When is the Supreme Court’s argument? How to listen

On By Littum

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TikTok’s fate rests in the hands of the US Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments on Friday against legislation banning the platform in the country in less than two weeks.

Last spring, President Joe Biden signed legislation in law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the platform by Sunday, January 19. If ByteDance does not, TikTok will be banned in the US, making it illegal for app stores and internet hosting services to distribute the platform. The legislation stemmed from national security concerns that TikTok may be sharing US user data with the Chinese government.

In December, SCOTUS agreed to hear oral arguments against the legislation from TikTok, which has consistently rejected claims of a threat to national security. Friday’s session comes just nine days before the ban could be implemented.

Although he has been vocal against TikTok in the past, President-elect Donald Trump has asked SCOTUS to put the legislation on hold as he wants a chance to save the platform. In the past month, billionaire Frank McCourt and “Shark Tank” host Kevin O’Leary have expressed interest in buying the platform’s U.S. assets as part of a consortium called, “The People’s Take on TikTok.”

Here’s what you need to know about when SCOTUS will hear TikTok’s arguments, including how people can tune in at home.

What is TikTok arguing with?

TikTok claims that App to protect Americans from foreign opposition controlled applicationsthat was signed into law last spring is a violation of the First Amendment.

When will SCOTUS hear TikTok’s arguments?

SCOTUS meets at a public assembly to hear oral arguments from TikTok at 10 EST on Friday.

When will SCOTUS announce its decision?

SCOTUS could release its decision at any time after oral arguments on Friday.

Can anyone attend the SCOTUS hearing?

Oral arguments heard by SCOTUS are open to the public, but seating is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A line forms outside the courthouse beforehand.

Seating for TikTok oral arguments begins at 9:30, according to SCOTUS website. When the court is in session, the Supreme Court building is closed.

Visit supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/courtroomseating.aspx.

Can you listen to the SCOTUS arguments live?

Yes, an audio feed will be live streamed during the public session. The live stream will be available on the SCOTUS website at supremecourt.gov/default.aspx. An audio recording and transcript will also be posted on the SCOTUS website after the session concludes.

This story was updated to correct an inaccuracy.

Greta Cross is a national trends reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].