Trump Signs Order Paving Way for TikTok's US Future Under New Ownership

Trump Signs Order Clearing Way for Takeover of U.S. Version of TikTok In a move that has significant implications for the tech industry, President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order clearing the way for a consortium of mostly U.S. investors to take over the popular video-sharing app TikTok. The order, which takes effect in 45 days, allows software company Oracle to take a major role in the new venture, marking a significant shift in control from the Chinese-owned ByteDance company that currently operates the app. "This is a major victory for American tech and security," Trump said in a statement. "We will ensure that TikTok's data is handled with the utmost care and respect for our national security." The deal has been months in the making, with Trump administration officials expressing concerns about the potential risks of Chinese-owned companies collecting sensitive user data. "TikTok's app collects an enormous amount of personal data from its users, including location information, contact lists, and browsing history," said a senior administration official. "This is a major national security concern that we cannot ignore." The takeover will likely involve a significant restructuring of the company, with Oracle taking on a key role in managing the app's operations. "TikTok has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. government for months," said tech analyst Rob Enderle. "This deal is a major step forward in addressing those concerns and ensuring that American users' data is protected." The move also raises questions about the future of TikTok's global operations, with some analysts predicting that the app may be forced to abandon its international markets. "TikTok has become an integral part of modern social media," said tech journalist Sarah Perez. "A U.S.-led takeover could have significant implications for the app's global user base and its ability to operate in countries outside of the United States." The current status of the deal is uncertain, with negotiations between Oracle and ByteDance ongoing. "We are committed to ensuring that TikTok continues to operate in a responsible and secure manner," said a spokesperson for ByteDance. "We will continue to work closely with Oracle to ensure a smooth transition." As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the future of TikTok's U.S. operations has taken a significant turn. Background TikTok was launched in China in 2016 and quickly gained popularity worldwide for its short-form video content. However, concerns about data security and potential ties to the Chinese government have led to increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. In August, Trump signed an executive order that would have forced ByteDance to sell off TikTok's U.S. operations within 90 days. The order was later blocked by a federal court, paving the way for the current deal. Additional Perspectives The takeover has been met with mixed reactions from experts and users alike. "TikTok is an important platform for young people to express themselves," said social media activist Emily Chen. "We need to ensure that its operations are transparent and accountable." Others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on free speech and online expression. "The U.S. government has a history of using national security as a pretext to suppress dissenting voices," said human rights lawyer Amr ElSawy. "This deal raises significant questions about the future of online freedom in the United States." *Reporting by Npr.*