Federal Judges Question TikTok's Legal Arguments in Landmark U.S. Case Over Chinese Ownership

On a recent Monday, a panel of three federal judges held a crucial hearing that could shape the future of TikTok in the United States. The judges raised significant concerns about the legal arguments presented by TikTok in response to an April law demanding its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app by January 19 or face a ban.

Legal Scrutiny

During the two-hour hearing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the judges posed pointed questions to both TikTok's legal team and the government's representatives. They scrutinized the April law, which mandates ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity or face a U.S. ban. The lawyers involved have requested a ruling from the judges by December 6, with experts anticipating that the losing side will likely seek recourse from the Supreme Court.

Judges' Doubts

Two judges voiced skepticism regarding TikTok's assertion that Congress lacked the authority to enact such a law. Neomi Rao, one of the judges, critiqued TikTok's legal stance as relying on an unusual interpretation of congressional authority. Douglas Ginsburg, another judge, characterized TikTok's argument as a myopic perspective, suggesting that the statute unfairly singled out their company.

The upcoming legal decision holds substantial implications for the future of TikTok in the U.S. market. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could determine whether the popular video app will continue to operate in its current form or be compelled to undergo significant changes.