The Supreme Court has upheld a law that could see TikTok vanish from U.S. app stores unless its owner, ByteDance, sells the platform to an American company. This decision leaves the Biden administration in a pivotal position to determine TikTok's future in the United States. The ban is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, unless ByteDance completes a sale, which appears increasingly unlikely given the constraints of time.
The law mandates that ByteDance must divest its ownership of TikTok to a U.S.-based entity. However, with just two days remaining before the enforcement of the ban, the likelihood of a sale materializing is slim. TikTok has urged the Biden administration to provide "definitive" assurances that the ban will not proceed, hoping to keep the app available in U.S. app stores.
"Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19." – TikTok
The Biden administration has so far maintained its stance, indicating that the implementation of the law may fall under the responsibility of the subsequent administration. Despite this suggestion, the Justice Department has confirmed that the ban will proceed as scheduled.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration's position, emphasizing American ownership as a solution to national security concerns.
"TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress." – Karine Jean-Pierre
Lisa Monaco further clarified that enforcement and compliance with the law after it takes effect will be an ongoing process.
"The next phase of this effort — implementing and ensuring compliance with the law after it goes into effect on January 19 — will be a process that plays out over time." – Lisa Monaco
In a last-minute attempt to save TikTok, President Donald Trump had sought a delay from the Supreme Court to "negotiate a resolution to save the platform." However, this request was not granted, leaving TikTok's fate uncertain.
"Negotiate a resolution to save the platform" – Donald Trump
With the ban set to be enforced just one day before President Donald Trump's inauguration, the future of TikTok in the United States now hinges on whether ByteDance can secure a deal or if the Biden administration will intervene.
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