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The US Department of Justice has challenged TikTok’s last-minute legal attempt to block a potential nationwide ban, escalating a conflict that could force the app’s sale or shutdown by January 19.
In a critical filing, federal lawyers argued against postponing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to a US company or exit the American market.
The legislation, passed with bipartisan support and signed by President Biden in April 2024, targets what lawmakers view as potential national security risks from Chinese-owned technology platforms.
Justice Department attorneys firmly rejected ByteDance’s constitutional arguments, stating the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights. “The act targets foreign control, not speech content,” a department spokesperson explained.
TikTok has mounted a robust legal challenge, arguing the ban represents an unprecedented restriction on digital communication. The company’s Supreme Court appeal claims the law would effectively silence millions of American users.
Complicating the narrative, former President Donald Trump—who recently claimed his TikTok account outperforms other media channels—has requested a deadline extension. His legal team seeks time for a potential “political resolution.”
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 10, leaving a narrow nine-day window before the potential ban takes effect. Legal experts predict a decision could have far-reaching implications for international technology regulation.
With millions of users watching closely, the outcome could dramatically reshape social media’s international landscape and set a precedent for how democratic governments manage foreign-owned digital platforms.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the tech world remains on high alert, waiting to see whether TikTok will be forced to find an American buyer or potentially shut down its US operations entirely.
