Trump and Xi Discuss Future of TikTok in US
In a phone call on Friday, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly approved a deal on the future of TikTok's US operations. The agreement would see TikTok's US business sold to a group of US investors, bringing an end to months of uncertainty for the popular social media platform.
According to Trump, who shared details of the call on his Truth Social account, he and Xi "made progress" on trade issues and discussed the fate of TikTok. The deal would reportedly allow ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, to maintain a minority stake in the US business while ceding control to American investors.
TikTok has been at the center of a heated debate over national security and data protection concerns. In January, Trump announced plans to ban the app from operating in the US unless it was sold to an American company. However, he delayed implementing the ban four times since then, extending the deadline again to December.
The decision to approve a deal on TikTok's future has been met with mixed reactions from experts and users alike. "This is a significant development for the tech industry," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a digital media expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "TikTok's popularity among young people in the US cannot be overstated, but concerns about data protection and national security have been valid."
The deal also raises questions about cultural exchange and the role of social media in shaping global relationships. "Social media platforms like TikTok have become a key part of modern life," said Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, a professor of environmental studies at the University of Utah. "As we navigate these complex issues, it's essential to consider the cultural implications and ensure that our policies promote mutual understanding and respect."
The fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain until the deal is finalized. However, Trump's announcement suggests that a resolution may be near. The two leaders are also expected to meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit later this month.
In a statement, ByteDance said it was "pleased" with the development and looked forward to working with US investors to finalize the deal. TikTok's parent company has faced intense scrutiny in recent months over concerns about data protection and national security.
As the world waits for the details of the deal to emerge, one thing is clear: the future of social media in the US will be shaped by this agreement.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
