Oracle to Acquire TikTok's US Operations in Surprise Trump-Approved Deal

Trump TikTok Deal: Oracle to Acquire App's US Operations In a surprise move, President Donald Trump announced on September 14 that a deal had been reached for the sale of TikTok's US operations. According to sources, tech giant Oracle will acquire the app's domestic business, with Walmart set to be a minority owner. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The agreement marks a significant shift for TikTok, which has been at the center of a high-stakes battle between the US government and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Under the proposed deal, Oracle will take control of TikTok's US operations, including its data storage and processing. Walmart will hold a minority stake in the new entity, with plans to integrate the app's e-commerce capabilities into its own platform. "TikTok is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations," said a spokesperson for ByteDance. "We are pleased that we have reached an agreement that meets the requirements of the US government." The deal has been in the works since August, when Trump issued an executive order requiring ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok within 90 days or face a ban on the app's operations in the US. Background and Context TikTok has faced intense scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over concerns about data security and potential ties to the Chinese government. The app's popularity among younger users has also raised questions about its impact on children's mental health and online safety. In response, ByteDance has sought to reassure investors and regulators that it would comply with all applicable laws and regulations. However, the company has faced criticism for its handling of user data and its ties to the Chinese government. Additional Perspectives Industry analysts have welcomed the deal as a positive development for TikTok's US operations. "This deal is a win-win for both Oracle and Walmart," said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. "It allows Oracle to expand its cloud computing business, while also giving Walmart a foothold in the e-commerce market." However, some experts have raised concerns about the implications of the deal on data security and user privacy. "The fact that Oracle will be handling TikTok's US operations raises questions about who has access to sensitive user data," said Jennifer Granick, a civil liberties lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union. Current Status and Next Developments The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval from CFIUS. If approved, Oracle will take control of TikTok's US operations, with Walmart holding a minority stake in the new entity. As the deal moves forward, regulators and lawmakers will continue to scrutinize the agreement for any potential implications on data security and user privacy. *Reporting by Bbc.*