The ongoing debate over TikTok’s future in the United States has reached the Supreme Court. The Biden administration argues the popular video platform, owned by China’s ByteDance, poses a national security threat due to its connections to Beijing. Officials claim Chinese authorities could compel ByteDance to share data or manipulate TikTok content, though they admit no evidence exists of such interference.
TikTok, fighting to stay operational, filed an appeal with the Supreme Court after a lower court upheld a law mandating it divest from ByteDance by January 2025 or face a US ban. The company argues the law violates the First Amendment and relies on speculative risks. Oral arguments are scheduled for 10 January.
President-elect Donald Trump has entered the fray, requesting the Supreme Court delay the divestment deadline. In his amicus brief, Trump stated he seeks a “political resolution” to the issue, taking no formal stance on TikTok’s legal challenge. Trump has reversed his position on TikTok since his first term when he attempted to ban the platform. During his 2024 campaign, he used TikTok to engage younger voters, especially through viral content.
The law in question, signed by President Joe Biden in April, passed Congress with bipartisan support. TikTok maintains its integration with ByteDance does not present a unique risk. However, the Biden administration argues the app’s reliance on China-based systems creates vulnerabilities.
As the court considers the case, the decision will have far-reaching implications for free speech, tech regulation, and US-China relations.
