TikTok Threatens to “Go Dark” This Weekend after Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Federal Ban

TikTok has warned that it will be forced to “go dark” this weekend unless the Biden administration provides clear assurances that it will not enforce a shutdown of the popular app. The warning came after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law requiring TikTok’s sale by its China-based parent company, citing national security concerns.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday concluded that the national security risks associated with TikTok’s ties to China outweigh any concerns about restricting speech for its 170 million U.S. users. The law, which garnered bipartisan support, mandates the app’s divestiture from its Chinese ownership or else face a ban.

However, with President Joe Biden’s administration signaling it will not enforce the law immediately, TikTok issued a statement expressing concern over the lack of clarity. The company has warned that unless the administration provides a definitive statement by Sunday, TikTok will no longer be accessible to American users, though existing users may retain access.

While the law allows for a potential 90-day pause if progress on a sale is made, uncertainty remains over whether TikTok can find a buyer in time. Former President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for TikTok’s continued availability under U.S. ownership, appears at odds with Senate Republicans calling for an immediate divestiture.

The case brings to the forefront the ongoing debate over the balance between national security and First Amendment rights in the digital age, with both sides of the aisle divided on how to handle the app’s future in the U.S.