TikTok Faces Ban by Sunday After Supreme Court Rejects Appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected TikTok's appeal, paving the way for a ban set to begin Sunday, January 19th. The court's unanimous decision cited TikTok's scale, susceptibility to foreign adversary control, and extensive data collection as justifying the ban to address national security concerns. While acknowledging TikTok's importance as a platform for expression and community for over 170 million Americans, the justices upheld Congress's determination that divestiture is necessary.

Without political intervention, TikTok will cease operations on Sunday. President Biden's preference is for TikTok to remain available under American ownership, but implementation will fall to the incoming Trump administration.

The Supreme Court ruling stated that the ban doesn't violate TikTok's First Amendment rights, given the national security concerns surrounding data collection and its relationship with a foreign adversary.

Trump, previously opposed to a ban, may issue an executive order delaying enforcement for 60-90 days. He reportedly is discussing the matter with Chairman Xi Jinping. The possibility of a sale to a Western buyer remains uncertain, although reports suggest a full purchase is being considered. Elon Musk, involved in the incoming Trump administration, is reportedly being considered as an intermediary in potential negotiations or as a buyer himself.

In anticipation of the ban, TikTok users have migrated to the similar Chinese app, Red Note (Xiaohongshu), with Reuters reporting over 700,000 new users in just two days.

TikTok's future in the U.S. hinges on a sale or cessation of operations, unless the Trump administration intervenes with an executive order.