U.S. Officials Announce Framework for Keeping TikTok Online
In a breakthrough deal, U.S. officials have reached a "framework" with China over the fate of popular short-video platform TikTok, paving the way for the app's continued operation in the United States.
According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the negotiations with Chinese officials in Madrid, the framework is a significant step towards resolving the multi-year standoff over the ban against the Chinese-owned app. "We've made good progress and we're optimistic about the outcome," Bessent said.
The deal was announced after two days of talks between U.S. and Chinese officials, which included discussions on national security concerns surrounding TikTok's ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company. The framework is expected to address these concerns while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the United States.
President Trump had previously threatened to ban TikTok from the U.S. market, citing national security risks. However, with the new framework in place, it appears that a ban may be avoided. "A deal was also reached on a 'certain' company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save," Trump tweeted. "They will be very happy!"
TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon among younger generations, with over 100 million active users in the United States alone. The app's popularity has raised concerns about data privacy and national security, as well as its ownership by a Chinese company.
The deal is seen as a significant victory for TikTok, which had faced an uncertain future in the United States. "We're pleased that we've been able to reach a framework with the U.S. government," said a spokesperson for ByteDance. "We look forward to working with them to address any concerns and ensure that our app continues to operate smoothly."
The next step will be for President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finalize the deal, which is expected to happen on Friday. The framework is seen as a significant breakthrough in the complex negotiations between the two countries.
In related news, experts say that the deal could have implications for other Chinese technology companies operating in the United States. "This deal sets a precedent for how U.S.-China tech relations will be managed going forward," said a tech analyst. "It's a positive development for companies like TikTok and WeChat, which are also owned by Chinese companies."
As the details of the framework become clearer, it remains to be seen what this means for the future of TikTok in the United States. However, one thing is certain: the app will continue to operate in the country, at least for now.
Background
TikTok has been at the center of a multi-year standoff between the U.S. government and China over national security concerns. The app's ownership by ByteDance had raised concerns about data privacy and national security risks. In response, Trump had threatened to ban TikTok from the U.S. market.
Additional Perspectives
Experts say that the deal is a significant victory for TikTok, which had faced an uncertain future in the United States. "This deal sets a precedent for how U.S.-China tech relations will be managed going forward," said a tech analyst.
The deal has also been welcomed by users of the app, who have expressed relief that their favorite platform will continue to operate smoothly. "We're thrilled that TikTok will continue to be available in the United States," said one user. "It's a great platform for creativity and self-expression."
Current Status
The next step will be for President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finalize the deal, which is expected to happen on Friday. The framework is seen as a significant breakthrough in the complex negotiations between the two countries.
As the details of the framework become clearer, it remains to be seen what this means for the future of TikTok in the United States. However, one thing is certain: the app will continue to operate in the country, at least for now.
*Reporting by Npr.*
