The ongoing saga of TikTok in the U.S. has taken a new turn. Eight TikTok users have filed a lawsuit against the U.S.government, arguing that a recent law signed by President Biden violates their First Amendment rights. This lawsuit is the second legal challenge against the government’s attempt to curb TikTok’s influence, following one filed by ByteDance,the app’s Chinese parent company.
The new lawsuit claims that the law, which forces TikTok to find a new U.S. owner within a specific timeframe or face a ban, is too broad and restricts a significant form of communication for millions of Americans. These users, who come from diverse backgrounds according to Forbes, rely on TikTok to express themselves, connect with audiences, and even run their businesses.
Building on the momentum of ByteDance’s lawsuit, which argued that the timeframe for selling the app was unrealistic and the law itself violated free speech principles, this new lawsuit highlights the app’s immense popularity in the U.S.Over 170 million Americans use TikTok to watch and share videos, making it a central platform for many.
However, the story behind the lawsuit goes deeper. In 2023, President Biden signed a law that included a provision requiring TikTok to find a new owner within a specific timeframe. This decision stemmed from longstanding concerns about potential national security risks associated with TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Lawmakers worried that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. TikTok vehemently denies these allegations.
Prior to the law’s passage, TikTok fans rallied to save the app. They used social media campaigns with hashtags like “#KeepTikTok” and lobbied politicians to oppose the ban. These concerns stemmed from the fear that the ban wasn’t just about security, but also about political tensions between the U.S. and China. In 2022, TikTok was already banned on government devices, and some states even attempted similar bans. However, a court in Montana struck down such a statewide ban, deeming it unfair and discriminatory.
As the legal battle progresses, it’s clear that the stakes are high for both TikTok and its users. This isn’t just about an app; it’s about the fundamental rights of free speech, user privacy, and the complex web of international relations between the U.S. and China. The outcome of this lawsuit will have a significant impact on the future of social media and the online landscape for millions of Americans.
