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The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a divestment or ban law targeting TikTok, potentially leaving the video app facing a potential blackout for its 170 million American users on Sunday.
Legislation compels Tik TokChina's ByteDance, ByteDance's parent company, has decided to divest the platform by January 19 – the day before US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration – or face a nationwide ban.
The decision by the country's Supreme Court on Friday means the video app could “go dark” in one of its biggest markets.
Unless a buyer is found and the company is separated within days, the law requires the video app to be removed from the Apple and Google app stores.
But the American media reported on Thursday A US administration official said that US President Joe Biden will not implement any ban during his final days in office.
Trump He also said he intends to “save” the app when he takes over the White House on Monday, without providing further details.
Trump had previously called on the Supreme Court to postpone the legislative deadline to provide “the opportunity to pursue a political solution to the issues raised in the case.”
The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support last year, was driven by concerns that Beijing could use the video platform, which has been growing in popularity among teens, for spying or to spread propaganda.
TikTok asked the Supreme Court to hear its case after the US Court of Appeals rejected its challenge to the law, as well as its subsequent request to stay the action pending further court action.
The social media app sought to overturn the law, arguing that it was unconstitutional and violated First Amendment protections for free speech.
This is a developing story
