Story perspectives

U.S. Takes Control of TikTok’s Algorithm Amid Security Concerns

9/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. will oversee TikTok’s algorithm under a new operational deal, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The board will have a majority of American members, with six out of seven seats occupied by U.S. investors.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the deal, indicating progress but no final agreement.
The arrangement aims to mitigate national security concerns linked to TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Oracle will handle data and privacy for the new U.S. TikTok entity.

History

Historical Context

Since 2018, the U.S. government has scrutinized foreign investments, particularly targeting TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, due to national security concerns. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law in April 2024, mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, reflecting ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and data privacy.

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Story summary

The U.S. will oversee TikTok’s algorithm under a new operational deal, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The board will have a majority of American members, with six out of seven seats occupied by U.S. investors.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the deal, indicating progress but no final agreement.
The arrangement aims to mitigate national security concerns linked to TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Oracle will handle data and privacy for the new U.S. TikTok entity.

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