Posted: 6:50 AM PST · December 12, 2024
Aisha Malik
DOJ Asks Court to Reject TikTok’s Bid to Temporarily Block Sell-or-Ban Law
The Department of Justice has filed a motion with a U.S. appeals court, requesting that it reject ByteDance and TikTok’s emergency bid to temporarily block the law that would ban TikTok in the United States unless the social network divests from Chinese ownership by January 19.
Background on the Issue
The ongoing dispute between the U.S. government and TikTok has been a contentious one, with the Department of Justice arguing that the continued Chinese control of the TikTok application poses a significant threat to national security. The law in question, which would require TikTok to divest from ByteDance by January 19, is seen as a means of mitigating this risk.
TikTok’s Response
In an effort to delay the implementation of the law, TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, filed an emergency motion with the U.S. appeals court on Monday. The companies argued that a temporary hold would give them sufficient time to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.
Justice Department’s Response
In response to TikTok’s motion, the Justice Department has submitted a brief to the U.S. appeals court, arguing that it should not delay the matter. According to Reuters, the department stated that "continued Chinese control of the TikTok application poses a continuing threat to national security."
Potential Impact on TikTok
If the law is implemented as currently written, TikTok would be forced to divest from ByteDance by January 19. While this would likely result in significant changes for the social network, it remains to be seen whether such a move would ultimately mitigate the perceived national security risks.
TikTok’s Future Under President-elect Trump
One potential lifeline for TikTok may come in the form of incoming President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent a ban on the social network. However, even if Trump is able to intervene, it remains unclear whether such an action would be sufficient to alter the course of events.
Industry Response and Outlook
The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States has sparked a significant amount of debate within the industry. While some have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with Chinese ownership, others have argued that such concerns are overstated.
Relevant Developments and News
- The U.S. government has been scrutinizing TikTok’s ownership structure for some time now, citing national security concerns.
- ByteDance and TikTok have been actively working to address these concerns, including the proposed divestiture of TikTok from Chinese ownership.
- President-elect Trump has expressed his intention to prevent a ban on TikTok, which could potentially alter the course of events.
Industry Newsletters
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the tech industry, be sure to subscribe to one or more of TechCrunch’s newsletters. Our experts cover the latest news in the fast-moving field of technology, including:
- TechCrunch Daily News: Get the best of our coverage every weekday and Sunday.
- TechCrunch AI: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest news on artificial intelligence.
- TechCrunch Space: Every Monday, get up to speed on the latest advances in aerospace.
Subscribe Now
By submitting your email address, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice.
