TikTok CEO Shou Chew Responds to US Supreme Court Ruling on TikTok Ban

The US Supreme Court has upheld the law permitting the federal government to ban TikTok on national security grounds unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership of the app. The decision has sparked reactions from TikTok CEO Shou Chew and millions of TikTok users in the United States.

Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court ruled that the ban does not violate the First Amendment rights of TikTok users. The court stated, “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.”

The ruling further emphasized that the measures proposed by Congress are focused on protecting national security and do not disproportionately burden free speech.

Shou Chew’s Video Message

TikTok CEO Shou Chew shared a heartfelt video message across social media platforms addressing the ruling. Chew expressed his disappointment but pledged to continue fighting to protect the platform’s users.

In his speech, he said:

“For more than 170 million Americans who use TikTok daily, we will continue to fight to protect your constitutional right to free speech. TikTok is more than an app—it’s a community, a platform for creativity, and a means of connection.”

Chew also extended gratitude to President Donald Trump, noting the president’s efforts to explore solutions that would keep TikTok available in the US.

“We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform—one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, generating over 60 billion views of his content.”

Impact on TikTok and Users

The ruling has triggered uncertainty for TikTok’s future in the US. Thousands of users have already started transitioning to alternative platforms, including the Chinese app RedNote, which became the top free-to-download app on the US Apple App Store this week.

TikTok users have expressed mixed reactions. While some are hopeful that a deal will be reached to save the platform, others are disappointed and concerned about losing a space for expression and creativity.

Divestiture Deadline and Next Steps

Under the ruling, ByteDance is required to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025. If the deadline is not met, TikTok will face an outright ban in the US.

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz hinted at possible negotiations under President Trump’s administration, stating:

“We’re going to create space to put a deal in place that protects users’ data while ensuring TikTok remains accessible.”

TikTok CEO Shou Chew remains hopeful for a resolution, emphasizing the company’s willingness to collaborate with US authorities.

As the TikTok ban looms, the decision has set a precedent for how social media platforms with foreign ownership are regulated in the US. While negotiations and legal proceedings continue, the future of TikTok and its vast American user base hangs in the balance.