The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that could potentially lead to a TikTok ban in the US due to national security concerns. The court rejected an appeal from TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, and now the focus shifts to the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously stated he opposes the ban on the app.

“For more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and a source of community,” the court remarked in its ruling.

The ruling emphasizes that congressional action precedes a significant review, calling the data collection practices of TikTok a concern due to its relationship with a foreign adversary. The court ruled that the law does not infringe on the First Amendment rights of ByteDance.

ByteDance’s Legal Battle

ByteDance claimed that the law violates free speech protections, but this assertion was dismissed by the court, suggesting that ByteDance must sell its American operations to a buyer approved by the government to avoid a ban. If the law is enforced, the app might cease operations in the US unless a buyer is found quickly.

Government Response

The Justice Department is supportive of this decision, believing it will prevent the Chinese government from using TikTok against US national security interests. Attorney General Merrick Garland declared that authoritarian regimes should not have access to sensitive data from millions of Americans.

TikTok users are beginning to explore alternatives while concerns about the app’s future persist. Some users have joked about migrating to another Chinese social media app amid the ongoing uncertainty.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on Trump and how he plans to handle the impending challenges surrounding TikTok.