A federal appeals court has upheld a law that brings TikTok one step closer to being banned in the United States.
The ruling, made by a three-judge panel, supports the U.S. government's effort to restrict TikTok due to national security concerns. The court emphasized that the decision aims to protect American citizens from the potential misuse of data by foreign adversaries.
Millions of US TikTok Users at Risk as App Faces Data Privacy Scrutiny
Under the law, approved earlier this year by Congress and President Biden, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has until January 19, 2025, to either sell the app to an American entity or face a nationwide ban.
If ByteDance fails to comply, the app will be removed from US app stores, blocking new downloads and leaving users unable to access updates.
TikTok, with approximately 170 million active users in the US, has become a major platform for entertainment, education, and communication, Forbes said.
From finding local businesses to learning new skills, TikTok's unique algorithm has made it a favorite among users. However, its popularity has not shielded it from scrutiny.
Lawmakers worry that TikTok collects sensitive user data, which could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government.
TikTok Ban Threatens Livelihoods as Users Debate Security vs. Free Speech
If the ban is enforced, many users, influencers, and small businesses that rely on TikTok for their livelihoods will face significant challenges.
While alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels may see a surge in users, these platforms lack the precise content delivery that TikTok is known for.
ByteDance is expected to attempt to sell TikTok to an American company to avoid the ban. Analysts believe this is the most likely scenario, as it would allow the app to continue operating in the US Despite this, public debate over the issue remains heated.
According to BlackStar, many TikTok users argue that the ban infringes on their right to freedom of speech.
Former President Trump, who previously called for a TikTok ban during his term, could influence the app's future upon returning to office.
His administration has shown mixed signals regarding TikTok, creating further uncertainty about what lies ahead.
The appeals court's ruling highlights the growing tension between protecting national security and maintaining digital freedoms. As the January 2025 deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok—and the millions who depend on it—hangs in the balance. For now, ByteDance must act swiftly if it wants to keep TikTok alive in the US.
