WASHINGTON (AP) — A pending deal regarding TikTok is expected to ensure that U.S. companies gain control over the app's algorithm and that Americans occupy the majority of seats on the board overseeing its U.S. operations. This announcement comes amidst ongoing debates between Washington and Beijing on the platform's future in America.
The TikTok situation has been pressing for legislators, especially as Congress has set January as a deadline for a potential ban. Nevertheless, President Trump has extended TikTok's operations in the U.S. while aiming to facilitate a sale of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the tech giant Oracle would oversee TikTok’s data security, affirming that Americans would control six out of seven board seats.
Leavitt expressed confidence in the completion of the deal, stating that the final steps are underway with negotiations between U.S. and Chinese officials. She reiterated, We are 100% confident that a deal is done, now we just need it signed. Trump and Xi have had lengthy discussions, with ongoing dialogue regarding the specifics of the arrangement.
In essence, Leavitt noted that the algorithm, a critical piece of the app's functionality, would also remain under American control, allaying some security concerns. However, President Trump has maintained a level of caution regarding the extent of Chinese control that might remain.
The deal's details, particularly in terms of algorithm management, remain ambiguous, with Trump emphasizing that they are still being hammered out, saying: We’re going to have very good control. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has yet to clarify its stance following discussions to avoid a U.S. ban by divesting a controlling stake in TikTok.
Leavitt concluded with a positive outlook, anticipating that the agreement would be finalized within days.
