TikTok delivered a stark warning during Supreme Court proceedings today: the platform will "go dark" in the United States if the court doesn't extend the rapidly approaching January 19 divestment deadline. This announcement came during critical oral arguments as the company challenges the recently enacted divest-or-ban law.
Speaking before the Supreme Court, TikTok's legal representative Noel Francisco laid out the severe consequences of missing the deadline. The platform would face a complete shutdown as essential partners, including app store providers and service operators, would be forced to terminate their relationships with TikTok. "It's essentially going to stop operating," Francisco emphasized to the court, making a case for temporary relief from the deadline.
The impending ban would be far more comprehensive than typical app removals. Users wouldn't just lose the ability to download TikTok - existing users would likely find themselves unable to access any content on the platform. This differs significantly from previous cases, such as Fortnite's removal from the Apple App Store, where existing users could still access the game.
Cornell Law School's G.S. Hans highlighted the unique nature of this situation: "This is not a dispute between two private parties. This is a dispute between a private party and the government, and the government can pretty easily legally prevent a company from operating."
The legal challenge began when TikTok filed suit in May against the legislation requiring ByteDance to either separate from TikTok's US operations within nine months or cease US operations entirely. After an unfavorable ruling in the District of Columbia Circuit last month, the company is now seeking an emergency injunction to prevent the imminent shutdown.
During the proceedings, Francisco addressed the complexity of potential divestment, describing the process of separating TikTok's US operations from its parent company as "extraordinarily difficult" regardless of the timeframe provided.
This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.