TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court After US Court Orders Sale by January 2025

Dec 9, 2024, 10:53 AM

A US federal appeals court has upheld a law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its US operations or face a ban by January 19, 2025. The decision intensifies the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the United States, where it has over 170 million users. TikTok has vowed to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, arguing that a ban would violate the First Amendment. The company has filed an emergency motion for an injunction to halt the ban until the Supreme Court reviews the case. TikTok warns that a ban could cost US small businesses and creators $1.3 billion in the first month. The legislation, which gained bipartisan support in Congress, reflects lawmakers' concerns over national security and data privacy, citing potential influence by the Chinese government. Meanwhile, content creators are urging followers to connect with them on rival platforms like Instagram and YouTube in anticipation of a potential ban. Former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has expressed interest in purchasing TikTok if ByteDance is forced to sell. Experts suggest that a forced sale is unlikely before the deadline, and TikTok's future may depend on impending legal battles or political decisions. Former President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to "save" TikTok, adding a new dimension to the situation.