TikTok Challenges U.S. Law Mandating Divestment or Ban Before Three-Judge Panel

Sep 16, 2024, 06:31 PM

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are challenging a U.S. law that requires them to divest from their Chinese ownership or face a ban in the United States. The legal battle is being heard by a three-judge panel at a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., where TikTok is arguing that the law violates free speech protections under the First Amendment. The U.S. government contends that the law, signed by President Biden, is necessary to address national security concerns, citing the potential for the Chinese government to access user data and influence content. Judges have shown skepticism towards TikTok's arguments, questioning whether a foreign-owned company can claim First Amendment rights. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of TikTok in the U.S., with a potential ban set to take effect by mid-January 2025 if ByteDance does not divest. TikTok has 170 million users in the U.S.