Appeals court debates potential TikTok ban in the United States | Social Media News

TikTok and parent company ByteDance are currently in a legal battle with the United States Justice Department over a potential ban that the companies argue would violate US freedom of speech laws. The video-sharing app, used by millions in the US, claims that a ban would go against the country’s tradition of an open Internet, while the Justice Department sees the app as a national security threat.
A bipartisan bill passed by Congress requires ByteDance to divest its US TikTok assets by January 19, or face a national ban due to fears of Chinese government spying. However, ByteDance argues that the concerns are baseless and has never been asked to share US user data with the Chinese government. The company is seeking an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect.
Support for a ban on TikTok among US adults has been declining, with most expressing doubts that it would actually happen. A survey also found that young people are strongly opposed to a ban. Both TikTok and the Justice Department have requested a decision by December 6 to allow time for a potential appeal to the US Supreme Court.
The Biden administration has indicated a preference for ownership by a non-Chinese company over an outright ban, while former President Trump has said he would not support a ban if re-elected. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of TikTok in the US.

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