TIKTOK Warns It Will Go Dark in the US Unless Biden’s Administration Provides Assurance
TikTok warned on Friday that it will go dark in the United States on Sunday unless President Joe Biden’s administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.
The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark in just two days.
The Fate of TikTok in the US
The court’s 9-0 decision throws the social media platform, and its 170 million American users, into limbo. Its fate now hangs in the hands of Donald Trump, who has vowed to rescue TikTok after returning to the presidency on Monday.
"TikTok is going to go dark on Sunday, and if it does, it will not be coming back," said TikTok’s lawyer. "We need the government to provide assurance that they will not take any enforcement action against our service providers, and so far, they have failed to do so."
The Backdrop to the Ban
The law was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress last year and signed by Biden. The law allows the government to ban TikTok and other apps with ties to China if it deems they pose a national security risk. TikTok and its users, including some high-profile creators, challenged the law, but the Supreme Court decided that it did not violate the US Constitution’s First Amendment protection against government abridgment of free speech.
What’s at Stake
The ban poses significant risks for TikTok and its users, who could be forced to leave the platform. For the millions of users who have built careers and communities on TikTok, the ban would be devastating.
"This is a huge deal, and I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed and upset when they realize their favorite app is gone," said one user. "I think a lot of people are going to be losing their jobs because of this decision."
A Potential Lifeline
There may be a way for TikTok to continue operating in the US, however. Trump, who in 2020 had tried to ban TikTok, has said he plans to take action to save the app. If Trump invokes a law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, stating that keeping TikTok is beneficial for national security, TikTok could be allowed to continue operating.
"This decision’s going to be made by the next president anyway," said Biden.
Conclusion
The fate of TikTok in the US is now in the hands of President Biden and Trump. While TikTok’s CEO has vowed to continue fighting to keep the platform open, it is unclear what will happen next.
FAQs
Q: Why is the US government banning TikTok?
A: The government is concerned that TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese company, could be used to gather intelligence and spy on American citizens.
Q: Can TikTok still be used if it is banned?
A: No, under the law, companies like Apple and Google would be prohibited from providing services to TikTok if it is deemed to be controlled by a foreign adversary.
Q: Can TikTok continue to operate if a buyer is found?
A: Yes, if a buyer can be found to purchase TikTok, it may be able to continue operating in the US. However, any potential buyer would need to prove that they would be able to protect American data and national security.
