TikTok's U.S. Sovereignty Hangs On Balance Friday

The social media platform TikTok will face its ultimate decision by the Supreme Court on Friday.

The parent company of the social media network, ByteDance, will face off against the Supreme Court in a hearing over whether or not it could maintain its control over TikTok in the United States.

This has come after a string of different instances where TikTok has become increasingly more regulated by federal forces due to concerns over privacy and connections with the People's Republic of China. Many states like Georgia, Alaska, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio have implemented bans on TikTok in government agencies in the past two years or so alone. Other countries, like Australia, have tried to prevent TikTok from reaching the hands of children due to its high-dopamine and thus addictive nature.

Previously, President Joe Biden signed into law a temporary measure banning the use of TikTok until it is sold by a company that is not directly connected to China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran. ByteDance is asking for the repealing of this law, as it wants to continue its social media operations in the United States.

The courts want to make a decision before Donald Trump gets inaugurated on January 20th. Trump, who will then become a strong political figure, may prevent a TikTok ban upon assuming office, as he has supported keeping TikTok in the American market.

ByteDance stock is expected to plummet today, alongside many other Chinese stocks which may be affected by a possible TikTok ban.