The destiny of one of the most popular social media platforms in the U.S. hangs in the balance as lawmakers discuss whether the Chinese-owned app presents a national security risk.

This coming Friday, representatives from TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to delay a potential ban expected later this month.

On April 24, President Joe Biden enacted legislation that mandates ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19. Should they fail to comply, TikTok will be removed from app stores, and internet service providers will be required to block access via U.S. internet browsers.

The situation becomes even more complex with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20. Although he previously sought to ban the app, he has shown signs of reconsideration during his 2024 campaign.

In a press conference held at Mar-a-Lago in December, Trump remarked that TikTok has a special place for him, acknowledging the app’s role in garnering support from younger voters.

“It’s a challenging decision,” Trump mentioned in a March interview with CNBC. “Honestly, many TikTok users really enjoy the platform.”

Here’s what you should know regarding the imminent TikTok situation.

When Will TikTok Be Banned?

If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by January 19, the U.S. ban on the app will take effect.

When Will the Supreme Court Decide on the TikTok Ban?

The Supreme Court will review TikTok’s arguments on Friday, January 10, only a few days before the possible ban might start.

What Does TikTok Want from the Supreme Court?

TikTok is seeking SCOTUS to reverse a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which claims that limiting free speech rights is justified due to national security issues.

When Might the TikTok Ban Be Implemented?

The ban will be enforced starting Sunday, January 19, 2025, if ByteDance does not divest the platform by that date.

Is There a Possibility for TikTok to Be Sold?

Despite China’s strong objections to selling TikTok, billionaire Frank McCourt has shown interest in acquiring the U.S. segment of the app with a group of associates. McCourt, founder of Project Liberty and chairman of McCourt Global, mentioned that his consortium has verbally committed to offering as much as $20 billion for the acquisition.

However, should McCourt buy TikTok, it would be limited to the U.S. sector and exclude TikTok’s algorithm, which China considers its intellectual property, as he informed CBS on “Face the Nation” earlier this month.

Could Trump Step In to Rescue TikTok?

Trump’s plans for TikTok upon taking office remain unclear. Even though he previously took measures to restrict ByteDance, his recent comments reflect a different view towards the app.

In a press conference last week, he stated he holds a “warm spot” for TikTok, believing the app contributed to his appeal with younger voters during the 2024 election campaign.

“TikTok made a difference, and we are considering it,” Trump expressed. “I do have a bit of a fondness for it. To be honest.”

His team has not replied to a request for comment from YSL News.

What Prompted the Government to Impose a Ban?

The government’s national security concerns arise from fears that ByteDance, located in Beijing, might have access to American user data and possibly share it with the Chinese government.

In 2020, Trump issued an executive order aimed at TikTok, attempting to implement a ban in the U.S. and prevent any deals with the company, as noted on the Trump White House archival site. However, that ban never took effect.

In 2021, Biden revoked Trump’s proposed ban and introduced a new executive order.

ByteDance has made claims that the company poses ongoing risks to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the U.S., according to a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In 2022, President Biden enacted legislation that banned TikTok from being used on government devices.

How many Americans are on TikTok?

As reported by a TikTok representative to YSL News last month, there are over 170 million users of TikTok in the United States.

A November report from the Pew Research Center indicates that at least one-third of U.S. adults utilize TikTok, with 59% of those users being under the age of 30. The report also noted that 95% of adult users mainly use the app for entertainment purposes.

How many people work for TikTok in the US?

According to Reuters, TikTok employs roughly 7,000 individuals in the United States. It remains unclear what the impact would be on these jobs if a ban were implemented.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform recognized for its short videos. It allows users to create, post, and interact with content within the app. The platform is lauded for its engaging scrolling algorithm, enabling videos that range from three seconds to ten minutes long. Users have the option to enhance their videos with various filters, backgrounds, music, and stickers.