What this means for TikTok days before the ban is scheduled to go into effect
With a January 19 deadline looming, the wildly popular social media app TikTok faces an existential crisis as it faces a ban in the United States. At the heart of this high-stakes drama is the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face an outright ban.
Also read: TikTok ban: Why this remains a challenge to fully implement
While lawmakers cite concerns about potential Chinese government access to user data, TikTok staunchly denies the allegations, pointing to its rigorous data protection measures and global transparency efforts.
Now, a week after the US Supreme Court held oral arguments where the company claimed that the is a breach of Americans’ right to free speech, the court has handed down its decision upholding the new law. This clears the way for the ban to go ahead on Sunday. As the clock ticks, all eyes are on TikTok and the geopolitical chessboard this saga represents.
What did the Supreme Court say in its ruling?
In an unsigned, unanimous decision, the Supreme Court acknowledged both sides of the argument, but ultimately decided to side with the government. The ruling reads: “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. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary…[W]e conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”
What will happen if and when the TikTok ban goes into effect on January 19?
Unless ByteDance finds a buyer for its US operations, TikTok would be removed from US app stores, halting new downloads and updates. For existing users, a slow decline in app performance is expected as updates cease. Video creators who monetise their uploads will need to shift to other platforms.
Also read: Is banning TikTok—and other social media—the right way to protect children?