TikTok avoids another US ban thanks to influencers' lawsuit

TikTok avoids another US ban thanks to influencers' lawsuit
By Karissa Bell

TikTok has, once again, been spared from a ban in the United States. A Pennsylvania judge temporarily blocked a ban that was set to take effect November 12, in response to a lawsuit from three TikTok stars.

The latest ruling is the second time an intended ban has been blocked by the courts. Back in September, a judge prevented a Trump Administration effort to remove the app from US app stores. But that ruling didn’t address another aspect of the Commerce Department order, which would have blocked any use of TikTok beginning November 12. 

The impending November 12 became the basis of the lawsuit from three popular TikTok stars who sued because a ban would harm their businesses, which rely on TikTok.

“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our creators, who have worked to protect their rights to expression, their careers, and to help small businesses, particularly during the pandemic,” TikTok’s Interim Global Head Vanessa Pappas wrote in a statement. “We stand behind our community as they share their voices. And we are committed to continuing to provide a home for them to do so.” 

As The Washington Post notes, the Justice Department could appeal the latest ruling so TikTok isn’t entirely out of the woods just yet. TikTok is also still waiting for its deal with Oracle and Walmart to be finalized, though Trump has voiced support fo0r the move.

October 31, 2020 at 12:34AM
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