TikTok has filed an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court, seeking to delay a federal law that could result in the popular video app being banned as early as next month.

The law, which requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban, is set to take effect on January 19, 2024.

Signed by President Joe Biden in April, the divest-or-ban law aims to address concerns over TikTok’s potential national security risks, particularly its connections to China. The US Justice Department has stated that TikTok poses a national security threat due to its handling of sensitive data belonging to American users.

In its appeal, TikTok argued that the new law infringes on the First Amendment rights of its 170 million users in the United States. Earlier this year, the company sought to overturn the law through a federal appeals court, but its argument was rejected in a ruling earlier this month. Following this setback, TikTok announced its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Despite the ongoing controversy, TikTok has consistently denied allegations of sharing user data with Chinese officials.

In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, has recently expressed support for the platform.

Read more

TikTok faces potential ban in the U.S. by 2025 following court ruling

US sues TikTok for violating children’s online privacy

TikTok CEO expects to defeat US ban: ‘We aren’t going anywhere’

At a press conference in Florida on Monday, Trump remarked, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” highlighting its role in connecting him with young voters. Trump also met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew during his visit.