In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court issued its ruling that TikTok is set to be banned on Jan. 19, ending access to updates for the app for 170 million monthly American users.
“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, 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,” the written ruling said.
The Supreme Court ruled TikTok’s argument that the ban would violate First Amendment rights was not valid.
The written ruling cites incoming President Donald Trump, who previously issued an Executive Order in August 2020 to have TikTok banned, “the spread in the United States on mobile applications developed and owned by companies in (China) continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”
Under the Supreme Court’s ruling, the pending ban of TikTok will see Alphabet and Apple forced to stop offering the TikTok app in its mobile app stores to American users or face fines.
