight TikTok Creators Sue U.S. Government Over First Amendment Violation in Ban Law

May 15, 2024, 12:00 AM

Eight TikTok content creators have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. federal government, challenging a new law that mandates the sale or ban of the popular video-sharing app. The creators argue that the law, signed by President Joe Biden, violates their First Amendment rights. The law requires TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a ban. This legal action follows a similar lawsuit filed by TikTok itself last week. The creators, who rely on the platform for various purposes including self-expression, advocacy, and livelihood, contend that national security claims should not override constitutional rights. The lawsuit was filed on May 7, following an April foreign aid package. Legal experts Nick Frisch and Dan Wang have commented on the broader implications of the ban. The creators are represented by the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine.