The Justice Department has responded to TikTok’s civil suit against a law that requires the app to be sold or face a U.S. ban. TikTok argues the law infringes on free speech, while the U.S. claims it addresses national security concerns, not speech.
The U.S. government is concerned that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, could comply with Chinese government demands for data about U.S. users or censor content. The law aims to protect users and their data from potential Chinese government influence.
TikTok insists that the demanded divestiture is impossible within the given timeline. The bill signed by President Biden sets a deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer by mid-January 2025 or face a ban, which TikTok and ByteDance are fighting against in court.
Former President Trump’s failed attempt to ban TikTok has now evolved into a potential Supreme Court case under Biden’s administration. The law’s impact on free speech versus national security considerations is a key issue in the ongoing legal battle.
As the deadline approaches, doubts remain about finding a suitable buyer for TikTok, with concerns about antitrust issues among big tech companies. The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain.
© 2024 AFP