In response to the House of Representatives passing a foreign aid package containing provisions that could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok, the popular social media platform is gearing up for a legal battle.
Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, informed employees in an internal memo obtained by CNN that the company will file a court challenge if Congress passes legislation facilitating the app’s ban.
Beckerman emphasized the significance of the impending legislation, describing it as “an unprecedented deal worked out between the Republican Speaker [Mike Johnson] and President Biden.”
He underscored that TikTok views this as the beginning rather than the end of a long process and assured employees that the company will pursue legal action once the bill is signed into law by President Joe Biden.
The proposed legislation entails compelling TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app within 270 days. Failure to do so would render it illegal for US app stores to offer TikTok for downloads. Additionally, the bill grants Biden the authority to extend the deadline by another 90 days if progress toward a sale is observed.
Foreshadowing its legal strategy, TikTok has already voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns about infringement on users’ First Amendment rights. While supporters argue that the legislation is essential for safeguarding Americans’ personal data, TikTok contends that it unfairly restricts freedom of speech.
Legal experts have suggested that TikTok may have a viable case, highlighting the courts’ tendency to scrutinize the actual impact of challenged laws on Americans’ speech rather than solely considering their stated intent.
As TikTok prepares for a potential legal showdown, the company remains committed to defending its platform and the rights of its users. The internal memo from Beckerman signals TikTok’s determination to challenge any legislation that threatens its presence in the US market.