DoJ, ByteDance ask court: Hurry up and rule on TikTok ban already

DoJ, ByteDance ask court: Hurry up and rule on TikTok ban already

May 20, 2024 at 09:44AM

The Department of Justice and Bytedance, accompanied by eight content creators, have requested an expedited court schedule for the case regarding the divestment or ban of Chinese short video apps in the US. They aim for a court decision by December 6, citing irreparable harm and First Amendment rights violations. This move challenges the impending ban set for January 19, 2025.

Certainly! From the meeting notes, it is clear that the Department of Justice and Bytedance, along with eight content creators, have petitioned the US Court of Appeals for a fast-tracked court schedule for the Chinese short video apps divest or ban case. They are requesting the court to make its decision by December 6 to meet a Supreme Court review filing deadline, and have also proposed oral arguments to be scheduled in September of this year. The stakeholders argue that the ban of TikTok violates the First Amendment right of the content creators and that a “qualified divestiture” as defined in the statute is not feasible. They also claim that banning TikTok is unconstitutional and have filed a lawsuit against the US government alleging violation of their free speech rights. Additionally, they argue that the Act forces ByteDance to either sell TikTok or cease operations, and that the deadline for divestiture is not feasible.

The stakeholders are seeking a prompt disposition of the matter, emphasizing the substantial challenge to the Act and the significant public interest in the issue. The ban of the app is set to begin on January 19, 2025, 270 days after enactment. Therefore, it is evident from the meeting notes that there is a strong push for an expedited court schedule to address the legal conflicts surrounding the divestment or ban of the TikTok platform in the United States.

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