TikTok, the popular short-video app, has taken its fight against the US ban law to court. In a significant legal development, TikTok filed its first legal briefs yesterday, challenging the law that forces a sale or outright ban of the company by its China-based parent company, ByteDance.
Violation of Freedom of Expression
The briefs, supported by eight US-based TikTok creators, argue that the ban law infringes upon Americans’ fundamental right to freedom of expression. TikTok contends that a forced sale would be impractical and result in a two-tier content system, isolating Americans from content produced outside the US.
Behind Closed Doors
TikTok’s legal filings also revealed private negotiations. The company offered US officials a “kill switch” option, allowing swift action if the app posed any national security threat. These negotiations underscore the high stakes involved in the battle over TikTok’s future.
Upcoming Legal Showdown
The Justice Department is expected to respond next month, with oral arguments scheduled for September. As the legal drama unfolds, TikTok’s 170 million monthly active users in the US and over 5 million US-based businesses await the outcome.
Stay tuned for further developments as the courtroom battle intensifies.