CHICAGO -- The social media app TikTok filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government Tuesday, trying to fend off new legislation that could essentially ban the platform next year.A Chicago business owner on Tuesday explained how crucial the app is to his business. 'I have had posts that have gotten over 30 million views,' said Dr. Benjamin Caughlin, a plastic surgeon and the owner of Many Faces of Chicago. 'So that's like a Super Bowl commercial - and it's free.
'That is the fundamental question at issue here, and the president is clear where he stands.'TikTok fought back, filing a lawsuit stating the ban violates the First Amendment protection to free speech.The petition filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., alleges that the legislation that could result in its ban is unconstitutional. The petition argues that this is part because it violates the First Amendment rights of its users in the U.S.