Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban

thefader.com:

The Supreme Court has upheld the TikTok ban, ruling unanimously in favor of legislation forcing ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell to an American buyer by January 19.

The law was passed in 2024 by Congress due to national security concerns over ByteDance's connections to China, and signed by President Joe Biden.

TikTok argued that the legislation was a violation of its users' First Amendment rights. The Court disagreed, writing in its decision: “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community.

But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.” However, on Thursday President Biden indicated that he would not enforce the law before leaving office, leaving the decision to the office of President-elect Trump, who takes office on January 20.