(AURN News) — The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law Friday that will effectively ban TikTok in the United States unless its Chinese owners sell their stake, rejecting claims that the measure violates First Amendment rights.
The law, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, made it illegal for U.S. companies to provide services to distribute, maintain, or update TikTok starting Jan. 19, unless the platform’s U.S. operations are separated from Chinese control.
“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. For the foregoing 20 TIKTOK INC. v. GARLAND Per Curiam reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights,” the High Court determined.
In its ruling, the Court acknowledged TikTok‘s significant role in American society, noting it “offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community” for more than 170 million Americans.
The Court also made reference to a 2020 Executive Order by then-President Trump addressing national security concerns that identified mobile applications developed by Chinese companies as threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.
The decision underscores a balance between national security priorities and constitutional rights, as TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
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