Apple and Google are facing mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers as TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance. A recent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals could force ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest the app by January 19, 2024, or face a U.S. ban. This decision raises questions about the future of the app and what it means for both companies and American users.
The January 19 Deadline: What’s at Stake for TikTok
A court decision last week solidified a law that mandates ByteDance sell TikTok by mid-January, or the app will be pulled from U.S. app stores. The lawmakers involved, including Representatives John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), have made it clear that Apple and Google, as the operators of the app stores, will be legally responsible for removing TikTok if the company does not comply with the law by the January deadline.
Lawmakers Demand Action: Apple and Google’s Role in the TikTok Ban
In a strongly worded letter to Apple’s Tim Cook and Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, lawmakers reminded the CEOs of their obligations as app store operators. They emphasized that if ByteDance fails to divest TikTok, both Apple and Google would be forced to pull the app from their platforms in the U.S. The law dictates that app stores cannot distribute, update, or maintain apps controlled by foreign adversaries, and TikTok is at the heart of this issu
TikTok’s Legal Challenge: Can the App Avoid a Ban?
TikTok has been vocal in its opposition to the law, arguing that it infringes on its users’ First Amendment rights. The company is now planning to take its case to the U.S. Supreme Court, hoping to prevent the law from being enforced. TikTok’s legal team has argued that the ruling could violate the free speech rights of its 170 million American users, a claim the courts have thus far rejected.
The Economic Impact: U.S. Small Businesses at Risk
A potential TikTok ban in the U.S. could have devastating consequences for American small businesses and content creators. According to TikTok, a one-month ban could result in a $1.3 billion loss in sales and earnings for U.S.-based creators and companies that rely on the platform for marketing. This financial blow is one of the key concerns lawmakers are considering as the case moves forward.
Political Tensions: How President-Elect Trump Could Influence the Outcome
The political landscape surrounding TikTok’s potential ban is also evolving. Former President Donald Trump previously attempted to force a ban during his presidency, but the situation became more complicated after his meeting with billionaire Jeff Yass, an investor in ByteDance. This has raised questions about how the incoming administration under President-elect Trump will handle the TikTok situation once he takes office in January.
Looking Ahead: What Could Happen After the TikTok Deadline?
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting on Apple, Google, and ByteDance. If TikTok fails to sell or comply with the law, the app could face a permanent ban in the U.S., potentially reshaping the landscape of social media in America. For now, all eyes are on ByteDance and whether it can navigate these legal challenges in time to avoid a ban.
Luyanda is a digital marketing & SEO professional. She is a part of the Minority Business Review digital marketing team. She is a Boston Media House Graduate who obtained a Diploma in Media Practice majoring in Digital Marketing.