Supreme Court Rejects TikTok Appeal, Ban Looms by Sunday

A ban on TikTok is slated to take effect on Sunday, January 19, following the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous decision to reject the social media platform's appeal. The court expressed skepticism about TikTok’s First Amendment challenge, emphasizing the platform's unique scale, susceptibility to foreign control, and the extensive collection of sensitive user data as justifications for the ban to address national security concerns.

The Supreme Court acknowledged the significance of TikTok for its 170 million American users, noting its role as a vital space for expression, engagement, and community. However, the court upheld Congress's decision that divestiture is necessary due to national security risks associated with TikTok’s data practices and its ties to a foreign adversary.

In response to the ruling, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden supports TikTok's availability in the U.S. under American ownership. However, with the transition of power, the implementation of the ban will fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in on Monday.

Trump, who has historically opposed a TikTok ban, might issue an executive order to delay its enforcement for 60 to 90 days upon taking office. He has mentioned ongoing discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the ban on Truth Social. The possibility of China selling TikTok to a Western buyer remains uncertain, but reports suggest a full purchase is a viable option. Elon Musk, involved with the incoming Trump administration, is reportedly considered as a potential intermediary for any Western acquisition of TikTok, or he might even consider purchasing it himself.

In the meantime, TikTok users have been migrating to Red Note, or Xiaohongshu, a similar Chinese social media app. Reuters reports that Red Note gained over 700,000 new users in just two days, indicating a shift in user base due to the impending ban.

The future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance. Without a new buyer, the app will cease operations unless an executive order from the Trump administration intervenes.

TikTok may go dark in the U.S. on Sunday. Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images.