In the case currently before the Court, TikTok has sued the U.S. government on First Amendment grounds, arguing that the law impermissibly chills free speech — both that of its users and the company itself. Attorney Noel Francisco told the Court on Friday that the ban constitutes “uniquely harsh treatment” toward ByteDance and TikTok.

The court is hearing oral arguments on TikTok’s bid to block a law that would lead to its ban in the U.S. starting Jan. 19 if it isn’t sold by its Chinese owner.