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WSJ Tech News Briefing

TNB Tech Minute: Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Shutdown

Jan 17, 2025
The Supreme Court's ruling on TikTok raises national security alarms, potentially leading to a U.S. ban. This decision sparks discussions on tech regulations and the future of popular apps. Meanwhile, the U.S. imposes sanctions on a Chinese company linked to telecom hacks. In a bold move, former European leaders advocate for breaking up Google's ad-tech operations, igniting debates on monopolistic practices in the tech world.
03:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Supreme Court's ruling requires TikTok's Chinese owners to either sell or shut down the app by January 19th due to national security concerns.
  • Recent U.S. sanctions against a Chinese telecom firm highlight escalating tensions over cybersecurity issues amid calls for regulatory reform in Europe regarding Google's ad tech dominance.

Deep dives

Supreme Court Ruling on TikTok

The Supreme Court's unanimous decision requires TikTok's Chinese owners to either sell or shut down the app by January 19th, stemming from national security concerns. This ruling aligns with Congress's worries about the extensive data collection capabilities of TikTok and the potential risks it poses to American users. While the court did not fully address the possibility of the Chinese government manipulating content delivered to U.S. audiences, the focus was firmly placed on the app's data practices. As a result, more than 170 million users in the U.S. may face a temporary shutdown of the platform, heightening the stakes for TikTok's leadership and its future in the market.

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