President Donald Trump has given TikTok more time in the U.S. by pushing back a ban deadline for the fourth time. This move comes as talks for a big deal start to take shape. The popular app, owned by a Chinese company, faces worries over national security. Many fear it could share user data with China or spread false info. Trump’s latest delay sets a new cutoff date of December 16. This could be the final chance to sell TikTok’s U.S. part or lose it forever. With over 170 million users hooked on its fun short videos, the app’s fate matters a lot to young Americans and tech giants alike.
Why TikTok Faces a Ban in the First Place
TikTok blew up fast thanks to its addictive swipe-style videos. But its owner, ByteDance from China, sparked red flags in Washington. Lawmakers from both parties passed a tough law last year to force a sale. They say China’s government could use the app to spy on users or push its own messages.
- Data Privacy Fears: The app collects tons of personal info, like location and likes. Critics worry Beijing could grab this to track Americans.
- Propaganda Risks: China might tweak the app to show content that sways U.S. views on politics or trade.
- Bipartisan Push: The law got full support in Congress and even the Supreme Court backed it in January. Ex-President Joe Biden signed it too.
Trump paused the law when he took office again. Now, he’s buying time for a fix while chatting with China’s leader Xi Jinping on Friday.
Details Emerging from the Deal Framework
Trump sounded upbeat on Tuesday, telling reporters, “We have a deal on TikTok.” He mentioned big U.S. companies lining up to buy in. Sources close to the talks spill some beans on the plan.
- New U.S. Company Spin-Off: ByteDance would create a fresh outfit just for TikTok’s American side. This cuts ties with China.
- Investor Shake-Up: Top current backers keep some shares. New U.S. players jump in to drop Chinese ownership below 20%.
- Oracle’s Role: The tech firm, already helping with TikTok’s servers, plans to invest. Oracle boss Larry Ellison’s son David eyes Hollywood deals, and TikTok’s smart algorithm could boost that.
Other names in the mix include private equity group Silver Lake. Existing investors like General Atlantic and Susquehanna would roll over their money. A White House insider calls unconfirmed bits “pure speculation.”
This setup echoes a near-deal from April, but trade spats killed it then. Now, with talks back on, everyone watches if it flies under the law.
Key Hurdle: The Famous Algorithm
TikTok’s secret sauce is its algorithm. It guesses what you love and fills your feed perfectly. But the deal leaves this tech in China.
- Licensing Plan: The U.S. TikTok would rent the algorithm from ByteDance, not own it. Three insiders confirm this.
- China’s Nod: Beijing’s statement on Monday praised this as a market-friendly fix, including data handling and algorithm use.
- Law’s Tough Words: Congress banned any “operational relationship” with ByteDance on the algorithm. Experts split on if licensing counts.
Lindsay Gorman, a Biden-era tech advisor, says it misses the mark. “It doesn’t fix security worries or follow the law,” she warns. Full U.S. control, free of Chinese engineers, is needed, she adds.
But Georgetown prof Anupam Chander sees upsides. The big split from China tackles data theft fears. A tiny 20% stake makes spying hard, he notes.
Propaganda and New Risks in the Mix
Lawmakers also fretted over China using TikTok to brainwash users. The deal might calm that for now.
- Data Wall: Separating ops makes it tough for Beijing to pull info, Chander says.
- Speech Shift: But now, U.S. owners close to Trump could push pro-government stuff. “It opens doors to American propaganda,” Chander cautions.
TikTok, Oracle, and others stayed quiet on details. The app’s huge user base means a ban would shake social media. Rivals like Instagram Reels wait in the wings.
What’s Next for TikTok and Users
This fourth delay buys breathing room till mid-December. Trump and Xi’s call could seal it. If no deal, TikTok vanishes from U.S. stores and apps.
- User Impact: Teens and creators rely on it for fun and fame. A ban means lost jobs and trends.
- Tech Shake-Up: Who grabs the app changes the game. Oracle’s Hollywood ties hint at video empires merging.
- Global Echoes: Other countries eye similar moves, but U.S. leads the charge.
Years of back-and-forth show how tech and security clash. Trump’s team bets this framework works. Critics say it dodges real fixes. As details drip out, eyes stay glued—will TikTok stay, or say goodbye?
The stakes feel sky-high. With 170 million fans scrolling daily, one app’s fate could rewrite how we share laughs and lives online.
