TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, is set to battle the US Justice Department in a crucial legal action in Washington, DC, in a bid to avoid a nationwide ban, Edum News reports.
The companies are seeking to prevent a potential ban of the popular video-sharing app, used by 170 million Americans.
A three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hear oral arguments on whether TikTok should be forced to divest its US assets or face a nationwide ban by January 19.
TikTok and ByteDance however, argue that the law is unconstitutional and infringes on Americans’ free speech rights, marking a radical departure from this country’s tradition of championing an open Internet.
US lawmakers and the Justice Department on the other hand, argue that TikTok’s Chinese ownership presents a serious risk, potentially allowing the Chinese government to access personal data or manipulate information.
Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are active on TikTok, using the platform to engage younger voters.
According to reports, President Joe Biden may extend the January 19 deadline if ByteDance shows progress in selling TikTok’s US assets.
However, Trump has expressed that he would not support a full ban if re-elected, creating a political paradox.
Written by Hope James
