Los Angeles: ByteDance and its subsidiary TikTok have requested a temporary block on the enforcement of a U.S. law that mandates the sale of TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the country.
The companies filed an emergency appeal in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The request argues that if the law takes effect, TikTok, which is used by over 170 million Americans monthly, will be forced to shut down.
In May 2024, TikTok and ByteDance challenged this law in court, with the first hearing held on September 16. On December 6, a three-judge panel upheld the law, citing national security concerns. The law requires TikTok to sell its operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.
The companies are seeking a delay on the law’s enforcement while they prepare to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. They argue that this would give the incoming Trump administration time to clarify its stance on the matter.
The Department of Justice has urged the court to dismiss the request immediately. TikTok has asked for a hearing on December 16. If the Supreme Court does not overturn the Court of Appeals’ decision, President Biden could extend the deadline by 90 days, potentially allowing the Trump administration to resolve the matter.
Interestingly, former President Donald Trump had unsuccessfully attempted to ban TikTok in 2020. However, ahead of the 2024 election, Trump has said he will not support a TikTok ban. Mike Waltz, a national security advisor nominated by Trump, stated that the incoming president wants to save TikTok, while ensuring data security for U.S. citizens.
Earlier this year, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed bills seeking a TikTok ban.
