TikTok Sues to Block US Law Forcing Sale of App
The popular video-sharing platform TikTok is taking legal action against a new US law that could potentially see it banned in the country. The lawsuit, filed by the company, argues that the law unfairly restricts free speech rights and lacks concrete evidence to justify such a drastic measure.
TikTok Claims US Law is Unjustified
In the lawsuit, TikTok calls the law an "extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights" of both the company itself and its massive user base of 170 million Americans.
They argue that the US government hasn't presented any solid proof to justify the ban, calling their concerns about user data "speculative."
The lawsuit seeks to block the law from taking effect.
TikTok and its Chinese parent company is suing the US government in an effort to stop a new law that forces the company to either sell the app or be banned in the United States. https://t.co/mdHAkR6jbC
— ABC News (@abcnews) May 8, 2024
Source: Twitter/ABC News
US Cites National Security Concerns
The law, signed by President Biden last month, stems from national security concerns. US officials are worried that because TikTok is owned by a Chinese company (ByteDance), user data could be accessed by the Chinese government or used for propaganda purposes.
TikTok Denies Ties to Chinese Government, Sale Seems Impossible
TikTok has consistently denied these claims, insisting they operate independently from the Chinese government. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has also stated they have no intention of selling the app.
Forced Sale Deemed Unrealistic
Even beyond the issue of wanting to remain independent, TikTok argues that the forced sale mandated by the law is simply not feasible.
Their court filing highlights the impossibility due to a combination of business limitations, technological hurdles, and legal issues.
The tight timeline of 270 days for the sale is another major obstacle they point out.
Unfair Targeting and Free Speech Concerns
Adding to their arguments, TikTok feels the law unfairly targets them specifically.
They argue it creates an unequal situation where they are held to stricter standards compared to other platforms.
The lawsuit also mentions that previous attempts to ban the app faced legal challenges in US courts.
ACLU Joins the Fight, Highlighting Free Speech Concerns
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has joined forces with TikTok in this legal battle. Ashley Gorski, a lawyer with the ACLU, argues that the law violates First Amendment protections because there's no publicly available evidence of a serious national security threat that justifies such a ban.
She further emphasizes that the government cannot restrict free speech in this way unless there's a clear and present danger to national security. Gorski's arguments effectively expose the potential violation of free speech rights embedded within the law.
Conflicting Agendas and Growing US-China Tensions
Comments from some lawmakers, like Senator Romney, who hinted at a possible political motive behind the law, could further weaken the US government's case. Senator Romney suggested the law might be aimed at influencing US public opinion about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Congressman Moolenaar, who played a role in crafting the law, however, remains confident. He insists there's evidence, both public and classified, that TikTok poses a national security risk. He criticizes TikTok for focusing on legal challenges instead of severing ties with the Chinese Communist Party.
The law targeting TikTok is just one example of the growing tension between the US and China, the world's two leading economies. The US has taken several actions against Chinese tech companies in recent years, reflecting these strained relations.
This lawsuit by TikTok marks a significant challenge to the US law, and the legal battle promises to shed light on the balance between national security concerns and free speech rights in the digital age.
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