Trump Management reaches tentative Deal to Allow TikTok to Continue Operating in U.S.
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is nearing a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, that would allow the popular video-sharing app to continue operating in the United States, averting a ban initially slated to take effect this month. The agreement, still under negotiation and expected to be finalized early next year, stems from national security concerns raised by the app’s Chinese ownership.
The deal aims to address those concerns by restructuring TikTok’s U.S. operations, effectively diminishing ByteDance’s control. Under the proposed arrangement, a new entity-controlled by American investors-would take over TikTok’s U.S.business. ByteDance would be permitted to retain a minority stake of less than 20% in the U.S. subsidiary, and would have limited influence, with only one representative on the board of directors excluded from TikTok’s security commitee.
The agreement follows a series of executive orders issued earlier this year, citing national security risks associated with TikTok’s data collection practices and potential ties to the Chinese government.These orders, enacted under the Tick Talk Act, mandated that ByteDance either sell TikTok’s U.S. assets to an American company or face a ban. President Trump initially suspended enforcement of the orders until mid-December to allow for negotiations.
A key point of contention remains the core TikTok algorithm. The U.S. operator will receive a license to re-study U.S.data, but debate continues over whether a system of U.S. monitoring of the algorithm’s source code will satisfy the security requirements of the Tick Talk Act, which seeks to sever the app’s connection to bytedance, particularly regarding its underlying technology.
Despite security concerns, TikTok has gained meaningful traction in the U.S., boasting an estimated 170 million users. President Trump himself acknowledged the platform’s reach, noting its role in his recent reelection campaign with 15 million followers on his personal account. The White House even launched its own official TikTok account last month.
The administrative order also includes an extension of the legal probation deadline as negotiations continue. The reporting was done by Jung Dasul (yamye@edaily.co.kr).
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