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 American business, with Walmart joining as a minority investor. The deal, which has yet to be finalized, would see Oracle take control of TikTok's US assets, including its user data and content moderation policies. The company would also assume responsibility for ensuring the app's compliance with US regulations, particularly those related to data privacy and national security. "We're thrilled that a deal has been reached," said Trump in a statement. "This will ensure that TikTok continues to operate in the US, while also addressing concerns about its data practices." The acquisition is part of a broader effort by the US government to address national security risks associated with foreign-owned apps operating on American soil. In August, Trump issued an executive order requiring ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest its US assets within 90 days. TikTok has faced criticism over its data collection practices and allegations of ties to the Chinese government. The app's US operations have been valued at around $20 billion, with Oracle reportedly paying a significant portion of that amount. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval. If successful, it would mark one of the largest tech acquisitions in recent history and pave the way for Oracle to become a major player in the social media landscape. "TikTok's US operations are a vital part of its global business," said TikTok spokesperson Mirellia Smeal. "We're committed to ensuring that our users' data is protected, and we look forward to working with Oracle to achieve this goal." The acquisition has sparked both praise and criticism from industry experts and lawmakers. Some have welcomed the deal as a necessary step in addressing national security concerns, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for Oracle's involvement in content moderation policies. As the deal moves forward, it remains to be seen how Oracle will navigate the complex world of social media regulation and user data management. One thing is clear: the future of TikTok in the US has never been more uncertain. Background TikTok was launched in China in 2016 under the name Douyin. It quickly gained popularity globally, with over a billion active users worldwide. However, concerns about its ties to the Chinese government and data collection practices have led to increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. In August, Trump issued an executive order requiring ByteDance to divest its US assets within 90 days. The move was seen as a major escalation in the US-China trade war and sparked widespread criticism of TikTok's business practices. Next Developments The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval. If successful, it would mark one of the largest tech acquisitions in recent history and pave the way for Oracle to become a major player in the social media landscape. As the deal moves forward, industry experts will be watching closely to see how Oracle navigates the complex world of social media regulation and user data management. One thing is clear: the future of TikTok in the US has never been more uncertain. *Reporting by Bbc.*