TikTok's Algorithm to be Governed by US Entities Under Emerging US-China Agreement

TikTok's Algorithm to be Controlled by America Under Emerging Agreement The White House confirmed on Saturday that the algorithm controlling TikTok, a popular social media app, will soon be controlled by American entities as part of an emerging agreement between the United States and China. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, six out of seven seats on the board controlling the app in the US will be held by Americans. The deal, announced last week by the Trump administration, aims to settle TikTok's fate in the US following months of uncertainty, including a brief ban and reversal. Oracle, one of America's leading tech companies, will lead data and privacy efforts for the app. The algorithm, which determines what content users see on their feeds, 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 seats or how the control would work. "We're still working out the details." The agreement marks a significant shift in TikTok's operations, raising concerns about data privacy and potential biases in content recommendations. Critics argue that a US-controlled algorithm could lead to censorship, as seen in other countries where social media platforms have been subject to government influence. TikTok has faced bipartisan warnings about its national security risks, with lawmakers expressing concerns over the app's ties to China and potential data collection practices. The company has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, stating that it stores user data outside of China and adheres to US regulations. The deal is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address national security concerns surrounding Chinese tech companies operating in the US. Other agreements have been reached with companies like ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, and WeChat, a messaging app owned by Tencent Holdings. Experts say that a US-controlled algorithm could have significant implications for society, potentially leading to increased censorship and biased content recommendations. "This raises questions about who gets to decide what content is shown on the platform," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a researcher at Microsoft Research. "If it's controlled by American entities, will they prioritize US interests over global perspectives?" The current status of the agreement remains uncertain, with details still being worked out between the US and China. The White House has not specified when the deal is expected to take effect or what specific changes users can expect. As the deal unfolds, concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias will continue to be at the forefront of discussions surrounding TikTok's operations in the US. *Reporting by Motherjones.*