TikTok's Algorithm to be Governed by US Entities Under Emerging Deal

TikTok's Algorithm to be Controlled by America Under Emerging Agreement In a significant development, the White House confirmed on Saturday that TikTok's algorithm will soon be controlled by American entities as part of an emerging agreement between the United States and China. The deal, announced last week by the Trump administration, aims to settle the social media app's fate in the US following months of uncertainty. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, six out of seven seats on the board controlling the app will be held by Americans. Oracle, one of America's leading tech companies, will lead data and privacy efforts. Furthermore, the algorithm that governs user content will also be controlled by American entities. "It's unclear what exactly a US-controlled algorithm will involve," Leavitt told Fox News without specifying which individuals would hold the remaining seat or what specific implications this would have on users' experiences. The agreement marks a significant shift in TikTok's operations, raising questions about data sovereignty and potential biases in content moderation. Critics argue that an American-controlled algorithm could lead to censorship of certain viewpoints or promote right-wing ideologies. TikTok has faced bipartisan scrutiny over national security concerns, with some lawmakers calling for the app's ban due to its Chinese ownership. The company has repeatedly denied allegations of compromising user data. The emerging agreement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding TikTok's fate in the US. In August 2020, the Trump administration issued an executive order requiring ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to divest from the app or face a ban. However, this was later reversed by the Biden administration. Experts warn that a US-controlled algorithm could have far-reaching implications for society, including potential biases in content moderation and data exploitation. "TikTok's algorithm is a black box, and we don't know what goes into it," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading researcher on AI ethics. "If an American company takes control of the algorithm, it raises questions about who will be accountable for any decisions made by the algorithm." The current status of the agreement remains uncertain, with negotiations ongoing between US and Chinese officials. As the deal nears completion, users are left wondering what changes to expect from TikTok's algorithm. Background: TikTok has been at the center of a global controversy over data sovereignty and national security concerns. The app's Chinese ownership has raised eyebrows among lawmakers and experts, who argue that it poses a risk to user data and potentially allows the Chinese government to access sensitive information. Implications: The emerging agreement raises significant questions about data sovereignty and potential biases in content moderation. Critics argue that an American-controlled algorithm could lead to censorship of certain viewpoints or promote right-wing ideologies. Next Developments: As negotiations between US and Chinese officials continue, users are left wondering what changes to expect from TikTok's algorithm. The company has yet to comment on the emerging agreement, but experts warn that a US-controlled algorithm could have far-reaching implications for society. *Reporting by Motherjones.*