prohibition of tiktok In usa Getting closer to becoming reality. Popular video platform owned by Chinese giant ByteDancehas until January 19 to sell its US business, which has more than 150 million users, to another company. ChinaIf you do not comply, you will be blocked in the area.
After years of controversy and tension, on 24 April Washington And Beijingchairman Joe Biden has signed a law that threatens to ban TikTok’s access to its core global market. white House Reassures that this drastic measure, adopted with broad bipartisan support, responds to the country’s desire to guarantee its national security, as both Democrats and Republicans allege – without conclusive evidence – Application to become a tool spying in the service of government Xi Jinping,
Since then, TikTok has tried to fight its potential blockage in court. usaBut courts are also adopting internal measures for conservatives, as revealed InformationOn May 7, he condemned the federal government, saying the law was unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees it. free expression of citizens, among other rights. Some users also complained against the executive. On December 6, a court overturned the appeal and ruled that the administration could take such a step to protect its national interests.
What will the Supreme Court say?
So far, the US justice system has approved a law that would be the death penalty for TikTok. However, the company has one last bullet left: the Supreme CourtOn December 16, he challenged the decision, calling it “a massive and unprecedented restriction on freedom of expression” that would, according to his calculations, result in a loss of more than $1 billion for companies using the platform to do business. will be.
In a highly unusual quick response, the United States’ highest judicial body confirmed two days later that it would study the appeal. The clock is ticking against TikTok, so the high court has added a special oral hearing for January 10. The judge can suspend the measure while the litigation continues and his decision could come any time thereafter. Meanwhile, its executive director, shu zi chewI have met these days Donald Trump At his mansion in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Is it possible to force its sale?
If the Supreme Court agrees with Washington, TikTok will be stuck in an unprecedented situation. Its parent company, ByteDance, has reiterated last year that selling its business in the US is not a viable option because it would be an extremely complex process, moreover, Beijing has already said it would veto it. The Chinese Embassy in the country said, “The US should truly respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, stop unfairly oppressing foreign companies, and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment.”
Given this refusal, the law will bind Apple already Google -Under threat of fines- to stop supporting TikTok through its App Store, app Store And Google PlayNevertheless, users may attempt to circumvent that veto by accessing the platform through a private network. vpnthat allows you to connect Internet As if you are doing it from another country with another jurisdiction.
What will Trump do?
The law that seeks to crack down on TikTok came into effect on January 19, the last day of Biden’s tenure. The next morning Trump will be sworn in as the new President of the United States, a change in power that could benefit video applications. Although the Conservative leader was the first to propose banning TikTok in 2020, he has now changed his mind. During his presidential campaign he promised that he would “save” the platform, which is particularly popular among young people, and in recent days he has even said that it holds “a warm place in my heart. Keeps.”
What is the reason for Trump’s turn?
Trump publicly changed his stance on TikTok in March. that’s when they met Jeff Yassa billionaire investor and republican megadonor Who owns 7% shares of ByteDance, which are worth $21 billion. Although Trump said he did not discuss the platform and its future, Yass has funded a pressure campaign in Washington, according to the new York TimesHas kept his associates close to the Trump family.
Can Trump “Save” TikTok?
Trump has made a promise he can’t keep. The law explicitly prohibits a deal that addresses national security concerns with ByteDance, limiting its authority. If the Supreme Court upholds the validity of the ban, Trump may grant only a three-month extension for the sale of the company. Application To a non-Chinese company. This would allow it to temporarily lift its shutdown and keep it online for 90 days, a measure that Trump could take advantage of politically to sell the world that he “saved” TikTok and blame the Democrats. Can accommodate. Nevertheless, a large majority of Republicans, including the Senate minority leader, mitch mcconnellThey clearly support the blockade.
