taken on August 03, 2020, the social media application logo, TikTok
is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on an US flag as the
background in Arlington, Virginia. Olivier DOULIERY /
AFP
A judge late Sunday stopped the US from banning
downloads of TikTok, freeing the video snippet-sharing mobile
app to keep winning new users here — for now.
District Judge Carl Nichols issued a temporary injunction at the
request of TikTok, which
the White House has called a national security threat, alleging
that its Chinese parent firm is tied to Beijing.
An order from US President Donald Trump sought to ban new
downloads of the app at the end of Sunday, but allowed until
November 12 for a second phase aimed at
stopping TikTok from
operating in the US entirely.
The judge denied TikTok‘s request to also suspend the November
12 ban, but noted that his decision was “for now.”
What about TikTok lovers?
TikTok lovers in the US
will wake Monday to life as usual, at least in regard to their
enjoyment of the platform.
That was going to be the case anyway, since the ban that had
been poised to take effect Sunday only applied to new downloads and
updates.
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However, getting access to updates means
longtime TikTok users
will be able to get security patches to keep them better protected
while using the app.
It also means US users will be able to get any new
features TikTok releases.
Where from here?
The judge’s order tells TikTok and the US to work out a schedule
to proceed, and that typically means the court wants opposing
parties to find middle ground.
“My sense is that it is a pragmatic splitting of the baby for
the short term, to give a little time for them to resolve the
disputes and come to a resolution.” said University of Richmond law
school professor Carl Tobias.
Once lawyers get a chance to review the reasoning behind the
judge’s decision, the US could appeal the decision putting a hold
on the download ban.
Legal analysts interviewed by AFP thought it unlikely the US
would appeal, since lawyers typically don’t want to make an enemy
of a judge early in a case by attacking their judgment.
Meanwhile, TikTok‘s
overarching suit challenging the legality of Trump’s executive
orders continues through the court.
TikTok‘s tomorrow?
Outside of the courtroom, TikTok can continue trying to work out a
sale or alliance to appease US concerns.
A tentative deal would make Silicon Valley giant Oracle the
technology partner for TikTok and a stakeholder in a new entity
to be known as TikTok Global.
Such a deal is expected to be dimly viewed by Beijing, where
some consider the US move an unjustified appropriation of Chinese
technology.
-AFP
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/09/28/judge-suspends-us-ban-on-tiktok/