WASHINGTON, Jan 17, 2025 — On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law prohibiting TikTok in the United States unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, relinquishes its ownership.

The unanimous 9-0 ruling confirms the law's consistency with national security concerns, possibly leading to the app’s shutdown in the U.S. by Sunday.

The legislation, endorsed by both parties and signed by President Joe Biden in 2024, highlights anxieties regarding TikTok's Chinese ownership and its implications for data security.

The future of the app depends on the actions of President-elect Donald Trump, soon to be inaugurated on Monday, who has indicated he will address the matter.

TikTok's legal challenge claimed the law infringed on First Amendment rights.

However, the Supreme Court refuted this, citing the platform's vulnerability to foreign adversary control and its collection of sensitive user data as justification for the law.

The decision noted national security risks linked to potential misuse of the app by the Chinese government for data collection, espionage, or propaganda.

ByteDance has made limited headway on divestment before the January 19 deadline.

Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has announced he will review the situation.

"My decision on TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future," Trump shared on social media.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, expected to attend Trump's inauguration, is hopeful for a resolution.

The Biden administration has stated it will not delay the law's enforcement, leaving its implementation to the incoming administration.

Companies offering essential services to TikTok, such as Apple, Google, and Oracle, risk legal challenges under the law if they maintain business ties with the platform post-deadline.

With over 170 million U.S. users, the app is a key part of social media culture, especially among younger audiences.

Its content-personalizing algorithm has made it a major player in the digital economy.

For some users, the potential ban poses serious concerns for personal livelihoods, with many relying on the platform for income and engagement.

Amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, TikTok’s operations have significant geopolitical implications.

These tensions encompass trade disputes and broader issues regarding China's technological influence and global narratives.

The ruling comes as the U.S. continues to scrutinize Chinese tech firms and their potential national security impacts.

In a wider context, TikTok’s possible shutdown may indicate changes in global digital policy and cross-border tech operations.

These developments could also influence government approaches to data security and foreign ownership of critical tech platforms.

The future of TikTok remains uncertain.

While a buyer might be found, the only notable bidder so far is former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, valuing the platform at $20 billion excluding its algorithm.

Other options include using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to allow TikTok’s operations under conditions that reduce national security risks.

As events progress, TikTok’s status remains central to domestic policy and international relations, illustrating the intersection of technology, security, and governance in a globally connected world.