WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has indicated that a significant deal involving TikTok is close to being finalized, aiming to secure U.S. control over the platform's algorithm and upper management. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, under the proposed agreement, American firms, specifically Oracle, will take charge of data and security measures for the social media app, while U.S. nationals will occupy six of the seven seats on the governing board overseeing TikTok’s operations in the United States.
This proposal follows ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding data security and ownership of TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform originally developed by the Chinese company ByteDance. The crucial aspect of the deal involves whether the algorithm, vital to TikTok's functionality, will remain under U.S. control or if still subject to Chinese influence.
Previously, the U.S. Congress had legislated a TikTok ban that was to take effect in January, but President Donald Trump signed orders that kept the app operational while negotiations for ByteDance’s divestiture continued. Following a recent phone call with China's President Xi Jinping, Trump stated that U.S. investors are prepared to proceed with the deal. However, details regarding the extent of China’s control over the algorithm remain unclear, with Trump asserting that "we’re going to have very good control."
Leavitt expressed assurance that the agreement's finalization is imminent, saying, “Now we just need this deal to be signed.” Meanwhile, a statement from the Chinese government did not clarify the specifics of their agreement on the sale of a controlling stake in TikTok, aimed at preventing a U.S. ban. As discussions progress, both sides appear eager to resolve these strategic complications surrounding TikTok, thereby influencing its future in the U.S.
This proposal follows ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding data security and ownership of TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform originally developed by the Chinese company ByteDance. The crucial aspect of the deal involves whether the algorithm, vital to TikTok's functionality, will remain under U.S. control or if still subject to Chinese influence.
Previously, the U.S. Congress had legislated a TikTok ban that was to take effect in January, but President Donald Trump signed orders that kept the app operational while negotiations for ByteDance’s divestiture continued. Following a recent phone call with China's President Xi Jinping, Trump stated that U.S. investors are prepared to proceed with the deal. However, details regarding the extent of China’s control over the algorithm remain unclear, with Trump asserting that "we’re going to have very good control."
Leavitt expressed assurance that the agreement's finalization is imminent, saying, “Now we just need this deal to be signed.” Meanwhile, a statement from the Chinese government did not clarify the specifics of their agreement on the sale of a controlling stake in TikTok, aimed at preventing a U.S. ban. As discussions progress, both sides appear eager to resolve these strategic complications surrounding TikTok, thereby influencing its future in the U.S.
