In Washington, the Supreme Court is set to announce its verdict on a crucial case regarding TikTok, which could lead to the app’s shutdown if the court does not intervene. This decision is tied to a federal law aimed at compelling the sale of the popular social media platform, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, that boasts approximately 170 million users in the United States.
The justices are deliberating over a free speech argument against the law that is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, weighing it against national security concerns that led to its bipartisan passage last year. In recent court proceedings, TikTok’s legal representatives cautioned that the platform would become nonoperational following the law’s implementation unless the court grants a temporary extension or strikes down the statute altogether.
During the oral arguments, it appeared that a majority of the justices were inclined to support the law’s enforcement. In parallel to the ongoing legal battle, TikTok may have found a possible ally in President-elect Donald Trump. Previously a proponent of banning TikTok, Trump is now considering approaches to “preserve” the platform, as mentioned by his future national security adviser, Florida Representative Mike Waltz, during a recent television appearance.
Uncertainties remain regarding Trump’s ability to influence the situation; however, he could instruct the Justice Department to refrain from enforcing the law, which imposes penalties on technology providers associated with the app.
As for the timing of the Supreme Court’s decisions, they revealed on Thursday that at least one ruling would be announced on Friday, aligning with their practice, although the specific case remains undisclosed. Typically, aside from the end of term rush in late June, rulings are only issued on days when the justices are present for hearings; the next scheduled session is set for Tuesday.
Moreover, contrary to their usual protocol, the justices will not convene to publicly share the decision summaries on Friday, a departure from their normal practice except during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinions will be available on the court’s official website starting shortly after 10 a.m. EST on Friday.
