Listen Live
Big Companies Logos

Source: NurPhoto / Getty

The clock is ticking for TikTok’s future in America.

TikTok could face a full U.S. shutdown in January 2025 if ByteDance doesn’t sell its U.S. operations, due to a recent law signed by President Joe Biden.  However, TikTok is fighting back arguing that this ban violates First Amendment rights.

CEO Shou Zi Chew claims the law unfairly targets TikTok, stating that ByteDance’s foreign ownership is being weaponized as a political tool.

The U.S. government has said that it is not violating the First Amendment because it is targeting TikTok’s control by a foreign adversary rather than protected speech on the app stating that users can turn to other social platforms. Additionally, the Justice Department has argued that the law doesn’t amount to a ban because it gives ByteDance the option to sell TikTok to a government-approved buyer.

Currently, TikTok’s lawyers have launched a lawsuit that could keep the app online temporarily.

Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. (Terms and conditions).

Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join!

What Does This Mean For TikTok Users?

If ByteDance fails to find a buyer by the January 19, 2025 deadline, American app stores could remove TikTok completely.  Users would no longer be able to download or access it in the U.S. and would affect thousands of TikTok’s U.S.-based employees.

As of now, ByteDance has limited time to find a buyer. If it can’t or won’t sell, the ban could take effect but TikTok’s legal team is racing to prevent what would be a first-of-its-kind shutdown.

Get Breaking News & Exclusive Content in Your Inbox:

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE!

HEAD BACK TO THE RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM HOMEPAGE

Will TikTok Be Banned In January? Here’s What’s Happening  was originally published on 92q.com