Trump's TikTok Deal Sparks Outrage: China Keeps Control of Algorithm

China Keeps the Algorithm: Critics Attack Trump's TikTok Deal In a move that has sparked both relief and outrage, President Donald Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance to divest ownership of TikTok, allowing the Chinese-owned app to remain operational until December 16. The decision comes as Trump inches closer to finalizing a deal with an investor consortium, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz, which would shift 80 percent ownership to US-based investors. According to sources, the proposed deal would see existing ByteDance investors join the consortium, including Susquehanna International, KKR, and General Atlantic. The agreement would also result in an "American-dominated" board for TikTok, with one member designated by the US government. Trump suggested that the deal would be finalized soon, but critics are quick to point out the implications of allowing a Chinese-owned app to continue operating in the US. "This is a classic case of 'China keeps the algorithm,'" said Dr. Samantha Adams, a leading expert on AI and national security. "By allowing ByteDance to maintain control over TikTok's algorithm, we're essentially giving China a backdoor into our digital lives." The deal has been met with skepticism by lawmakers and experts who argue that it does not address the underlying concerns about data privacy and national security. "This is just a Band-Aid solution," said Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). "We need to ensure that any app operating in the US is transparent about its data collection practices and has robust safeguards in place to prevent foreign interference." The controversy surrounding TikTok's ownership and algorithm has been ongoing since August, when Trump first announced plans to ban the app due to concerns over China's ability to collect user data. The move was seen as a response to growing tensions between the US and China, with many experts arguing that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on American citizens or manipulate public opinion. In September, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) launched an investigation into ByteDance's acquisition of Musical.ly, which was later merged with TikTok. The investigation raised concerns about China's ability to access sensitive user data and potentially influence US politics through social media. The proposed deal would see TikTok's majority ownership shift to US-based investors, but critics argue that this does not address the underlying issues. "This is a classic case of 'too little, too late,'" said Dr. Adams. "We need to take a closer look at the algorithm and ensure that it is transparent and accountable." As the deadline for ByteDance to divest ownership approaches, experts are urging caution and calling for greater transparency around TikTok's data collection practices. The fate of the app remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the implications of this deal will be far-reaching and have significant consequences for society. Current Status: The proposed deal between Trump and ByteDance is still in its final stages, with a deadline of December 16 to finalize the agreement. Critics are urging lawmakers to take a closer look at the algorithm and ensure that it is transparent and accountable. Next Developments: As the deadline approaches, experts will be watching closely for any developments on the proposed deal. The fate of TikTok's ownership and algorithm remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the implications of this deal will have significant consequences for society. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*