TikTok has filed an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court in a bid to block a law that could force the app's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban. The new law, set to go into effect on January 19, addresses concerns over TikTok’s national security risks related to its alleged ties to China. This could potentially impact over 170 million American users who use the app daily.

The US Justice Department claims that TikTok poses a threat to national security due to its access to sensitive data about US users. The law would compel ByteDance to either sell TikTok to an American company or face a ban in the US. TikTok, however, denies sharing user data with Chinese officials and argues that the law violates the First Amendment, citing potential censorship issues for its millions of users.

Earlier this year, TikTok had attempted to have the law overturned by a panel of federal judges but was unsuccessful. The company has now escalated the case to the Supreme Court, where the final decision will likely have major implications for the app's future in the US.

While former President Donald Trump had tried to ban TikTok during his first term, he has since softened his stance. At a recent press conference, Trump expressed admiration for the app, particularly for how it helped him connect with young voters, noting, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”

With the Supreme Court’s involvement, the outcome of this legal battle could influence not just TikTok’s future but the broader debate on data security and international tech policy.

DW