TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking to block a federal law that would effectively ban the platform in the United States unless it’s sold by January 19. The appeal, supported by content creators who depend on the platform for their livelihood, represents a crucial moment for the app’s 170 million U.S. users.
The timing of the appeal is particularly significant as President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed support for the platform during his campaign, is reportedly meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago. Trump’s stance has evolved from previously supporting a ban to now pledging to “save TikTok,” viewing the platform as a valuable channel for reaching younger voters.
The companies warn that even a month-long shutdown would result in losing approximately one-third of daily U.S. users and substantial advertising revenue. The case presents unique challenges for the Supreme Court, balancing free speech considerations against national security concerns in the context of social media.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who oversees emergency appeals from D.C. courts, will likely consult all nine justices on the matter. This appeal follows a D.C. Circuit Court panel’s denial of an emergency request to block the law, though the same panel had previously upheld the law against First Amendment challenges.
If implemented, the law would expose app stores offering TikTok and its internet hosting services to potential fines. While enforcement would fall under the Justice Department’s purview, TikTok’s lawyers suggest Trump’s incoming administration might pause enforcement or modify the law’s strictest provisions.
The companies have requested a ruling by January 6, citing the need for adequate time to coordinate a potential U.S.-specific platform shutdown. The Supreme Court could either temporarily halt the law for further consideration, schedule expedited arguments, or reject the emergency appeal entirely.
