SUPREME COURT SAYS TIKTOK CAN BE BANNED IN THE US, LEAVING ITS FUTURE IN LIMBO

The US Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to TikTok, refusing to block legislation that will effectively ban the social media platform in the United States starting January 19. This decision will impact over 170 million American users who have grown accustomed to the platform.¹

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has slammed the ruling, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for government control over online speech. According to Patrick Toomey, deputy director of ACLU's National Security Project, "The Supreme Court's ruling is incredibly disappointing, allowing the government to shut down an entire platform and the free speech rights of so many based on fear-mongering and speculation".

The ban is part of a broader effort to address concerns over TikTok's data collection practices and potential ties to the Chinese government. However, the ACLU and other critics argue that the ban is an overreach of government power and will have far-reaching consequences for free speech online.

Unless there is last-minute intervention from Congress or the president, TikTok is likely to disappear from US app stores, and existing users will lose access to updates. However, there are still some potential avenues for relief. President Biden or President-elect Donald Trump could grant TikTok an extension or direct the Department of Justice not to enforce the ban. Additionally, a bill introduced by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) would give TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, more time to sell the app.

The implications of the Supreme Court's ruling are significant, and the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. As Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at ACLU, noted, "Taking away Americans' free speech rights does not make us safer; it endangers our democracy".

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