The US government and TikTok will clash in federal court on Monday, where oral arguments are set to begin in a decisive legal case. The case will determine whether the popular social media app, used by nearly half of Americans, can continue operating in the US. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance are contesting a law signed by President Biden that mandates the company sever ties with China or face a ban by mid-January.
The government argues TikTok poses a national security threat due to its data collection practices and potential manipulation by Chinese authorities. The Justice Department has highlighted classified information suggesting TikTok "took direction" from Beijing regarding platform content. However, TikTok refutes these claims, citing a lack of evidence that US user data has ever been compromised. They argue the law infringes on the First Amendment rights of users, and could force the app's shutdown by January 19 if upheld.
TikTok has proposed alternative solutions, including third-party monitoring of its algorithm and content moderation practices, which the government dismissed. ByteDance insists TikTok is not for sale, despite interest from high-profile investors. The Biden administration's stance has bipartisan support in Congress, but faces opposition from some progressives, libertarians, and free speech advocates who claim the law suppresses minority voices. The case is anticipated to reach the Supreme Court, potentially setting a significant precedent for tech regulation and US-China relations. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
