Trends
TikTok calls itself a foreign-owned US news organisation
TikTok on Thursday rebutted the U.S. government’s argument that the popular social media platform is not protected by the First Amendment.
Headline
TikTok on Thursday rebutted the U.S. government’s argument that the popular social media platform is not protected by the First Amendment.
Context
OUR TAKE After this case, it is necessary for companies in a similar situation to TikTok to re-examine whether they are being protected by the same policies as US-based companies. The government should provide equal respect and protection for local and foreign tech companies, treating them equally in terms of intellectual property and business ownership, and supporting the development of technology businesses. — Iydia Ding, BTW reporter Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice argued in a legal brief filed with a federal appeals court in Washington that TikTok ‘s parent company in China, ByteDance , as well as the platform’s global and U.S. affiliates, were not entitled to First Amendment protections because they were foreign organisations operating abroador owned by a single individual.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
TikTok countered the U.S. government’s argument on Thursday, and TikTok lawyers have cited the First Amendment as a key part of their legal challenge to a federal law that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved buyer or face an injunction. In a court filing last month, the Justice Department argued that ByteDance and TikTok had failed to make a valid free speech claim in their challenge to the law, saying the measure addressed national security concerns about TikTok’s ownership without targeting protected speech.Oral arguments in the case are scheduled to begin on 16 September. Also read: Justice Department warns of TikTok’s potential election interference risks Also read: US DOJ says TikTok collected US users’ views on sensitive issues
Key Points
- TikTok calls itself a foreign-owned US news organisation to fight forced sales or bans.
- TikTok lawyers have cited the First Amendment as a key part of their legal challenge to a federal law that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved buyer or face an injunction.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
