This is a new important step towards the possible banning of TikTok as of this Sunday. The American Supreme Court has just unanimously declared that Congress acted constitutionally by requiring ByteDance, the parent company of the platform, to sell its service by Sunday January 19 under penalty of ban. Explanations.
“The platform closes”
In his opinion relayed by Bloombergthe Court considers as follows:
Congress determined that divestment was necessary to address its well-founded national security concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices and its relationship with a foreign adversary.
As our colleagues explain, the impact of this decision depends on the response of Tech giants like Apple and Google who host and distribute this social network. They risk significant fines if they continue to operate the service after this deadline.
For its part and, according to information from the American press, TikTok is preparing to stop operating this Sunday in the United States. From then on, the 170 million users who try to connect across the Atlantic will see a pop-up message which sends them to a website containing information about the ban. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, summed up the situation when he appeared before the Supreme Court last week: “We are turning off. Basically, the platform closes ».
Let us also remember that this closure of Uncle Sam’s platform could have collateral effects in other countries. Indeed, several hundred service providers in the United States ensure its operation globally, and could no longer do so from Sunday.
What could happen after January 19
For the moment, ByteDance has always categorically refused to resell TikTok’s activities in the United States, as the law passed requires it to do. It therefore remains to be seen whether she could change her mind following this decision by the Supreme Court.
As a reminder, there are many potential candidates for a takeover of TikTok. We recently mentioned the more or less serious intentions of MrBeast and Kick. Elon Musk has also been cited as a potential buyer, as has Frank McCourt, among other owners of Olympique de Marseille, and Microsoft.
TikTok can in any case count on the support of Donald Trump, who will take office this Monday, January 20. The Republican plans to very quickly issue an executive order that would suspend the application of the law banning or selling TikTok for 60 to 90 days, which would give the administration time to negotiate a sale or an alternative solution.
By: TikTok Pte. Ltd.
