TikTok Defends Against US Ban Citing Foreign Ownership
TikTok is actively contesting a new US law that mandates its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban. In a court filing on Thursday, TikTok’s lawyers argued that the platform’s foreign ownership does not strip it of its rights under US law, comparing it to foreign-owned media organizations.
US Government Disputes TikTok’s Free Speech Rights
Last month, the US Justice Department claimed that TikTok and its parent company do not qualify for First Amendment protections, arguing that foreign ownership disqualifies them. TikTok’s legal team has countered by making freedom of speech a central issue in their defense, insisting that the platform deserves the same protections as other foreign-owned companies operating in the US.
Legal Comparisons to Media Outlets
TikTok’s attorneys drew parallels between their platform and American media outlets like Politico, Fortune, and Business Insider, which have foreign owners yet retain their First Amendment protections. They also noted that various video game developers and book publishers in the US are owned by foreign entities, further supporting their argument.
National Security Concerns Behind the Ban
The Justice Department maintains that the law is focused on national security, not restricting free speech. They argue that TikTok’s connection to China poses security risks that the company’s proposals have not adequately addressed. Previous negotiations between the Biden administration and TikTok failed to resolve these concerns.
Legal Battle Set to Continue in September
As the legal battle intensifies, oral arguments are scheduled to begin on September 16. The outcome could determine whether TikTok can continue operating in the US or if ByteDance will be forced to sell the popular social media platform.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Sun
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