White House Outlines TikTok Deal, Giving US Control of Algorithm
The White House announced a deal on [date] that would give US companies control over the algorithm used by popular video-sharing app TikTok, as well as grant Americans six out of seven board seats for the app's US operations. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and concerns from the US government about national security.
According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, tech giant Oracle will lead data and privacy efforts for TikTok in the US. "The data and privacy will be led by one of America's greatest tech companies, Oracle, and the algorithm will also be controlled by America as well," she told Fox News. The deal would give Oracle significant influence over how user data is collected and used on the platform.
TikTok was previously ordered to sell its US operations or face shutdown due to national security concerns. However, US President Donald Trump delayed implementing the ban four times since it was first announced in January, and earlier this week extended the deadline again to December.
The deal marks a significant shift in control over TikTok's US operations from Chinese parent company ByteDance. The agreement is seen as a compromise between the US government's concerns about national security and the need for social media companies to operate freely.
Experts say that giving Oracle control over the algorithm could have implications for how users experience the app. "This deal raises questions about who has control over what content is shown to users," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a professor of computer science at Stanford University. "If Oracle has significant influence over the algorithm, it could potentially lead to biased or manipulated content being prioritized."
The White House has stated that the deal will be signed in the coming days, pending approval from Beijing. However, China has yet to comment on the agreement.
As the deal moves forward, experts are watching closely for implications on social media regulation and national security. "This deal is a significant development in the ongoing debate about social media regulation," said Dr. Kim. "It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in how social media companies operate."
The current status of the deal remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the future of TikTok's US operations will be shaped by American companies and interests.
Background
TikTok has faced scrutiny from the US government over concerns about data collection and national security. The app was previously ordered to sell its US operations or face shutdown due to these concerns.
Additional Perspectives
Dr. Kim notes that the deal raises questions about who has control over what content is shown to users. "If Oracle has significant influence over the algorithm, it could potentially lead to biased or manipulated content being prioritized," she said.
The White House has stated that the deal will be signed in the coming days, pending approval from Beijing. However, China has yet to comment on the agreement.
Next Developments
As the deal moves forward, experts are watching closely for implications on social media regulation and national security. The current status of the deal remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the future of TikTok's US operations will be shaped by American companies and interests.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
