Supreme Court Upholds Law Set to Ban TikTok in the U.S.

What Happened?

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law on Friday that is set to ban the popular video-sharing media platform TikTok in the U.S.

In a 27-page unsigned opinion, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch wrote separately, 'We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate the petitioners' First Amendment rights.'

The decision comes after the bipartisan measure called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was passed by Congress last April.

The law stated that the ownership of TikTok by China-based parent company ByteDance posed a national security risk.

As a result, TikTok would have to be sold to an American company or face a U.S. ban.

The High Court did acknowledge in its opinion the effects this may have on more than 170 million American TikTok users.

However, the court added, '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.'

TikTok confirmed late Friday in a statement that it would go dark Sunday unless the Biden administration intervened. With no intervention, the app became unavailable to U.S. users, from Saturday.

Why it Matters

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had called for the delay of the pending ban during floor remarks on Thursday to allow TikTok more time to find an American buyer.

Schumer added the security risks that TikTok presents under current ownership cannot be ignored.

President Joe Biden also reportedly explored options Thursday on how it can avoid the app from being shut down.

Analysts have reportedly estimated $40 billion to $50 billion as the likely asking price for the app to be acquired under U.S. ownership.

TikTok has remained firm on not selling to a U.S. buyer and has challenged the law under the First Amendment.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office one day after the Jan. 19 ban, is reportedly considering an executive order to suspend enforcement of the measure for two to three months.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew reportedly is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration.

It is still unclear what options Trump may have once sworn in as president on Monday.

How it Affects You

The law allowed for a 90-day pause in the restrictions on the app if the process of a sale had occurred before the ban.

Over one million content creators who earn a living through the app are pending these effects.

TikTok will be banned from app stores and other Internet hosting services.

This decision may set a precedent for future app development companies and the issues that may come when addressing national security in the U.S.