'Part of American life': After TikTok, eight TikTokers sue US government over potential ban

Biden administration on Tuesday (May 14) was sued by eight TikTok users who claimed that a law signed by the US president that requires TikTok to be sold to new owners or be banned in the US violates their First Amendment rights. This becomes the second lawsuit filed against the US government over the potential ban.

A potential ban on TikTok is driven by concerns related to TikTok's origins and consequent data security as its parent company is based out of Beijing. Similar concerns have forced countries, including India, EU, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the UK to ban TikTok.

The latest lawsuit calls the law "unconstitutionally overbroad", and adds that it would put an end to a way of communicating that has become a "part of American life". The TikTokers claimed if the law is not overturned then it would result in "immediate and irreparable harm."

TikTok potential ban: Who is suing the US government?

The TikTok users who are suing the US government include a 43-year-old cattle rancher from Texas state as well as a 29-year-old woman who is reportedly the owner of a cookie business in Tennessee.

Earlier, ByteDance—TikTok’s China-based parent company—sued the US government and claimed the law may violate the First Amendment. It added that a nine-month timeline for a potential sale is "simply not possible."

How many TikTok users are in the US?

The lawsuit states that there are about 170 million TikTok users in the United States who "create, publish, view, interact with, and share videos" on TikTok.

"Although they come from different places, professions, walks of life, and political persuasions, (American TikTok users) are united in their view that TikTok provides them a unique and irreplaceable means to express themselves and form community," the lawsuit reads.

Also watch |TikTok sues US to block potential ban

On April 24, 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a law that requires ByteDance to find a new owner for TikTok within 270 days or be banned in the US. The deadline could be extended by 90 days if the Biden administration sees "significant progress" towards a sale.

(With inputs from agencies)