WASHINGTON: Facing a potential ban, TikTok has approached the U.S. Supreme Court as its final attempt to halt the implementation of a new law. This comes after a federal court last week denied TikTok’s plea to delay enforcement of the law, which mandates the app’s sale by January 19, 2025, to continue operations in the United States.
TikTok has now requested the Supreme Court to temporarily block the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. In a statement, TikTok emphasized that the court has historically defended free expression and urged the judges to uphold this precedent.
On December 6, a U.S. Court of Appeals panel dismissed TikTok’s challenge, rejecting claims that the law is unconstitutional. TikTok’s Supreme Court appeal also referenced former President Donald Trump’s remark that banning TikTok would benefit no one.
If the Supreme Court denies TikTok’s request, the ban will take effect on January 19, one day before Trump assumes office. TikTok hopes for temporary relief to allow more time for final legal appeals.
Should the ban proceed, the decision may rest with President Joe Biden, who holds the power to extend the deadline by 90 days, potentially shifting the matter to incoming President Trump. The fate of the popular video-sharing app remains uncertain as the January deadline approaches.
