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57 sources

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban Under National Security Law

The Supreme Court's unanimous decision enforces a law requiring TikTok to divest from Chinese ownership by January 19 due to national security concerns.

This story was covered by 57 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok to sell its U.S. operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns. TikTok's legal arguments focused on potential violations of free speech rights, but the court ruled unanimously against these claims, determining that national security outweighed those concerns. As January 19 approaches, TikTok must find a buyer or face an operational shutdown in the U.S., prompting preparations to cease service for American users.

Informed by:

From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

  • The Supreme Court's ruling and new law forces TikTok to sever its ties with ByteDance, risking the livelihoods of millions of American creators and small businesses who rely on the platform.

  • While Congress has raised national security concerns, TikTok has maintained it's securely managed within the U.S. and has challenged claims regarding its Chinese ownership being a security risk in court.

  • Many in the entertainment community view this move as a politically motivated attack on a successful platform for creative expression, potentially silencing diverse voices in America.

Informed by:

From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

  • The unanimous Supreme Court ruling underscores the bipartisan consensus that TikTok, under Chinese ownership, poses a serious threat to U.S. national security, necessitating a divestiture from ByteDance.

  • President-elect Trump is positioned to negotiate a solution that prevents the app from disappearing while still ensuring that national security concerns are addressed, reflecting a potential shift in the administration's approach.

  • Congress and security experts have identified specific vulnerabilities associated with TikTok's operations, emphasizing that it could be leveraged by the Chinese government for espionage or data collection.

Informed by:

Highlights (39)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

  1. The Supreme Court's decision to support the TikTok ban undermines the First Amendment and is an overreach based on unsubstantiated national security fears, which could stifle the expression of millions of Americans who rely on the platform.

    Rand Paul Calls TikTok Ban ‘Violation of the First Amendment’ — Says Ruling Was ‘Based on Accusations, Not Proof’

    MEDIAite

    MEDIAite

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Left
  2. The Supreme Court's ruling signals a troubling precedent for the First Amendment, as national security concerns begin to overshadow fundamental rights such as free speech.

    TikTok CEO thanks Donald Trump after Supreme Court upholds ban

    Newsweek

    Newsweek

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Center
  3. The Supreme Court's decision, while acknowledging TikTok's value to millions of Americans, highlights the urgent need to confront national security risks associated with the app's data practices.

    Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, but Trump might offer lifeline

    CNBC

    CNBC

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  4. The Supreme Court was right to stay in its lane and uphold a ban on TikTok, as it reflects a reasonable deference to Congress’s judgment on a significant national security threat.

    The Supreme Court Nailed Its Decision to Uphold the TikTok Ban

    Slate

    Slate

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  5. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban underscores the growing bipartisan consensus on national security concerns, even as the app remains a vital platform for expression among millions of Americans.

    TikTok ban: US Supreme Court upholds law that prohibits the app

    BBC News

    BBC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  6. The unexpected ban on TikTok highlights the precarious balance between political aspirations and the digital lives of American users, who have come to rely on the platform for entertainment, income, and connection.

    How to prepare for a TikTok ban, including how to save your content

    Boston Herald

    Boston Herald

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  7. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the ban on TikTok is a significant blow to the app's future in the U.S., raising serious concerns about the implications for free speech and the accessibility of social media.

    Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban: Read the full SCOTUS decision

    USA TODAY

    USA TODAY

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  8. It's galling for certain Democrats to vote for a bill that applies an unprecedented sell-or-die provision to a private platform, justify it as important to counter an existential threat, and then continue using the app themselves.

    These lawmakers actively use TikTok even after voting to ban it

    Reason

    Reason

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Center
  9. The Supreme Court's ruling that the TikTok ban is constitutional highlights Congress's prioritization of national security over the First Amendment, a decision that underscores the tension between free expression and safety in the digital age.

    12:30 Report — Trump ceremony moved inside; TikTok ban upheld

    The Hill

    The Hill

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  10. The Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold a law potentially leading to a TikTok ban highlights the ongoing debate over national security versus constitutional rights, leaving the effectiveness of such measures in question.

    Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch agrees the TikTok law is constitutional, but isn't so sure it will serve its purpose

    Business Insider

    Business Insider

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  11. The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok reaches a crucial juncture, as the support from Trump offers a glimmer of hope for the app's future in the U.S., amidst the looming threat of a ban that has already sparked considerable debate.

    TikTok CEO thanks Trump in video message after Supreme Court upholds ban

    NBC News

    NBC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  12. The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of national security by allowing Congress to implement a law aimed at curbing TikTok's operations in the U.S., despite the app’s significant role in the lives of millions of Americans.

    Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, clears way for app to shut down in U.S. as soon as Sunday

    CBS News

    CBS News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  13. The Supreme Court's ruling underscores a troubling trend where national security concerns overshadow the fundamental rights of freedom of speech, eclipsing the voices of millions of TikTok users in the process.

    TikTok Ban Upheld by Supreme Court, Not Swayed by First Amendment Claims

    CNET

    CNET

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  14. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision to uphold the TikTok ban underscores the critical need to prioritize national security over concerns of free speech, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding American citizens from foreign influence is of utmost importance.

    'Bizarre' argument from TikTok’s attorney highlights why SCOTUS ruled 9-0 against company

    AlterNet

    AlterNet

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Left
  15. The Biden administration asserts that TikTok must remain accessible to Americans but under ownership that mitigates national security risks, indicating a strong commitment to safeguarding American data from foreign threats.

    White House Says TikTok Ban Will Fall to Trump After Supreme Court Decision

    Epoch Times

    Epoch Times

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  16. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban underscores a growing concern about national security and data privacy, suggesting that the risks posed by foreign control of such platforms outweigh the implications for free speech and content moderation.

    The Supreme Court’s decision upholding the TikTok ban, in TikTok v. Garland, explained

    Vox

    Vox

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Left
  17. Trump's insistence on needing time to review the Supreme Court's decision reflects a cautious approach as he navigates the pressures of a contentious national security debate.

    Trump needs 'time to review' SCOTUS decision to uphold TikTok ban, teases action in 'not too distant future'

    FOX News

    FOX News

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  18. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision to uphold the ban on TikTok reflects a significant endorsement of national security over the app's popularity and the concerns raised by civil liberties advocates.

    US supreme court issues ruling upholding nationwide ban on TikTok

    The Guardian

    The Guardian

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  19. The Supreme Court's decision to allow the TikTok ban highlights a troubling precedent where national security concerns can overshadow the free speech rights of millions, casting doubt on the balance between state interests and individual liberties.

    Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban

    Mother Jones

    Mother Jones

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  20. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the federal ban on TikTok highlights a significant tension between national security concerns and the rights of millions of users, reflecting a broader geopolitical struggle with China.

    Supreme Court Upholds Law Banning TikTok

    TIME Magazine

    TIME Magazine

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  21. The unanimous decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the TikTok ban underscores a critical balancing act between national security and the rights of American users, raising significant questions about the future of digital expression in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    Supreme Court unanimously upholds TikTok 'ban,' app plans shutdown in US

    Straight Arrow News

    Straight Arrow News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  22. The Biden administration's apparent retreat from enforcing the TikTok ban underscores a growing recognition of the app's significance to millions of Americans and the urgent need for a more pragmatic approach to its future.

    Biden, Dems Suddenly Realize TikTok Ban Means TikTok Will Be Banned

    Rolling Stone

    Rolling Stone

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Left
  23. The Supreme Court's decision highlights the balancing act between national security and the expressive freedoms offered by platforms like TikTok, yet it ultimately prioritizes the government's concerns over the potential risks of foreign data collection.

    Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban ahead of Trump inauguration

    MSNBC

    MSNBC

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  24. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban reflects a troubling prioritization of national security concerns over the fundamental principles of free speech.

    Supreme Court upholds law potentially banning TikTok

    World News Group

    World News Group

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Right
  25. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision reflects a recognition of the national security risks posed by TikTok and underscores the necessity of regulating foreign adversarial influence in the digital realm.

    U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Sell-or-Ban Law on China's TikTok

    Breitbart News

    Breitbart News

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  26. The impending TikTok ban represents a profound disconnect between government actions and the actual desires of users and leaders alike, signaling a potentially unwelcome shift in American social media culture.

    Is TikTok Actually Getting Banned? Live Updates.

