Boma Achenimie 
On Tuesday, the social media platform, TikTok sought the judgment of the United States (US) Supreme Court to temporarily block a law that would require its Chinese owner to either sell the platform or shut it down within a month.
Recalls that the law, enacted by President Joe Biden in April, would prevent TikTok from being available on US app stores and web hosting services unless ByteDance divests from the app by January 19.
This appeal coincided with a meeting between TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, and President-elect Donald Trump.
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During a press conference on Monday, Trump revealed that he has a “soft spot” for TikTok, adding that his administration would consider the app’s future and the possibility of a ban.
TikTok is seeking to put the law on hold while it contests a lower court decision that upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, with hopes of appealing to the Supreme Court.
It also requested a ruling by January 6, arguing that Congress has imposed an unprecedented restriction on free speech.
The company argued that the law’s implementation would silence many Americans who use the platform for discussions on various public issues, including politics and commerce, and would inflict significant financial damage on small businesses that rely on the app.
The potential ban could further complicate US-China relations as Trump prepares to take office on January 20, with Trump positioning himself as an unexpected supporter of TikTok amidst concerns that a ban might primarily benefit Meta, the parent company of Facebook.
