ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has sued to challenge a U.S. law mandating the divestiture or ban of TikTok by January 19, 2025.

The law, citing national security, gives ByteDance a deadline of nine months to sell TikTok, with a potential three-month extension.

ByteDance and TikTok claim the law is unconstitutional, noting that a sale would also require Beijing's approval, which may not be forthcoming.

The lawsuit raises concerns about data security and potential content manipulation by Chinese authorities.

The dispute underscores the broader U.S.-China tech rivalry, focusing on advanced technologies and data security.

Critics question the lack of public evidence for claims that TikTok shares U.S. user data with China or manipulates content for Chinese interests.

TikTok's legal challenge is part of a larger debate on internet freedom, data security, and privacy in the face of U.S.-China tensions.

The ACLU and other groups argue against a TikTok ban, advocating instead for comprehensive privacy protection laws.

Legal experts from the Knight First Amendment Institute suggest the lawsuit may prevail, though bipartisan support for the law could influence judicial deference to Congress.

Neither the White House nor the US Justice Department has officially commented on ByteDance's legal action.