A TikTok ban might be one step closer to reality even if there are still some lingering doubts about whether a federal law will really go into effect on January 19.

The Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company.

The court heard 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.