TikTok plans to suspend services for 170 million U.S. users on Sunday. The company demands clear assurances from the Biden administration against penalties. A bipartisan law passed in April requires TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations by Sunday or face a ban.
The Supreme Court upheld the ban on Friday. TikTok’s appeal, which claimed the ban violated First Amendment rights, was rejected. The Biden administration has deferred the law’s enforcement to the incoming Trump administration. Officials suggested service providers like Google and Apple might not face immediate penalties. TikTok, however, argues that unclear assurances still expose these companies to significant fines.
TikTok executives warned of a possible temporary shutdown without explicit directives. The company urged the Trump administration to clarify its stance. Trump has hinted at delaying enforcement to allow more time for a sale, but he has made no formal decision.
The Supreme Court cited national security concerns as a key reason for upholding the ban. These include TikTok’s data collection and possible ties to the Chinese government. The court acknowledged TikTok’s role in expression but prioritized addressing security risks.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew vowed to fight for the app’s accessibility in the U.S. He highlighted its importance to American users. Trump, who has praised TikTok’s global impact, confirmed discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping. He promised to decide on the matter soon.
Content creators and businesses dependent on TikTok now face uncertainty. They await clarity on the app’s future in the United States.
Read more: TikTok’s Future Hangs in Balance Within Legal Battle Over US Ban