    New York Magazine

    New York Magazine

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Left
  27. While the Supreme Court's decision emphasizes the paramount importance of national security, it also dismisses the rich and engaging platform that TikTok provides for millions of Americans, highlighting a tension between digital expression and safety.

    Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban, Forcing ByteDance To Sell or Shut Down by Sunday

    New York Sun

    New York Sun

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  28. The Supreme Court's swift ruling against TikTok underscores a troubling precedent where national security concerns are allowed to override the vast expressive freedoms enjoyed by millions of Americans on digital platforms.

    US Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok

    Al Jazeera

    Al Jazeera

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  29. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold a law that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban underscores the growing tension between national security concerns and the rights of users, as this popular platform now hangs in the balance.

    The Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban. Here's what happens now

    Los Angeles Times

    Los Angeles Times

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  30. The situation surrounding TikTok underscores a chaotic transition of power, with the outgoing Biden administration opting to pass the controversial decision to Donald Trump, who has suddenly become an unexpected ally of the social media app he once sought to ban.

    Biden won't enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump

    Boston Globe

    Boston Globe

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  31. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the critical balance between national security and the freedom of expression, indicating a prevailing consensus that TikTok's ownership structure poses a significant risk that must be addressed.

    BREAKING: Supreme Court rules in favor of TikTok ban

    The Post Millennial

    The Post Millennial

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  32. The Supreme Court's ruling underscores the government's prerogative to prioritize national security over the free speech rights of a platform that has become a vital tool for millions of Americans.

    TikTok loses Supreme Court fight, prepares to shut down Sunday

    ARS Technica

    ARS Technica

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  33. The clock is ticking for TikTok's 170 million American users as the platform faces a grim fate, leaving creators and small businesses bracing for significant losses amidst a chaotic scramble to find a savior.

    Supreme Court rules against TikTok

    Salon

    Salon

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  34. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban highlights the federal government's prioritization of national security concerns over the free expression rights of millions of Americans, potentially reshaping the tech landscape and setting a concerning precedent for data privacy legislation.

    Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, threatening app's existence in the U.S.

    NPR

    NPR

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  35. The Supreme Court's ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between national security concerns and the freedom of expression, highlighting the complex interplay between safeguarding American interests and preserving the rights of millions of TikTok users.

    Supreme Court Upholds Law That Could Shut Down TikTok

    Daily Caller

    Daily Caller

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  36. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the tension between safeguarding national security and preserving a platform that has become an integral part of social expression for millions of Americans.

    TikTok ban upheld by Supreme Court

    NewsNation

    NewsNation

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  37. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the tension between national security and freedom of speech, as the justices balance the rights of the 170 million TikTok users against the potential dangers posed by its Chinese ownership.

    Supreme Court backs law banning TikTok if it's not sold by its Chinese parent company

    Associated Press

    Associated Press

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  38. Trump's eagerness to negotiate a resolution for TikTok reflects both the app's immense popularity and his awareness of the potential backlash from a significant user base in the U.S.

    Trump: TikTok's Future 'Ultimately Goes Up to Me'

    Newsmax

    Newsmax

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  39. The Supreme Court's ruling reflects a troubling moment for digital expression in America, as the looming ban on TikTok highlights the ongoing tension between national security and the rights of individuals to engage freely on social media.

    Can the Supreme Court Save TikTok?

    New York Post

    New York Post

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  1. MEDIAite
  2. Newsweek
  3. CNBC
  4. Slate
  5. BBC News
  6. Boston Herald
  7. USA TODAY
  8. Reason
  9. The Hill
  10. Business Insider
  11. NBC News
  12. CBS News
  13. CNET
  14. AlterNet
  15. Epoch Times
  16. Vox
  17. FOX News
  18. The Guardian
  19. Mother Jones
  20. TIME Magazine
  21. Straight Arrow News
  22. Rolling Stone
  23. MSNBC
  24. World News Group
  25. Breitbart News
  26. New York Magazine
  27. New York Sun
  28. Al Jazeera
  29. Los Angeles Times
  30. Boston Globe
  31. The Post Millennial
  32. ARS Technica
  33. Salon
  34. NPR
  35. Daily Caller
  36. NewsNation
  37. Associated Press
  38. Newsmax
  39. New York Post