TikTok issued a warning late Friday that it may be forced to shut down in the United States on Sunday unless the Biden administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they won’t face penalties under a newly upheld ban.
This warning came after a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a law banning TikTok due to national security concerns, unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake in the app.
The unanimous 9-0 ruling left TikTok’s 170 million American users uncertain about the app’s future, with ByteDance making limited progress on meeting the divestment deadline. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, set to return to office on Monday, has hinted at taking action to save TikTok.
In a statement, TikTok warned: “Unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement assuring non-enforcement to critical service providers, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”
Supreme Court Upholds Ban
The Supreme Court supported the law passed by Congress last year with overwhelming bipartisan support. Signed into law by President Biden, it bans U.S. service providers from offering TikTok unless ByteDance relinquishes ownership. Despite appeals from TikTok and its users, the court ruled that the ban does not infringe on First Amendment free speech protections.
The court noted that TikTok’s scale, potential for foreign influence, and the vast amounts of sensitive data it collects justify the government’s national security concerns.
The law addresses fears that TikTok’s Chinese ownership could allow Beijing to exploit the platform for espionage, data harvesting, and influence operations in the U.S. TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon among young Americans, with its algorithm-driven short videos sparking widespread engagement.
The news of a potential shutdown has caused panic among some users. Influencer Lourd Asprec, based in Houston and with over 16 million followers, said, “I don’t care about China stealing my data. If anything, I’ll go to China myself and give them my data.”
Potential Interventions
The Biden administration has not yet suggested delaying the January 19 deadline, leaving the decision to the incoming administration. Trump, who attempted to ban TikTok in 2020, has hinted at using emergency powers to keep the app operational.
“My decision on TikTok will be made soon, but I need time to review the situation. Stay tuned!” Trump posted on social media. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers who initially supported the ban are reconsidering its implications. Despite bipartisan backing, more voices in Congress are advocating for measures that would allow TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S.
Business Implications
The ban could have serious consequences for companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle, which provide essential services to TikTok. These firms could face hefty fines if they continue to support the app after the ban takes effect. Apple and Oracle have yet to comment, and Google has remained silent.
The potential shutdown also threatens millions of small businesses and influencers who rely on TikTok for revenue and outreach. Some users have started moving to other platforms, including Chinese-owned apps like RedNote, which presents challenges like language barriers.
Experts believe that TikTok’s future depends on ByteDance’s willingness to sell or Trump’s potential intervention. Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has emerged as a potential buyer, estimating TikTok’s value at $20 billion without its proprietary algorithm.
“Beijing needs TikTok more than Washington does,” said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. “With that leverage, Trump has a better chance of getting what he wants: TikTok’s continued operation in America without national security threats.”
