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TikTok Fights for Survival in Supreme Court Hearing

TikTok, the popular social media app, is facing its final battle to remain active in the United States. Today, the company is making its case before the Supreme Court, arguing that a ban on the app would violate the right to free speech. The fate of millions of content creators hangs in the balance as the court deliberates.

The Accusations Against TikTok

TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has been accused of posing a risk to national security. Lawmakers argue that allowing a foreign adversary access to personal data of U.S. users is dangerous. There are also concerns that China could manipulate U.S. user sympathies to align with Chinese interests. As a result, lawmakers have demanded that TikTok’s U.S. operations be divested from ByteDance entirely.

The Possible Outcomes

Currently, there are three possible outcomes for TikTok. The first is that the law is deemed unconstitutional, allowing the app to continue operating as usual. The second is that the law is upheld, resulting in a ban on TikTok starting on January 19, 2025. The third is that the implementation of the law is delayed, giving the incoming administration a chance to revisit or restart the process.

The Stakes for TikTok

If the Supreme Court upholds the law, TikTok will be banned in the U.S. on January 19. This means that Apple and Google will be required to remove the app from their app stores, making it inaccessible for users to download or update. While there is a possibility that a U.S.-based company could purchase TikTok, it ultimately depends on ByteDance’s willingness to sell. If a sale does happen, it could eliminate concerns about the Chinese government’s involvement, but this is uncertain.

The Fallout for Content Creators

The worst-case scenario for TikTok would be if the Supreme Court rules against the app, ByteDance refuses to sell, and TikTok becomes inaccessible in the U.S. However, the company itself would not bear the brunt of this fallout. Content creators, who have built their livelihoods on TikTok, stand to lose not only their income but also their millions of followers. Transitioning to another platform would be costly, as followers may not move with them and other platforms may not offer the same monetization opportunities. Additionally, many prominent TikTok creators have already been denied access to programs like the Threads bonus initiative. The question of where to go next also remains, as other platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts may not offer the same reach and opportunities as TikTok. 

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