ByteDance, the parent company of popular social media app TikTok, is urging a US appeals court to temporarily block a law that could force them to divest TikTok by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. On Monday, ByteDance and TikTok filed an emergency motion with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
They warned that without the court’s intervention, the law would take effect, potentially shutting down TikTok for its over 170 million monthly users in the United States. This comes at a critical time, just before the presidential inauguration.
Earlier, on December 6, a three-judge panel upheld the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations by early next year or face a ban within six weeks. ByteDance’s legal team argues that there’s a significant chance the Supreme Court might take up the case and reverse the ruling. They believe a temporary pause is necessary to allow more time for deliberation.
The companies also pointed out that President-elect Joe Biden has expressed concerns over the ban, suggesting that a delay could give the incoming administration time to review and possibly change the current stance, potentially rendering the Supreme Court review unnecessary.
However, the US Justice Department has urged the appeals court to deny the request swiftly, aiming to maximize the time available for the Supreme Court’s consideration. TikTok has requested a decision from the appeals court by December 16.
The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact TikTok’s future in the US. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, the fate of the app might rest with President Biden, who takes office on January 20. TikTok cautioned that the court ruling could disrupt services for tens of millions of users outside the US as well. They mentioned that hundreds of US service providers involved in maintenance, distribution, and updates might be unable to support the TikTok platform starting January 19.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok users globally are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that allows them to continue using the beloved app without interruption.
Reference(s):
ByteDance, TikTok seek to pause U.S. ban pending Supreme Court review
cgtn.com
