Utah Department of Commerce Issues Statement on Today's U.S. Appeals Court's Decision to Uphold the Federal Ban on TikTok

Salt Lake City, Utah, December 6, 2024

Today the Utah Department of Commerce issued a statement on today's US Appeals Court's decision to uphold the federal ban on TikTok. The full text of the statement is shown below:

"The Utah Department of Commerce fully supports the recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to deny TikTok's appeal regarding the requirement to divest from its parent company, ByteDance. This ruling highlights the critical importance of national security in the digital age. Given the potential risks associated with foreign ownership—risks that we assert in our lawsuit in Third District Court, claiming that TikTok has deliberately misrepresented these issues, especially concerning the exposure of American users' data—stringent measures are necessary to protect our citizens, particularly minors, from potential harm.

Our commitment to pursuing the lawsuit against TikTok for its impacts on our youth remains steadfast. We will not waver in our efforts to seek the necessary reforms to ensure the safety and privacy of our communities. This decision reinforces our stance that accountability and transparency are essential in maintaining trust in digital platforms. We will continue to advocate for responsible practices that prioritize the well-being and safety of Utahns and our children."

See previous TechBuzz coverage on Utah Department of Commerce actions regarding TikTok.