TikTok’s boss said on Wednesday that the company believes it will win in court against a law signed by President Joe Biden. This law might stop TikTok from being used by the 170 million Americans who love the app.
“We’re staying put,” said CEO Shou Zi Chew in a video posted just after Biden signed the law. The law gives the company 270 days to sell its American parts, or TikTok might get banned. “We believe we have the facts and the law on our side,” Chew added.
The law sets a deadline of January 19 for TikTok to be sold, just one day before Biden’s presidency ends. But Biden could give them three more months if they’re making progress. Biden is running for president again, competing against Donald Trump.
“We don’t want TikTok to be banned,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. She said it’s because TikTok is owned by China.
Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020, but the courts stopped him. Now, Trump says Biden is the one pushing for a ban. He warned voters to pay attention. Chew emphasized that TikTok will keep running while they fight against the restrictions.
Many experts doubt if anyone can afford to buy TikTok, and if both the U.S. and China would agree to the sale. U.S. lawmakers worry that China might spy on Americans through TikTok. That’s why they quickly passed the law.
The fight over TikTok is a big part of the ongoing tech battle between the U.S. and China. Recently, China told Apple to remove certain apps from its store. TikTok plans to challenge the law, arguing it goes against free speech. Users might also take legal action.
The American Civil Liberties Union thinks banning TikTok would set a bad example for controlling social media. But if TikTok doesn’t sell, the law might give Biden more power to ban it. If TikTok doesn’t sell, Apple and Google might have to remove it from their app stores.
A senator wants Biden to think about the 8,000 Americans who work for TikTok. The law could also be used to ban other foreign-owned apps if they’re seen as threats. Some senators worry the law might be misused to take away people’s free speech.
Biden’s campaign plans to keep using TikTok, but Trump’s campaign isn’t on the app. In late 2022, Biden stopped government workers from using TikTok on their phones.