The looming US ban against TikTok is coming, and since the Chinese social media company has no more arms left to throw against the government with the Foreign Adversary Act, the company confirmed that it is shutting down its operations. Starting today, TikTok users in the United States only have less than ten days to use the renowned vertical format social media platform in the region.
Global users outside the United States do not have to worry as TikTok is not shutting down worldwide, and this will only take effect in America as the said ban gave it a deadline to stop operations come January 19.
TikTok Is Shutting Down US Operations Amidst Ban Threats
A new report by CBS News shared a recent statement by TikTok representatives confirming that the app is officially shutting down its operations in the United States, as the company is facing the law's strict rule against them which asked for its ban. TikTok not only failed to divest ByteDance, but they also chose not to do so, and for several months, they tried to fight against the law.
However, TikTok's main strategy of using the United States Constitution's First Amendment to fight against the law did not work for them as the judges that presided over their case shot down their arguments.
Despite TikTok accepting its fate with the upcoming ban and shutting down US operations on its own, the company still reiterates that its forced closure is a violation of the First Amendment against Americans.
Will Trump Save TikTok Once He's In Power?
For now, TikTok only has more than a week until it shuts down its operations come January 19, and the platform will have no choice but to halt its availability or face the ban as mandated by the law. That being said, TikTok still has a chance to defend itself when the Supreme Court hears its arguments about an injunction against its ban but is still subject to the judiciary's decision.
The other saving grace of TikTok now is when President-elect Donald J. Trump officially returns to the White House after he is sworn in, where he could allow TikTok to return by amending the law, but only after the shutdown.
TikTok vs. The US: Foreign Adversary Act
TikTok is in a rough spot in its operations in the United States, particularly as the Senate, Congress, and President Joe Biden approved the Foreign Adversary Act which designates the Chinese social media as a threat. However, TikTok is known for standing its ground, and the company instead chose to fight against the United States government instead of adhering to the requirements it needs to continue its operations.
Despite its fight, TikTok faced massive scrutiny as the company tried to defend its position as a platform that is not connected to the Chinese government, with the likes of lawmakers and the Department of Justice wanting the court to junk the social media's appeal. It is also known that TikTok's defiance against the United States where it chose to remain affiliated with ByteDance did not help its case.
TikTok failed to defend their side and uphold the basis of their lawsuit against the US government which centered on the First Amendment which centers on allowing Americans to exercise their right to free speech. The current administration and law are adamant about banning TikTok as per the Foreign Adversary Act, and come January 19, TikTok is shutting down the platform's operations, with only the next administration having the power to overturn this, but it will have to be after it shuts down.
