A TikTok ban is imminent, scheduled for Sunday, January 19th, following the Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal. The court unanimously dismissed TikTok's First Amendment challenge, citing the platform's scale, susceptibility to foreign adversary control, and extensive data collection as justifying national security concerns. While acknowledging TikTok's significance as a platform for expression and community for over 170 million Americans, the Supreme Court upheld Congress's determination that divestiture is necessary to address these concerns.
Without political intervention, TikTok faces a shutdown on Sunday. President Biden's preference is for TikTok's continued availability under American ownership, but the implementation falls to the incoming Trump administration, sworn in on Monday. The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the ban doesn't violate petitioners' First Amendment rights, emphasizing the national security concerns outweighing the platform's expressive function.
Trump, previously opposed to a TikTok ban, may issue an executive order delaying enforcement for 60-90 days. He has reportedly discussed the ban with Chairman Xi Jinping. While China's willingness to sell TikTok entirely remains uncertain, reports suggest a full purchase is a possibility. Elon Musk, involved with the incoming Trump administration, is reportedly considered a potential intermediary for western buyers, or even a buyer himself.
Meanwhile, users are migrating to alternative platforms like Red Note (Xiaohongshu), with Reuters reporting over 700,000 new users in just two days. TikTok's future in the U.S. hinges on finding a buyer or ceasing operations, unless an executive order alters the course of events.
