ByteDance, a Chinese tech company, has filed new legal documents challenging the US government’s “unconstitutional discrimination against TikTok.” These documents also reveal details about failed negotiations regarding a ban on the platform.
A legislation signed by President Joe Biden in April requires ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban. ByteDance argues in its filing that such a sale is “technically, commercially, and legally impossible.” The company accuses the US government of not taking settlement negotiations seriously after 2022.
TikTok, in a lawsuit, states, “Never before has Congress silenced so much speech with a single act.”
The proposed ban reflects long-standing national security concerns from US lawmakers who fear China could exploit the app to access Americans’ data or spy on them. While the Biden administration prefers ByteDance to sell TikTok instead of an outright ban, the company claims it’s not a viable option.
The bill would prevent app stores like Apple and Google from featuring the app unless ByteDance sells it. It would also prohibit internet hosting services from supporting TikTok without a sale, effectively banning its use in the US.
In its filing, ByteDance’s lawyers outline the company’s negotiations with the US government, which abruptly ended in August 2022. The company also shared a redacted draft national security agreement aimed at protecting TikTok’s US user data.
The proposed agreement includes a “kill switch” for the US government to halt TikTok’s use in the US if it doesn’t comply. The US has also requested TikTok to move its source code out of China.
TikTok’s lawyers criticized the administration for favoring shutting down TikTok in the US instead of working on a practical solution to protect US users. The Justice Department defended the law, saying it addresses national security concerns while respecting constitutional constraints.
TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Sept. 16. The outcome of the case could influence the government’s use of new powers against foreign-owned apps.
TikTok argues that separating businesses is not feasible and claims the law violates free speech rights. The platform’s content creators maintain that there is no imminent national security threat, as the law allows TikTok to operate for the remainder of the year.
America is often described as the land of the free and the home of the brave. However, some parts of the country grapple with issues surrounding violent crime.
According to data from the FBI, dangerous cities are ranked based on the number of serious felonies reported per 100,000 people in a year. These felonies include murder, manslaughter, assault, and robbery.
Recent data indicates a general decline in violent crime across the United States. Technological advancements, such as real-time crime maps and gun detection software, are being utilized to enhance safety in urban areas. However, here are some of America’s most dangerous cities.
10. Indianapolis, Indiana
An aerial view of the downtown area of Indianapolis looking east-northeast. The Indiana State Capitol is visible in the foreground.Photo credit: TpsDave/Wikipedia
Indianapolis, known for hosting the Indy 500, boasts museums and green spaces. However, the city also struggles with a high incidence of violent crime, with 1,333.96 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported in 2019.
Efforts to lower violent crime rates include initiatives like the Indiana Crime Gun Task Force, which aims to combat the flow of firearms into the city.
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Monsoon season in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. This is the view from the Sandia Mountains of the Embud His Canyon Trailhead.Photo by Mona Makela/Getty Images
Albuquerque, known for its culture and history, faces a violent crime rate of 1,369.14 felonies per 100,000 people, placing it as the 9th most dangerous city. The number of crimes continued to rise from 2019 to 2023.
To address the high crime rate, funding has been increased for local law enforcement agencies to implement technology like video surveillance, live mapping, acoustic monitoring, and gunshot recognition technology.
8. Stockton, California
Stockton has one of the highest crime rates in California.Photo by Luis Cinco/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Stockton, a port city, with a relatively small population, faces a high violent crime rate of 1,414.56 felonies per 100,000 people, ranking it as the 8th most dangerous city.
The city declared bankruptcy in 2012, mainly due to real estate value decline and high unemployment rates from the 2008 financial crisis. Efforts to combat crime include additional taxes for police enforcement and anti-gang programs.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland waterfront on the Cuyahoga River, USA. Photo by Kenneth Sponsler/Getty Images
Cleveland, located on Lake Erie, is known for its port, heavy industry, and advancements in the medical field. Unfortunately, the city faces a violent crime rate of 1,556.76 crimes per 100,000 people.
While crime had been decreasing, there was a significant rise in crime rates in 2020 and 2021, attributed to increased poverty rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local police forces.
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A police car drives down Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. Photo credit: Vincent Desjardins/Wikipedia
Milwaukee, famed for its beer and cheese, suffers from a declining population and a violent crime rate of 1,597.36 felonies per 100,000 people.
The city aims to attract residents back through new investments and building developments.
5. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City skyline. Photo by Tony Dezenzio/Getty Images
Kansas City, famous for its barbecue and jazz, faces a rising crime rate with 1,724.31 violent crimes per 100,000 people recorded in 2019.
To combat crime, the Kansas City Police Department collaborates with community organizations to implement citywide strategies, addressing poverty, mental health, and violence prevention.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
A Memphis police car is parked on Beale Street in Memphis, USA. Photo courtesy of Zodebala/Getty Images
Memphis, known for blues and rock music, struggles with a high violent crime rate, recording nearly 400 murders in 2023.
Efforts to combat crime include federal funding and the Violent Crime Initiative, aiming to revitalize the city and improve safety.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Contrast between residential and industrial areas on President Street in Baltimore, USA. You can see the downtown skyline in the distance. Photo credit: Alex Potemkin/Getty Images
Baltimore, a vital port city, faces a high violent crime rate of 2,027.01 felonies per 100,000 people.
New strategies implemented in 2021, treating violent crime as a public health issue, have significantly reduced crime rates and offer a promising future for residents.
2. Detroit, Michigan
An abandoned building on Franklin Street in downtown Detroit, USA.Photo by Ayman Heikal/Getty Images
Detroit, once thriving with industrial history, faces a violent crime rate of 2,056.67 crimes per 100,000 people due to population decline and economic challenges.
Recent improvements in wages, poverty levels, and crime rates are leading to a potential resurgence in Detroit.
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Goodfellow Boulevard (shown in this image) forms the boundary of what is known as “Hayden's Rectangle.” This is a rectangular piece of land in the northern part of the city, an area of high crime and poverty.Photo by Jahi Chikwendu/Washington Post/Getty Images
St. Louis is the most dangerous city, with 2,082.29 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2019, attributed to high poverty and racial disparities.
Efforts to combat crime include new camera technology to help reduce crime rates and create a safer environment for residents.
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