US and China Reach Last-Minute Deal to Save TikTok from Nationwide Ban

US and China Reach New Deal on TikTok Amid Ban Deadline Looms The US government has announced a new agreement with Chinese tech company ByteDance to avoid a nationwide ban on the popular social media app TikTok, which was set to take effect on September 17. The deal, reached after months of negotiations, would allow TikTok to continue operating in the US while addressing concerns over data security and national security. According to sources familiar with the agreement, the new deal would require ByteDance to restructure its ownership structure and separate its American operations from its Chinese parent company. This move is aimed at alleviating concerns that TikTok's Chinese ownership poses a risk to national security. "We're pleased to have reached an agreement that addresses our concerns while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the negotiations on behalf of the US government. "This deal demonstrates our commitment to protecting American interests while promoting innovation and competition." The ban on TikTok was first proposed by Congress in 2024 as part of a broader effort to address concerns over data security and national security. The deadline for ByteDance to sell the app or face a nationwide ban had been set for January 2025, but President Donald Trump intervened with a series of executive orders that pushed back the deadline. The new deal would require TikTok to implement significant changes to its operations, including the creation of an independent board of directors and the appointment of a chief compliance officer. ByteDance would also be required to provide regular audits and reports on its data practices. While the exact terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, experts say it marks a significant shift in the US government's approach to regulating social media companies. "This deal shows that the US government is willing to work with tech companies to address concerns over national security while promoting innovation," said Emily Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The new deal would also have implications for other social media companies operating in the US, including Facebook and Twitter. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, its success has raised questions about the role of foreign-owned companies in the US tech industry. As the deadline for implementing the new agreement approaches, ByteDance is expected to face significant challenges in restructuring its operations and addressing concerns over data security. However, with the deal in place, TikTok can continue to operate in the US while working towards compliance with the new requirements. The next step will be for ByteDance to implement the changes required by the agreement and provide regular updates on its progress. The US government will also continue to monitor TikTok's operations to ensure that it is complying with the terms of the deal. In a statement, ByteDance said it was "pleased" to have reached an agreement with the US government and would work towards implementing the required changes. *Reporting by Vox.*