Supreme Court Likely to Uphold Law That Could Ban TikTok in U.S.

What Happened?

The Supreme Court on Friday appeared likely to uphold a law during oral arguments that would effectively ban video-sharing media platform app TikTok in the U.S.

Justices reportedly expressed skepticism about the company's legal challenge with less than two weeks until the platform could be shut out of U.S. app stores.

'Congress is fine with the expression. They're not fine with a foreign adversary, as they've determined it is, gathering all this information about the 170 million people who use TikTok,' Chief Justice John Roberts reportedly said during arguments that exceeded over two hours.

The Supreme Court agreed on Dec. 18 to hear appeal arguments by TikTok that challenged the federal law.

ByteDance and TikTok allege that the banning of its platform 'will shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration.'

The bipartisan measure was signed into law by President Joe Biden.

During arguments, his administration reportedly argued that TikTok’s 'immense data set' would give China 'a powerful tool for harassment, recruitment, and espionage.'

Why it Matters

There remains uncertainty about how the court will rule on the case, considering President-elect Donald Trump's change in position.

Trump filed a brief on Dec. 27 asking the Supreme Court to consider staying the Act’s deadline so he can 'pursue a political resolution.'

He is set to take office a day after the law would take effect if the matter isn't resolved by the Jan. 19 deadline.

One of the main issues at hand is the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The measure 'prohibits distributing, maintaining, or providing internet hosting services for a foreign adversary controlled application.'

This signaled TikTok as an example of concern about the possibility of the Chinese government spying on Americans through the app.

As a result, ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, would have to sell the platform to an American company or face a ban in the U.S.

But TikTok challenges the law, stating it violates its free speech rights under the First Amendment.

Trump, who once viewed TikTok as a national security risk, has grown a 'warm spot' for the app.

He also credited the app for helping him win over a population of young voters during the 2024 Presidential Election.

How it Affects You

The Supreme Court decision can effectively impact roughly 170 million Americans who utilize TikTok.

Over one million content creators who earn a living through the app are also awaiting the outcome of this matter.

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary told Yahoo Finance that he and his team of investors are willing to pay up to $20 billion for the popular app, calling it a 'legacy opportunity.'

Although the measure would comply with U.S. lawmakers, the Chinese-owned company has remained firm on not selling to a U.S. buyer.

The arguments of free speech versus national security will essentially boil down in the coming days following the Higher Court's decision.