London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Feb 13, 2025

Supreme Court of the United States Affirms TikTok Ban, Awaiting Decision from Incoming Administration

Supreme Court of the United States Affirms TikTok Ban, Awaiting Decision from Incoming Administration

The Supreme Court's ruling now leaves TikTok and its 170 million U.S. users in uncertainty, with a looming deadline threatening the app's potential closure.
WASHINGTON, Jan 17, 2025 — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its ownership for the app to continue operating in the U.S.

The unanimous decision by all nine justices supports the law's national security rationale, setting the stage for TikTok's possible shutdown in the U.S. as soon as Sunday.

Passed with bipartisan backing and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2024, the legislation highlights concerns about TikTok's Chinese ties and potential data security risks.

The app's fate now depends on the actions of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday and has indicated plans to tackle the matter.

TikTok had challenged the law as a First Amendment violation.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed this, arguing that the risk of foreign control and sensitive data collection justified the law.

The court emphasized the national security threat from potential misuse of the app for data gathering, espionage, or Chinese propaganda.

ByteDance has made limited headway in divesting before the January 19 deadline.

President-elect Trump has indicated he is considering the situation.

'I will decide soon on TikTok,' Trump announced on social media.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, attending Trump’s inauguration, remains hopeful for a resolution.

The Biden administration has stated it will not delay the law's enforcement, leaving the matter to the incoming administration.

Companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle, which provide services to TikTok, could face legal issues if they continue after the deadline.

With over 170 million U.S. users, the app is integral to social media culture, especially among youth.

Its capacity to personalize user experiences has made it a digital economy leader.

A ban raises major concerns for users reliant on the platform for income.

Amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, TikTok's geopolitical impact has gained attention, linked to trade disputes and concerns over China's global tech influence.

The U.S. government is intensifying scrutiny on Chinese tech firms over national security concerns.

A potential TikTok shutdown may signal changes in global digital policies and international technology operations.

This situation may influence how governments address data security and foreign ownership in critical tech sectors.

TikTok's future is uncertain.

While a buyer might still emerge, only Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has shown interest, valuing TikTok at $20 billion without its algorithm.

Other options include using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to allow U.S. operations under conditions minimizing security threats.

As events unfold, TikTok’s status remains key in domestic policy and international relations, illustrating the convergence of technology, security, and governance in a connected world.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Trump's special envoy for hostage affairs cautions Hamas against challenging Trump before Saturday's deadline.
California Congressman Robert Garcia's Threats of Utilizing Weapons Against Elon Musk
Trump and Putin Address Ukraine Peace Negotiations in Response to Worldwide Reactions
Honda and Nissan Conclude Merger Talks
New York Fashion Week Highlights Iconic Returns and Emerging Talents
Trump's Tariffs Loom Large Over Significant German Trade Exhibition
President Trump Resolves Legal Disputes with X and Meta Regarding Social Media Bans
OpenAI Modifies Approach in Response to Increasing AI Competition
Amazingly Good News for USA and the World: Gabbard Confirmed as U.S. Intel Chief in Latest Victory for Trump!
UK Business Leaders Expect Profit Increase Despite Regulatory Crackdown on the Shadow Economy
Trump Discusses NATO Membership for Ukraine During Diplomatic Negotiations
Trump Declares Upcoming Meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia Amidst Ukraine Crisis
Israel Warns of Military Action While Hostage Negotiations with Hamas Continue
2024 Sees a Record High of Journalists Killed, CPJ Report Reveals
Trump and Putin Engage in Phone Conversation During Ukraine Conflict, Peace Talks Commenced
Climate change presents considerable threats to cocoa production worldwide.
US Teacher Detained in Russia Freed Amid Optimism for Improved US-Russia Relations
EU-UK Security Pact Unhindered by Fishing Rights Dispute, Says EU President
Tories Criticize Proposed Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer Amid Escalating Cost Claims
World Leaders Promote Ethical and Inclusive AI Governance at Paris Summit
Deloitte US Revises Policies in Response to Evolving Political Climate
Apple Releases Critical Security Update Following Reports of Vulnerabilities
US Senate Moves Forward with Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination for Director of National Intelligence.
Israel Warns of Ending Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Situation
King Abdullah II Dismisses US Proposal to Relocate Palestinians, Commits to Welcoming Children from Gaza.
Sam Altman Addresses Elon Musk's Offer to Acquire OpenAI
OpenAI Reconfirms Its Independence After Musk's $97 Billion Offer.
Elon Musk Cautions That the U.S. Could Face Bankruptcy Without Reductions in Federal Spending.
How Spain Transformed from High Unemployment to Eurozone Growth Leader
FEMA Allocated Fifty-Nine Million Dollars to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels, Triggers Investigation
Australian Billionaires Set to Encounter New Wealth Tax Under Greens Initiative
U.S. Secret Service Invests Two Million Dollars in High-Quality, Effective Recruitment Ad Directed by Michael Bay
MPs to Receive Proposed 2.8% Pay Increase, Raising Salaries to £93,904 – It’s Legal, and That’s Exactly the Problem
The European Union Shifts Focus to AI Innovation Amid Global Competition (or at least this is what they claim)
Europe's far-right leaders pledge to 'reclaim' the continent in the wake of Trump's reelection.
Keir Starmer Under Examination Regarding His Legal Strategy
Merz and Scholz Spar Over Migration and Economic Strategies in Pre-Election Discussion
"Marrow stupid": Senator John Kennedy Blasts UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Over Chagos Islands Transfer
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Surge Reshapes Electoral Dynamics
Kemi Badenoch Faces Internal Criticism After 100 Days as Tory Leader
Campaigners Urge UK to Apologise for Forced Adoptions
Church of England Upholds Traditional Eucharistic Elements Amid Calls for Alternatives
Rayner Defends Approach at Grenfell Tower Meeting Amid Dismantling Plan
China Implements Tit-for-Tat Tariffs on US Goods Amid Trade Escalation
Italy and Wales Set for Six Nations Clash at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico
Ministry of Justice Apologises Over Prisoner Early Release Letter Error
Rare First Edition Harry Potter Book Sells for Over Twenty-One Thousand Pounds
Drax Power Station Under Scrutiny for Incomplete Wood Sourcing Reporting
UK Government Reaffirms Pledge to Build 1.5 Million New Homes by 2029
Freed Israeli Hostage Learns of Family's Death After Release from Gaza
×