The incoming US President, Donald Trump, has requested the Supreme Court to delay the enforcement of a law that would ban TikTok if it remains under the ownership of ByteDance, a Chinese company. Trump’s legal team emphasized the need for more time to address the complexities of the case and seek a political solution.
During his previous term, Trump was strongly against TikTok, citing national security concerns related to data privacy and potential Chinese government influence. Despite his initial stance, Trump has now expressed a more favorable view towards TikTok, highlighting the importance of competition in the social media landscape.
Trump’s administration had previously pushed for a US company to acquire TikTok, a move echoed by his successor, Joe Biden, who signed a law with similar intentions. However, Trump has recently shown a change of heart, expressing a newfound support for TikTok due to the competitive dynamics it brings in comparison to other social media platforms.
The legal battle surrounding TikTok’s ban involves concerns over free speech rights and censorship issues. Various groups, including the ACLU, have raised objections to the ban, highlighting its unprecedented nature and potential impact on Americans’ online engagement.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s appeal against the law that would require its divestment, with oral arguments set to take place at a rapid pace. TikTok argues that the law infringes on its First Amendment rights, setting the stage for a significant legal showdown in the coming days.