White House Announces TikTok Deal Granting US Control of Algorithm
WASHINGTON – A deal has been reached that would grant the United States control over TikTok’s algorithm,according to statements from both the White House and former President Donald Trump. The agreement aims to address national security concerns that have long surrounded the popular social media platform.
Leavitt stated that tech giant Oracle, chaired by Larry Ellison, a prominent Trump ally, will lead data and privacy efforts for the app in the US. “The data and privacy will be led by one of America’s greatest tech companies, Oracle, and the algorithm will also be controlled by america as well,” she told Fox News.
Trump announced on Friday via Truth Social that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved the deal during a phone call, describing the conversation as “productive” and expressing gratitude for Xi’s approval. The deal reportedly involves the sale of TikTok’s US business to a group of US investors.
China’s Commerce Ministry responded with a statement indicating Beijing respects TikTok’s commercial negotiations,provided they comply with Chinese laws and regulations and balance interests. State news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as welcoming negotiations regarding TikTok.
A key point of contention in the discussions was ownership of the algorithm that determines content for TikTok’s 170 million American users. When questioned about whether a new algorithm would be required, Trump sidestepped the issue.
The potential deal follows a US Supreme Court decision in January upholding a law requiring ByteDance to divest its US operations or face a ban. While the ban was briefly enacted, it was subsequently delayed. The US Department of Justice has previously voiced concerns that TikTok’s access to US user data presents a national security threat.
David Ellison, Larry Ellison’s son, recently acquired paramount, which owns CBS News, adding to the family’s influence in the media landscape. Trump initially advocated for a TikTok ban during his first term but later utilized the platform during his 2024 presidential campaign.
