TikTok, the popular social media platform, is standing up for its First Amendment rights in a legal battle against the U.S. government. In a recent court filing, TikTok’s attorneys compared the platform to well-known American media organizations owned by foreign entities, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of speech.
The Justice Department had previously argued that TikTok, owned by the China-based company ByteDance, does not deserve First Amendment protections because of its foreign ownership. However, TikTok’s legal team has refuted this claim, asserting that TikTok’s U.S. arm should still be entitled to constitutional rights despite its parent company’s origins.
Drawing comparisons to news outlets like Politico and Business Insider, which are owned by foreign entities, TikTok’s lawyers argued that foreign ownership should not strip a company of its First Amendment rights. They highlighted the government’s attempt to redefine protected speech, emphasizing the need to uphold freedom of expression.
Despite discussions between the Biden administration and TikTok to address national security concerns, no agreement has been reached. The government walked away from negotiations after TikTok’s proposed plan failed to satisfy their demands for separating U.S. operations from China.
As the legal battle continues, TikTok remains adamant about protecting its rights and ensuring its operations comply with national security standards. The case is set for oral arguments on Sept. 16, with both sides presenting their arguments in court.
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