One of 2024’s stories with the greatest potential to disrupt our lives was the impending TikTok ban in the United States. The importance of BookTok was everywhere. From the rise of Romantasy to the increasing popularity of bookstores and owning physical books, the social media platform was repeatedly cited as a driving force keeping our fragile world afloat. This meant that the ban on the platform in the U.S., due to take effect on January 19, had potentially devastating consequences.
A Changing Political Landscape
ALLi News Editor, Dan Holloway
What was also clear, though, was that a new administration in the White House might take a different approach, especially one with views so contrasting to the outgoing regime, both on social media and, seemingly, on China—the alleged concern behind the ban.
In the past few days, we have had the first indications that TikTok’s future in the U.S. might not be as straightforward as it seemed. It started with some off-the-cuff remarks at an event in Arizona. The president-elect, it seems, believes TikTok has been (and presumably will be) a source of support for his administration, especially among young voters. He remarked, “Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while.”
Delays and Legal Maneuvering
What might that mean? There were reports of a meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago. Then came the big move. Last Friday, the president-elect urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban. He asked them to give him time to find a “political resolution” to the causes of concern.
You will recall that the Department of Justice had previously urged the courts to ignore ByteDance’s request to stay the ban. The court hearing is scheduled for January 10—nine days before the ban is due to take effect and ten days before the new president takes office. Get the popcorn ready!
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