Connect with us

Published

on

The Supreme Court rejected the appeal and upheld the law imposing the ban, highlighting national security concerns and requiring the divestment of the platform’s US operations. A historic decision for the digital future of the United States

As of Sunday, 19 January 2025, TikTok will be officially banned in the United States. The decision, upheld by the Supreme Court, represents a turning point in the regulation of digital platforms. The appeal filed by ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, was unanimously rejected, despite the argument that the ban would violate the freedom of expression guaranteed by the US Constitution.

According to the US media, the court recognised that TikTok has become a key resource for 170 million American users, describing it as ‘a source of community’. However, it emphasised that Congress had acted primarily on the basis of national security concerns, which it assessed as outweighing other aspects.

The rationale behind the ban: national security at the core

The US Congress justified the ban with the risk that US users’ data could be shared with the Chinese government through ByteDance. This fear was fuelled by intelligence reports and investigations that raised questions about the transparency of the platform’s data management policies.

‘This is not just about protecting Americans‘ personal data, but also safeguarding the country’s digital sovereignty,’ said a congressional spokesperson. The law requires ByteDance to divest its US operations to a company with exclusively US headquarters and control in order to avoid the ban. So far, however, negotiations have not produced any concrete results.

ByteDance’s reaction and the future of TikTok in the US

ByteDance expressed deep disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that it will continue to explore all available legal and business options. In a note, the company emphasised that the ban sets a dangerous precedent for global platform access and freedom of expression.

Experts believe that, without a divestment agreement, TikTok could try to redirect its users to other platforms or develop an alternative application with similar features, but compliant with US regulations.

Global and digital implications

TikTok’s ban in the US could have significant international repercussions. Other countries could follow the US example by stepping up regulation of foreign-owned platforms. At the same time, the decision could stimulate the development of new local digital solutions, creating opportunities for emerging competitors.

This episode highlights the growing conflict between national security, technological innovation and individual freedoms, opening a crucial debate on the future of digital governance.

THE LATEST NEWS

NATO hybrid warfare: more aggressive responses against Moscow being considered

NATO hybrid warfare is at the centre of the Alliance's new strategic assessments NATO hybrid warfare has become one of...
Read More
NATO hybrid warfare: more aggressive responses against Moscow being considered

Pope Leo XIV and peace in the Middle East: appeal from Beirut

The Pontiff renews his commitment to peace in the Middle East during his visit to Lebanon Today, Sunday 30 November,...
Read More
Pope Leo XIV and peace in the Middle East: appeal from Beirut

Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Lebanon after his visit to Turkey

Pope Leo XIV’s trip continues across the eastern Mediterranean Pope Leo XIV’s trip enters its Middle Eastern phase today, as...
Read More
Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Lebanon after his visit to Turkey

Trump and the plan for Ukraine: business at the heart of the strategy

The plan for Ukraine aims to turn negotiations into economic opportunities The plan for Ukraine circulating between Washington and Moscow,...
Read More
Trump and the plan for Ukraine: business at the heart of the strategy

Airbus A320 recall causes disruption to global air travel

Airbus A320 recall causes cancellations and urgent repairs It has been a difficult day for international air traffic, in the...
Read More
Airbus A320 recall causes disruption to global air travel

Israel: two Palestinians killed in Jenin after surrendering

Israel launches investigation into police after killing of suspects in Jenin Two Palestinians were killed in Jenin, in the West...
Read More
Israel: two Palestinians killed in Jenin after surrendering

Di Tendenza/Trending