What's happening with TikTok and why does it matter? Keep reading to find out what’s at stake for millions of users.

What's Going On?

TikTok, the widely popular video-sharing app owned by China-based company ByteDance, is facing a significant legal challenge that could lead to a ban in the United States.The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that will determine whether the app should be banned or not. If the law passed by Congress remains in effect, TikTok will be blocked in the U.S. starting January 19 unless ByteDance sells the app to an approved U.S. buyer.

Why Is This Happening?

According to The New York Times, the U.S. government has raised alarms over TikTok for two main reasons:

1. National Security Threat: U.S. officials argue that TikTok poses a security risk because of its ownership by ByteDance, which is based in China. They state that the Chinese government could potentially access data from U.S. users, raising concerns about espionage or blackmail. Lawmakers fear that TikTok could be used as a tool to harvest private data from American citizens for malicious purposes.

2. Disinformation: Another concern is that the app could be used to spread disinformation, particularly covertly, influencing public opinion and interfering with democratic processes. The U.S. government has been focused on preventing the spread of false or misleading content that could be linked to foreign adversaries, especially China.

Why Does This Matter?

For TikTok Users: The potential ban of TikTok would have a major impact on the app’s 170 million users in the U.S. While users who already have the app installed would still be able to use it, they wouldn’t be able to download it again if they delete it, and they won’t receive any future updates. Over time, this would make the app unusable, as it wouldn’t receive necessary updates and bug fixes.

For TikTok's Future: The app could be forced to go dark unless ByteDance agrees to sell its U.S. operations. There are talks of potential buyers, but it remains unclear whether the sale will happen. Investors, including former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, are reportedly interested in buying the app’s U.S. assets, although financial details remain undisclosed. TikTok is actively fighting this ban, and the company is seeking a delay in the enforcement of the law to allow for further legal battles.

For National Security: The U.S. government views this case as a critical matter of national security. The concerns about espionage and data privacy have led to this unprecedented legal action. The Times reported that some experts argue that allowing TikTok to continue operating without significant changes could expose U.S. citizens to serious risks.

What's Next?

Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to issue a ruling by the end of next week. The Times reported that the justices seem divided, with some leaning toward upholding the ban due to national security concerns, while others are worried about the implications for free speech and the rights of U.S. users.

TikTok’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether a ban will be enforced. While the app’s users in the U.S. would be significantly impacted if the law takes effect, the legal and political battle is far from over. The outcome will likely shape the future of TikTok in America and influence future U.S.-China tech policy.

Kathi Yeager