A TikTok ban might be one step closer to reality even if there are still some lingering doubts about whether a federal law will really go into effect on January 19.
The law is supposed to go into effect one day before Trump takes office on January 19.
What happens next with the TikTok ban From here, the Supreme Court will issue a ruling about whether the TikTok ban can go into effect on January 19.
That usually takes weeks or months, but in this case could come as early as next week right before Trump takes office.
My view is that it has become increasingly clear that the ban will happen, based on the momentum we’ve been seeing from Congress and now the Supreme Court.
Even though there are still some questions about whether a federal law will actually take effect on January 19, a TikTok ban could be one step closer to reality.
The Supreme Court heard arguments this week for and against banning the app, which has drawn criticism in recent months for potentially influencing Americans and gathering data that could be used against them through its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Chief Justice John Roberts stated during the legal arguments that since the app could be used for coercion, free expression is not applicable in this case. Congress supports free speech, he said, but “is not fine with a foreign adversary, as they’ve determined it is, gathering all this information about the 170 million users of TikTok.”. “”.
Judge Elena Kagan stated, “The law is only targeted at this foreign corporation, which doesn’t have First Amendment rights,” during another discussion with attorneys making arguments. “.”.
A definitive Supreme Court decision that would outlaw the app in the US was evident in the proceedings’ overall tone. Within a few days, that decision might be made.
Even though President-elect Trump might be able to delay the decision once he takes office, the Supreme Court would have to postpone its decision. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 19, one day prior to Trump’s inauguration.
Getting opinions on a possible TikTok ban.
However, one line of inquiry may offer some hope to the creators who depend on the app, as well as the users who are informed and entertained by TikTok.
Neil Gorsuch, a justice, discussed the merits of displaying warning labels versus a complete prohibition. It is argued that ByteDance’s warning that the app might be affecting users’ opinions would be sufficient. Nevertheless, during the conversation, it was questioned if users would just disregard that warning and continue to use the app without considering their intentions or motives.
A Chinese company may be gathering information about Americans that could be used for blackmail or to “turn people” in some other way, according to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s comments on the decision.
He specifically pointed out that young adults and teenagers are drawn to the app, suggesting that they could be simpler to coerce. According to Kavanaugh, young adults who use TikTok may eventually find employment with the FBI or another government agency.
What happens when the TikTok ban is lifted?
The Supreme Court will then decide whether or not the TikTok ban can take effect on January 19. Normally, it takes weeks or months, but in this instance, it might happen as soon as next week, just before Trump takes office.
In my opinion, the momentum from Congress and now the Supreme Court has made it more and more obvious that the ban will be implemented.
However, there are still concerns about how the law will be implemented, whether Trump will have any influence over the ruling even in the days ahead, and whether he has the authority to overturn or nullify the TikTok ban. That would give a story full of surprises yet another dramatic turn.
