Supreme Court Allows TikTok Ban: What Happens Next?
On Friday, the Supreme Court decided that a controversial ban on TikTok could start this weekend. The popular app’s owners had argued that the ban violated the First Amendment, but the court rejected their appeal. The ruling didn’t include any dissents, and the opinion wasn’t signed by a specific justice.
The Biden administration has warned that TikTok poses a “grave” national security threat because of its ties to China. The ban is set to begin on Sunday, but it’s still unclear how it would work or how the government would enforce it.
The Supreme Court acknowledged that TikTok is important to many Americans, describing it as “a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community.” However, the court said Congress focused on national security risks when making its decision. The ruling noted that Congress believed TikTok’s Chinese ownership and data collection practices were serious enough to require a solution, like forcing the company to sell to an American owner.
Just days before the app was supposed to be banned, the Biden administration shared updates about its plans. An official reassured the public, saying, “Americans shouldn’t expect to see TikTok suddenly banned on Sunday.” They added that the government was still “exploring options” to enforce the law without making TikTok immediately unavailable to users.
A White House official also explained that the situation might be handled by the next president’s administration, as the ban is set to start over a holiday weekend just before inauguration. TikTok wouldn’t automatically shut down, but companies like internet providers and app stores might have to block access to avoid legal trouble. If they don’t, the Justice Department could fine them up to $5,000 per user.
The president can delay the ban for up to 90 days under certain conditions. For example, TikTok would need to prove it is making real progress toward separating from its Chinese parent company. This could involve showing legal agreements or evidence of a sale.
