The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law on Wednesday that mandates TikTok to cease operations in the United States unless its Chinese parent company can divest the U.S. entity by January 19th. This decision comes as Congress, in a bipartisan effort, has deemed divestiture necessary to address well-founded national security concerns surrounding TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties to a foreign adversary.
Former President Trump, who initially supported a ban on TikTok during his first term but now opposes its shutdown, had requested the justices to postpone the ban’s implementation date to allow his administration the opportunity to negotiate a resolution upon taking office on January 20th. Interestingly, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew is set to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday and has been invited to a section reserved for dignitaries and esteemed guests.
The legislation at the heart of this case is the Protecting Americans from Foreign Controlled Applications Act, enacted in 2024 to address national security concerns by prohibiting the use of apps controlled by “foreign adversaries,” including China.
It is evident that the Chinese government is utilizing the data obtained through TikTok to exploit it against the United States. Users willingly provide information to a foreign government intent on undermining our democratic system. Have we forgotten China’s provocative actions, such as flying balloons over our airspace, interfering in our elections, and most recently, hacking into our government systems?
The pressing question remains: why is TikTok unwilling to comply with the law and sell to an American entity to safeguard the data? It appears that the Chinese government seeks this information. Trump appears he may not facilitate this transfer of TikTok to an American company.
So much for America first. It is imperative for Americans to remain vigilant before it is too late. TikTok needs to be an American company!!
I understand that many may vehemently oppose our views, yet the undeniable truth stands unwavering and resolute.
Blue Press Journal 