Capitol News

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case that could lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States. The case, TikTok vs. Garland, was heard on January 10. A law set to take effect on January 19 requires ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell the app or face a ban.

The U.S. government argues that TikTok poses a national security threat, while TikTok claims this infringes on free speech rights. President-elect Donald Trump supports keeping TikTok available and has urged the Supreme Court to delay implementing the law until after he assumes office on January 20.

MSU experts are ready to discuss potential impacts of a TikTok ban on businesses and social media users.

Nancy Costello from MSU’s College of Law notes, “Supreme Court justices... seemed to agree with warnings by the U.S. solicitor general that the Chinese government could manipulate information users see on the platform and use data collected from Americans for nefarious purposes." She adds that "the law... would not run afoul of the First Amendment because it would not ban any content on TikTok as long as ByteDance... transferred ownership."

Dennis Kennedy from MSU highlights challenges in applying outdated legal systems to modern technologies: “The TikTok divestiture scenario highlights a fundamental mismatch: a legal system designed for a slower era grappling with technologies that change at lightning speed.”

Anjana Susarla emphasizes TikTok's role in digital economies: “It has been estimated that a third of U.S. adults use TikTok... This has also led to a thriving creator economy.”

Saleem Alhabash discusses user adaptation if TikTok shuts down: “If TikTok were to shut down operations in the U.S., users are going to experience a deep sense of habit loss and grief over the abrupt shutdown.”

Ed Timke addresses advertising impacts: “A TikTok ban would have big effects, not just on advertising, but also on how people — especially younger generations — engage with media.”

Ayalla Ruvio comments on consumer behavior: “TikTok drives consumer purchasing behavior through personalized content... A TikTok ban could disrupt marketing strategies for businesses.”

Patricia T. Huddleston highlights engagement levels: “TikTok has the highest engagement level of all social media platforms... If TikTok is banned, consumers will likely turn to other social media platforms for inspiration.”