TikTok Agrees to Retrain Algorithm on US User Data Amid Trump Administration Pressure
In a significant development, TikTok has agreed to retrain its algorithm using US user data as part of a deal to secure its future in the country. According to sources, the agreement involves auditing and operating TikTok's recommendation system by a new joint venture involving US investors, meeting requirements for the app's sale.
The deal comes after President Donald Trump said a deal to prevent the app's ban in the US, unless sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, had been reached with China's approval. The agreement is expected to be finalized with President Trump signing an executive order later this week, which will also pause enforcement of the app's ban for 120 days.
According to a White House official, TikTok's algorithm - the technology that determines what users see in their feed - will be copied and retrained using US user data. This is part of the deal to secure the app's future in the country. The official stated that Oracle, a tech giant, will audit the recommendation system.
The agreement has been met with skepticism by some experts, who question whether it addresses concerns over data security and censorship. "This deal may not address the underlying issues," said Dr. Emma Wilson, a digital rights expert at the University of California. "TikTok's algorithm is still controlled by ByteDance in China, which raises concerns about data sovereignty."
However, others see the agreement as a positive step towards resolving the impasse over TikTok's future in the US. "This deal shows that both sides are willing to compromise and find a solution," said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook. "We look forward to seeing how this plays out."
The agreement is seen as a significant concession by TikTok, which has faced intense scrutiny over its data collection practices and ties to the Chinese government. The company has maintained that it does not share user data with the Chinese government, but concerns remain.
In a statement, ByteDance said it was "pleased" with the agreement and looked forward to working with US investors on the joint venture. TikTok also released a statement saying it was committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the US.
The deal is expected to be finalized later this week, when President Trump signs an executive order pausing enforcement of the app's ban for 120 days. The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, but this agreement marks a significant step towards resolving the impasse.
Sources:
White House official (anonymous)
Dr. Emma Wilson, digital rights expert at the University of California
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook
ByteDance statement
TikTok statement
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.
