ByteDance and TikTok filed an emergency motion on December 9 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, seeking to temporarily block legislation forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban.

In a court filing, the companies highlighted that the ban’s impact would extend beyond U.S. borders, disrupting TikTok users’ international services. The platform stated that U.S.-based service providers, crucial for maintaining, distributing, and updating the TikTok platform globally, would be prohibited from providing support starting January 19.

The appeal follows a three-judge panel’s decision on December 6 to uphold the divestiture law. ByteDance’s lawyers argue that the likelihood of a Supreme Court reversal warrants a temporary pause for further deliberation. The companies have requested a court decision by December 16.

CNN reports that the situation’s resolution may depend on multiple factors. Outgoing President Joe Biden could grant a 90-day extension of the January 19 deadline, provided ByteDance demonstrates significant progress toward divestiture. The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump may also influence the outcome, with Trump publicly opposing a TikTok ban.

Trump’s designated national security adviser, Mike Waltz, articulated the incoming administration’s position on Fox Business Network, stating Trump “wants to save TikTok” while ensuring data protection measures are in place.

The legislation affects TikTok’s 170 million monthly U.S. users and establishes a precedent for government authority over foreign-owned apps, raising data collection concerns. In 2020, courts blocked a previous attempt to ban Chinese-owned WeChat under similar circumstances.

The Justice Department has requested swift denial of TikTok’s appeal to allow maximum time for Supreme Court consideration.