The Federal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia unanimously upheld the law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the United States, citing national security reasons, according to Univisión.
The legislation, approved in April and enacted by President Joe Biden, requires that the platform be sold to a U.S. owner before January 19, 2025, or it will be banned from the North American country.
The court, while upholding the law, emphasized that if divestment is not completed, TikTok, operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, would no longer be available in the United States.
"The millions of TikTok users will need to find alternative means of communication," stated the three judges in their ruling, according to Telemundo.
The platform responded to the decision in a statement, defending its position that the measure is based on "inaccurate and flawed" information and warned that this action would impact the freedom of speech rights of over 170 million Americans. It also emphasized that the ban would lead to total censorship, limiting users' voices.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. may depend on elected President Donald Trump, who has the authority to grant a 90-day extension if there are advancements in the platform's divestment. For now, the magnate has expressed disagreement with the ban.
This process could also take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will have the final say on the constitutionality of the law. If confirmed, TikTok's farewell could become a reality just before Trump's inauguration in January 2025.
The project has created a tense atmosphere due to the potential economic and diplomatic repercussions it could entail with the Asian giant.
National security concerns are a constant topic of debate, with accusations that the data collected by TikTok could be used by Chinese intelligence agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of TikTok in the United States
Why could TikTok be banned in the United States?
TikTok could be banned in the United States due to national security concerns. The law ratified by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia requires that the platform be sold to an American owner before January 19, 2025, or it will face a ban in the country.
What is TikTok's stance on the potential ban in the U.S.?
TikTok has defended its position that the measure is based on "inaccurate and flawed" information and warns that the ban would impact the freedom of expression rights of over 170 million Americans. The platform believes that this action would lead to total censorship, limiting the voice of its users.
Who could decide the future of TikTok in the United States?
The future of TikTok in the United States may hinge on elected President Donald Trump, who has the authority to grant a 90-day extension if there are advancements in the platform's divestment. Additionally, the case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, which would have the final word on the constitutionality of the law.
What economic and diplomatic implications could the ban on TikTok in the U.S. have?
The potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. has created a tense atmosphere due to the economic and diplomatic repercussions it could have with China, the home country of ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. National security concerns and allegations of data misuse further complicate the debate.
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