Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban; ‘Stay tuned,’ Trump says

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law effectively banning TikTok in the United States unless the popular app’s Chinese parent company sells it.

In the unsigned opinion issued on Friday,…

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law effectively banning TikTok in the United States unless the popular app’s Chinese parent company sells it.

In the unsigned opinion issued on Friday, the Court concluded:

“There is no doubt that … TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. 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 reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”

The Associated Press reports a “sale does not appear imminent,” and it’s unclear whether the prospect of a sale could still trigger a 90-day pause, written into the law, for the company to finalize a deal. That pause was intended to be triggered if a sale was anticipated before the law took effect.

When the law takes effect Sunday, President Joe Biden’s last day in office, TikTok users will likely be to access the app. However, “new users won’t be able to download it and updates won’t be available,” said the AP.

Biden has indicated he won’t enforce the law on Sunday, and President-elect Donald Trump, who is inaugurated Monday, has not yet decided how he will handle it.

“The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,” Trump posted Friday on Truth Social. “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”