TikTok and parent company ByteDance are currently in court fighting a potential ban in the US, arguing that it would violate the right to free expression for US users. The social media app, used by 170 million people in the US, believes a ban would be contrary to the country’s tradition of an open Internet. On the other hand, the Justice Department sees TikTok as a national security threat, with concerns that the Chinese government could use the app for espionage.
The company has denied these claims, stating it has never shared US user data with the Chinese government. They are seeking an injunction against the law requiring ByteDance to divest its US TikTok assets by January 19. A survey by the Pew Research Center found declining support for a ban, with most respondents skeptical it would take effect. Young people, in particular, oppose the ban, with only 18 percent of US teenagers in favor of it.
Both TikTok and the Justice Department are pushing for a decision by December 6 to allow time for the US Supreme Court to review any appeals. The Biden administration prefers ownership by a non-Chinese company over a ban, while former President Trump has stated he wouldn’t support a ban if re-elected. The outcome of this legal battle will impact millions of TikTok users in the US and the future of the app in the country.
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