US IS LIKELY TO USE INDIA AS A DEFENCE IN BANNING TIKTOK, CLAIMS FCC HEAD BRENDAN CARR

India's decisive move against TikTok may influence legal proceedings in the United States, according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Brendan Carr.

In an interview with the Economic Times, Carr noted that India's actions could have implications for American courts as ByteDance, the Chinese-owned company behind TikTok, prepares to challenge the US ban on its video-sharing platform.

The remarks from Carr follow closely after US President Joe Biden's recent directive targeting the popular app. President Biden signed a bill requiring ByteDance to sell off TikTok or face a ban within the next nine to twelve months.

However, ByteDance has stated it has no plans to sell the app, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew emphasising that both the facts and the US Constitution support the company's position,

TikTok has been vocal about its concerns, asserting on its official account on microblogging platform X that a potential ban in the US would infringe upon the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.

The company is likely to invoke the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which safeguards freedom of speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government for grievances.

However, Carr believes that this argument may not be sufficient to sway US courts in ByteDance's favour.

Carr suggests that India's actions against TikTok could impact the legal battle in the US He speculates that TikTok may argue that the US ban stems from an unfounded obsession with China, citing nonexistent threats.

However, Carr points out that India, a neighbouring country to China, has also taken similar action against TikTok, indicating a broader concern beyond US-China relations.

In Carr's view, India's stance could be relevant in US court filings, demonstrating that the apprehensions about TikTok extend beyond American borders.

He suggests that India's swift and preemptive action may shape the narrative surrounding TikTok's ban in the US, emphasizing a global perspective on the issue.

2024-04-29T04:53:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd