TikTok's Fight to Avoid a US Ban: What's Happening?

TikTok, the popular social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance Ltd., is fighting hard to stay in the United States. The US government might ban the app unless ByteDance sells it, and TikTok is pulling out all the stops to prevent this from happening.

Legal Battle and Public Campaign

TikTok has hired top lawyers and spent $4.8 million on ads to win public support and influence lawmakers. Joel Thayer, a lawyer who helped push the ban, said, "They're giving it everything they've got. It’s a well-planned effort."

TikTok has taken the issue to court, challenging a law signed by President Joe Biden. This law says ByteDance must sell TikTok by January 19, or the app will be banned. The court will hear arguments in September, and TikTok is ready to go to the Supreme Court if needed.

Why TikTok Matters in the US

TikTok has over 170 million monthly users in the US. If banned, ByteDance would lose a huge market, and rivals like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts would benefit. TikTok argues that the ban violates the US Constitution’s free speech and individual rights protections. The company insists that the Chinese government cannot access US users’ data and that Congress hasn’t proven TikTok is a national security threat.

"We believe the law supports us and that the courts will overturn this ban," said TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek.

Lobbying and Legal Expertise

TikTok has been preparing for this fight since 2020 when former President Donald Trump tried to ban the app. Back then, TikTok successfully challenged the ban in court. For the current battle, TikTok has hired experienced lawyers, including Andrew Pincus from Mayer Brown, who has argued many cases before the Supreme Court.

TikTok's creators, who say a ban would violate their free speech rights, are also getting help from top lawyers. This strong legal team could give TikTok an edge in court.

Lobbying Efforts and Influence in Congress

TikTok has spent nearly $6 million on lobbying in the first half of 2024, up from $3.5 million in the same period in 2023. The company's lobbying team includes former lawmakers and experienced political operators. TikTok’s representatives argue that banning the app is unconstitutional and would only help competitors like Instagram and YouTube.

Public Opinion and Support from Creators

TikTok is also fighting for public opinion. The company has funded ads showing how the app positively impacts users' lives. TikTok is supporting a lawsuit from content creators who say the ban would hurt their businesses.

These creators have appeared in ads and visited Washington, D.C., to share their stories with lawmakers. TikTok has covered the costs of these efforts, including travel and accommodation.

Also Read: TikTok Confident Despite Possible Ban, Introduces Cool New AI Features