TikTok offers early 2025 test for Supreme Court

Washington: The Supreme Court is gearing up for a big case in 2025 that could shake things up for TikTok and its millions of users in the U.S. This case is all about a federal law that could lead to a ban on the app unless it’s sold to a non-foreign owner.

TikTok is making a last-minute push to get the Supreme Court to step in and block this law, which President Biden signed back in April. They’re arguing that this law goes against free speech rights, and they’ll get their chance to make their case on January 10, just days before Trump takes office again.

Speaking of Trump, he’s been vocal about wanting to “save TikTok” and is asking the court to pause the divestment deadline. He believes a negotiated solution is better, especially since he’ll be in charge of national security.

However, the Department of Justice isn’t on board with Trump’s request. They argue that China is a threat, trying to gather sensitive data on Americans and influence U.S. interests.

If the Supreme Court decides to uphold the ban, it could be a win for TikTok’s competitors, like Meta, as advertising dollars might shift their way. This could also hurt other U.S. tech companies that provide services to TikTok.

Mark Lightner, a legal expert, thinks the court might have already hinted at its stance by scheduling arguments so soon instead of granting TikTok’s request to pause the law first.

In the coming weeks, we might see the court rule that the law is constitutional, leaving it up to Congress to change it if they want. It’s a big deal, and everyone’s watching closely.

This TikTok case is set to be one of the biggest corporate cases in 2025, but there are other important cases on the horizon that could impact various industries, especially the auto and fuel sectors.

California’s stricter vehicle emission standards are also under scrutiny, as they’ve been allowed to set tougher rules than the EPA. This could have major implications for the shift to electric vehicles.

Another case involves workers claiming they weren’t paid overtime, which could change how companies classify employees and their pay. Plus, there’s a case about the FDA’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes that could affect how companies challenge regulations.

Lastly, there’s a case that could broaden the government’s ability to prosecute financial wrongdoing, which could lead to more investigations into corporate behavior. It’s a lot to keep track of, but it’s definitely going to be an interesting year ahead!