Why is TikTok banned? What it really means to users

One of the country’s most popular social media apps could be shut down next week.

And TikTok says it’s prepared to pull the plug if the Supreme Court doesn’t issue a favorable ruling after Friday’s hearing.

Here’s what you should know, including why the app is about to close and what’s at stake:

Why is TikTok banned?

Last year, Congress passed a law forcing TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. They say ByteDance’s ties to China pose a national security risk if user data is shared with the Chinese government.

In recent months, hearings and attempts at intervention in Congress have failed to address concerns about TikTok’s ownership and potential security risks.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday heard legal challenges to the law from ByteDance, which argues that the ban violates the right to free speech. The court has not yet made a judgment.

ByteDance has said it will begin shutting down TikTok’s US operations by January 19 unless the Supreme Court delays or overturns the ban.

President-elect Donald Trump, who previously called for a ban on TikTok, has now asked the court to delay the ban until his administration can try to find a solution. Trump takes office on January 20th.

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