TikTok ban upheld by US Supreme Court, but the battle continues

A demonstrator holds a pro-TikTok sign in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 10, 2025.

Alison Robert/Washington Post/Getty Images

The United States Supreme Court supported A ban on the popular video streaming app TikTok is set to come into effect on January 19th.

of Prohibited Unless ByteDance, the app's Chinese parent company, sells TikTok to a U.S. company by a January 19 deadline, the U.S. company will have to restrict users from accessing and updating TikTok through app stores and internet browsers. You will be required to block it.

TikTok's challenge to the law, which the Supreme Court began hearing on January 10, argues that TikTok violates the U.S. Constitution's free speech protections. On the same day, the court heard arguments in a related case, with lawyers representing TikTok content creators arguing that the ban also violates the constitutional rights of these individuals.

However, U.S. Attorney General Elizabeth Preloger argued that the ban on TikTok was not meant to crack down on free speech, but to prevent foreign espionage. The US government's case is that the Chinese government used TikTok to collect sensitive personal data on hundreds of millions of people in the US, which could later be used against them.

The Supreme Court unanimously agreed with the government's arguments and ruled against TikTok and individual creators in both cases. “There is no question that TikTok provides a unique and far-reaching source of expression, participation, and community for more than 170 million Americans. “We determined that division was necessary to address widely held national security concerns regarding relations with foreign adversaries,” the opinion states.

TikTok plans to shut down its app for U.S. users on January 19, the same day the ban goes into effect. According to Reuters. But this may not be the last twist in the courtroom drama.

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to leave office on January 20, the day after the ban goes into effect. Administration officials said Mr. Biden would not enforce the law. According to the Associated Press. Rather, the strength of the ban will depend on the actions of President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.

President Trump initially supported banning TikTok during his first term, but later changed his stance and expressed support for allowing the platform to continue operating in the United States. After taking office on January 20, he could ask MPs to repeal or amend the law, or instruct the government not to enforce it.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

US Ban on Apple Watch Upheld

The recent US ban on Apple Watch imports will continue even after the Biden administration takes office. refused to exercise the right of veto Previous rulings by the International Trade Commission. The ITC’s ruling takes effect today.

The company previously halted sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in anticipation of the ban, suspending online sales on December 21 and in-store sales three days later.

A statement released this morning by the Office of the United States Trade Representative said: [Katherine] Mr. Tai decided not to overturn the ITC’s decision, and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023. ”

Apple firmly refuted the two patent infringement claims behind the ban by health tech company Masimo. In a statement provided to TechCrunch, Apple promised to continue fighting this decision while touting the device’s healthcare features.

At Apple, we’re passionate about creating products and services that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. That’s why our teams (clinical, design, and engineering) spend years developing scientifically validated health, fitness, and wellness features for Apple Watch that millions of people around the world benefit from. We are inspired by the tremendous benefits people are receiving from this product. We strongly disagree with the USITC’s decision and the resulting exclusion order, and are taking every step to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers as quickly as possible.

Apple also appealed this decision to the Federal Circuit. This decision stems from the light-based pulse oximetry sensor introduced in the Watch Series 6 in 2020. Masimo also accuses Apple of poaching employees to implement the technology in its smartwatch products.

In a statement released shortly after the ITC decision in October, Masimo founder and CEO Joe Chiani said: This important decision is a strong demonstration of our commitment to holding Apple accountable for its misappropriation of our patented technology. ”

Kiani has continued to attack the company in a series of interviews in recent weeks.

Although currently banned in the US, the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are still available for purchase outside the country. Meanwhile, the Watch SE continues to be sold in the US as more budget-oriented options don’t utilize the same sensor technology.

Source: techcrunch.com