In a pivotal case balancing free speech and national security, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Friday on the future of TikTok, a platform used by nearly half of Americans. TikTok has vowed to cease operations in the U.S. by January 19 unless the Court delays or overturns a law requiring its sale by Chinese parent company ByteDance.

TikTok, ByteDance, and content creators argue the law violates the First Amendment, with creators fearing the potential disruption to their livelihoods. The Biden administration defends the legislation, citing national security concerns over potential Chinese government access to user data or content manipulation. However, TikTok contends there’s no evidence China has exploited the app, arguing the law is based on speculative risks.

The case arrives as the Court navigates complex technological issues and political implications. President-elect Donald Trump has requested a temporary delay, proposing a political resolution under his administration. Trump’s legal team, while avoiding a position on the law itself, emphasises his role in negotiating a solution, highlighting TikTok’s importance in his campaign strategies.

The Biden administration’s Solicitor General, Elizabeth Prelogar, will defend the law, while TikTok and its creators will be represented by seasoned Supreme Court advocates Noel Francisco and Jeffrey Fisher. The Court faces a tight timeline, with the law set to take effect just days after arguments, potentially forcing TikTok into a shutdown that could erode its user base and ad revenue.

A ruling, which could reshape free speech and national security precedent, is expected within days.