TikTok Files Lawsuit Against US Over Potential Ban

TikTok, along with its parent company ByteDance, is taking legal action against the United States regarding a law that could result in the banning of the popular video-sharing app unless it's sold to another company.

This legal move, initiated on Tuesday, sets the stage for a potential lengthy legal battle over the future of TikTok in the US.

The lawsuit argues that the law, signed by President Joe Biden as part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package, is unconstitutional. TikTok alleges that the sponsors of The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act are attempting to present the law not as a ban but as a regulation of TikTok's ownership.

ByteDance, in its suit, contends that Congress has unfairly targeted TikTok, a platform used by millions of Americans for creative expression and communication. The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok within nine months, with an additional three months granted if a sale is already in progress. ByteDance has stated that it has no plans to sell TikTok and would require approval from Beijing for any divestiture, a stance consistent with previous opposition to a forced sale by Chinese authorities.

TikTok and ByteDance argue that complying with the law is not feasible due to commercial, technological, and legal reasons. They assert that the law effectively forces TikTok to shut down by January 19, 2025.

The lawsuit also invokes First Amendment protections, claiming that the law infringes upon freedom of expression.

The legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the US and China, particularly in areas such as technology and data security. US lawmakers and officials have expressed concerns about potential data security risks associated with TikTok's Chinese ownership. However, opponents of the law argue that there is insufficient evidence to support these concerns and that banning TikTok could violate free speech rights.

The lawsuit marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over TikTok's future in the US and underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the app's ownership and operations.

Also Read: TikTok: From Fun App to National Security Concern - A Complete Timeline