Frank McCourt, Project Liberty’s founder, emphasized the group’s vision of transitioning TikTok to an American-built digital infrastructure that prioritizes user privacy. “By keeping the platform alive without relying on the current TikTok algorithm and avoiding a ban, millions of Americans can continue to enjoy the platform,” McCourt said.
Legal and Legislative Context
The proposal comes amid heightened legal and political scrutiny surrounding TikTok’s ties to ByteDance. The Biden administration recently urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a motion backed by former President Donald Trump to delay the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline. TikTok, the Department of Justice, and creators submitted separate briefs on the constitutionality of the sale-or-ban mandate passed by Congress last year.
Supreme Court justices are set to hear oral arguments Friday on the issue, which pits First Amendment claims against concerns over national security and user data exposure.
Preserving TikTok While Addressing Security Concerns
Project Liberty’s bid focuses on minimizing disruptions for TikTok’s 170 million American users while implementing enhanced privacy protections. The group plans to migrate TikTok’s operations to a U.S.-based digital infrastructure, offering users greater control over their data. According to Project Liberty, this transition would ensure continuity for creators and businesses reliant on the platform.
