TikTok asks for emergency pause to looming US ban

TikTok, a widely used social media platform, has recently taken legal action to prevent a potential ban in the United States that could take effect next month. The US government has enacted a law that requires TikTok to either be sold to another company or face a ban due to concerns about its alleged connections to the Chinese government. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have denied these claims and have been fighting against the law. After losing an appeal, TikTok is now seeking an emergency injunction from the court to temporarily block the law while the Supreme Court reviews the case. The Department of Justice has opposed this request, arguing that TikTok's claims have already been thoroughly rejected by the courts. TikTok and ByteDance have also pointed out that with Donald Trump set to take over as president, there is a possibility that he may reverse the law. In their legal filing, they emphasized the importance of allowing the Supreme Court sufficient time to conduct a careful review of the situation. They expressed concerns that a ban, even if temporary, would have severe consequences for their operations and would negatively impact the 170 million Americans who use TikTok each month. The company warned that such a ban could lead to significant revenue losses and a decrease in user engagement. On the other hand, judges have previously ruled that the law is constitutional, stating that it was the result of extensive bipartisan efforts by lawmakers. They concluded that the law was specifically designed to address concerns about foreign control and was part of a broader strategy to mitigate national security risks posed by the People's Republic of China. Supporters of TikTok have demonstrated outside the US Capitol to voice their opposition to the ban. According to the law, if TikTok is not sold by ByteDance within nine months, it will no longer be available to US users after January 19, 2025. TikTok's legal team argued that the law would cause extreme and irreparable harm to the company, especially with the presidential inauguration approaching. Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, has previously stated his intention to 'save TikTok' from a ban. However, experts caution that while his promises may provide hope for TikTok's future in the US, there is no guarantee that he will take the necessary actions once he assumes office. The Department of Justice has urged the appeals court to reject TikTok's request for an injunction, asserting that the court is well aware of the relevant facts and has already made a thorough decision recognizing the national security interests that underlie the law.