ByteDance fights TikTok ban in U.S. appeals court
- A federal appeals court will hear ByteDance's case to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. without divesting its assets.
- The Justice Department will argue national security concerns, while ByteDance and creators will defend against claims of free speech suppression.
- The court's decision could impact TikTok's future in the U.S. and the rights of its millions of users.
On September 16, a three-judge federal appeals court panel is set to hear arguments from ByteDance regarding the continued operation of TikTok in the U.S. The case arises from legislation signed by President Biden earlier this year, which mandates that ByteDance divest its interests in TikTok or face a ban on the app in U.S. marketplaces. This law has been challenged by TikTok, ByteDance, and a group of creators, who argue that it infringes on free speech rights. The Justice Department will present national security concerns that prompted the legislation, citing fears over Beijing's influence due to ByteDance's Chinese origins. The law requires TikTok to cease U.S. operations unless a buyer is found by January 19. The appeals court may consider pausing the law while ByteDance explores its legal options. However, the public may not have access to all evidence presented by the government, as classified information has been filed in the case, which the Justice Department claims is crucial for the hearing. The judges will be restricted from discussing this classified evidence in their decision, limiting TikTok's ability to counter the government's claims effectively. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for TikTok's future in the U.S., affecting the platform's 170 million American users and setting a precedent for how social media platforms are regulated in relation to national security concerns.