US Gains Control Over TikTok’s Algorithm
In a major breakthrough in the ongoing dispute between the US and China, the White House announced that the United States will take control of TikTok’s US operations. Under the new agreement, US companies will manage TikTok’s algorithm—the key technology driving the app’s video recommendations.
Additionally, six of the seven seats on TikTok’s new board will be reserved for Americans, strengthening US oversight of the platform.
This deal comes after months of uncertainty. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to ban TikTok, but President Donald Trump repeatedly issued temporary exemptions to allow negotiations between ByteDance (TikTok’s Chinese parent company) and US firms.
Oracle to Manage Data and Security
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed that Oracle will handle TikTok’s data and security under the deal. She emphasized that the agreement ensures American control over the company’s decision-making structure.
“We are 100 percent confident that the deal is finalized; now it just needs to be signed,” Levitt said, adding that President Trump’s team continues discussions with Chinese counterparts.
Trump and Xi Jinping’s Conversation
On Friday, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an extended phone call to discuss the TikTok agreement. Trump highlighted that American investors are prepared to move forward, while Xi signaled a cooperative stance.
When asked whether China would continue to control the algorithm, Trump responded:
“It’s fully underway. We will have very good control.”
Final Steps Pending
While the US side has expressed optimism, China has not publicly confirmed whether Xi agreed to a ByteDance sale of a controlling stake. Levitt stated that the final step is simply signing the agreement, expressing hope that it will be completed “in the coming days.”
If finalized, the deal would ensure US authority over TikTok’s content algorithm, board structure, and security management, marking a turning point in the global tech standoff between Washington and Beijing.
