Uh oh. The thing we’ve all been dreading just happened. The Supreme Court has unanimously decided that the TikTok ban doesn’t compromise users’ First Amendment rights. As a result of this decision, the app will effectively be banned on Jan. 19.
In the judgment, the justices said that “there is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community.”
“But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” they added.
The Supreme Court also made it clear that they would not overturn the ruling.
Is it all over?
However, there are a couple of ways we could sidestep a TikTok-less world, at least for a little while. The app itself might decide not to shut down on Jan. 19 as previously planned, or accept a US buyer in the eleventh hour.
However, a statement from the White House changed everything. Doubling down on the previous reports, the Biden administration confirmed that they wouldn’t enforce the ban on Jan 19.
“TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law,” the White House said.
“Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.”
In response to this statement and the Supreme Court ruling, TikTok issued a statement of its own.
“The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability to over 170 million Americans,” the statement reads.
“Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”
But it can’t all just end like this… can it?
