The U.S. government has formally opposed TikTok's request to delay the January 19th sale deadline through an emergency injunction. The opposition comes just 38 days before ByteDance must divest TikTok's U.S. operations or face a shutdown.

In a 25-page response to TikTok's emergency motion, the government rejected the platform's bid for additional time pending Supreme Court review. The response emphasized that TikTok isn't entitled to an injunction against an Act of Congress, especially after their constitutional challenge was rejected by the appellate court.

Key points from the government's response:

• Criticizes TikTok for downplaying national security concerns
• Highlights that all three branches of government have acknowledged security risks
• Maintains the current deadline should remain in place
• Leaves final decision to the Supreme Court

TikTok's position remains firm that they won't sell under any circumstances, viewing the divestment requirement as an outright ban. The platform argues that a delay would allow the incoming administration to determine its position, potentially making both the immediate concerns and Supreme Court review unnecessary.

While the legal battle continues, multiple stakeholders are preparing for various outcomes:

• Content creators are developing contingency plans
• Investor groups are positioning themselves for potential acquisition
• Competitors like Connyct, Triller, and Spotify are expanding their short-form video offerings

Without intervention from either the Supreme Court or a 90-day presidential extension, TikTok faces a forced shutdown of U.S. operations in January. The unprecedented nature of this case suggests a resolution will emerge before the deadline arrives.

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