Per AP News: The White House confirmed Monday that software giant Oracle would take charge of safeguarding TikTok’s U.S. operations under a pending divestment plan, including management of a licensed version of the app’s powerful recommendation algorithm.
The joint venture with Oracle will keep TikTok’s operations in the United States, with a majority control of it board of directors being Americans, as confirmed to CNN and USA Today.
The future of TikTok’s algorithm — still owned by Beijing-based ByteDance — has been a central sticking point in negotiations over whether the app can continue operating in the United States. Lawmakers and national security officials have long warned that the system, which determines what videos users see, could be exploited by the Chinese government to influence public opinion in subtle but significant ways.
The arrangement would resolve security concerns if TikTok formally separates from its parent company. The move stems from bipartisan legislation signed in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s term, requiring ByteDance to either sell its American assets to a U.S. firm or face an outright ban.
Under the deal, Oracle would receive a licensed copy of TikTok’s algorithm, oversee its security protocols, and conduct continuous monitoring for any irregular activity. The White House official said the system would be fully inspected and then retrained with U.S. user data to ensure it performs as intended.
While it remains unclear whether retraining would effectively create a separate version of TikTok for American users, press secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that international visibility would not be lost. “TikTok users in the U.S. will still be able to view content from overseas, and users abroad will continue to see American videos,” she told reporters.
The administration plans to formalize the arrangement later this week. Once President Trump signs an executive order endorsing the deal, China is expected to approve a parallel framework, triggering a 120-day grace period for both governments to finalize terms. The White House confirmed that the federal government will not hold an equity position in the venture or seek representation on its governing committee. Final approval of the framework agreement still depends on Chinese regulators.
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