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

US and China Reach New Deal on TikTok Amidst Ban Deadline A new agreement has been reached between the US government and Chinese tech company ByteDance to allow popular social media app TikTok to avoid a nationwide ban, according to sources close to the negotiations. The deal comes as a deadline for ByteDance to sell the app imposed by Congress in 2024 is set to expire on September 17. The agreement was announced after a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which have effectively delayed the ban since January 2025. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the deal, stating that "we are pleased to have reached an understanding with ByteDance that will allow TikTok to continue operating in the US." The new deal requires further details and specifics to be disclosed, but it is expected to address concerns over data security and national security raised by lawmakers. The agreement marks a significant development in the long-standing dispute between the US government and ByteDance over TikTok's ownership and operations. TikTok has been at the center of a contentious debate over its ties to China and potential risks to user data. In 2024, Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. However, President Trump's executive orders have since delayed the ban, citing national security concerns. The deal is seen as a compromise between the two parties, with some experts predicting that it will pave the way for TikTok's continued growth in the US market. "This agreement is a step forward in addressing the concerns of lawmakers and regulators," said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, which has been critical of TikTok's data practices. The new deadline of September 17 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga over TikTok's future in the US. As the clock ticks down to the expiration date, both parties are expected to provide more details on the agreement and its implications for users. Background: TikTok has been at the center of a heated debate over data security and national security concerns since 2024, when Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The bill was signed into law by President Trump in June 2024, with a deadline for ByteDance to comply set for January 2025. However, President Trump's executive orders have since delayed the ban, citing national security concerns. In June, he signed an order setting a new deadline of September 17 for ByteDance to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. Implications: The new deal is expected to address concerns over data security and national security raised by lawmakers. However, some experts have expressed skepticism about the agreement's effectiveness in addressing these concerns. "This deal may not be enough to alleviate the concerns of regulators and lawmakers," said one expert, who wished to remain anonymous. Next Developments: As the deadline of September 17 approaches, both parties are expected to provide more details on the agreement and its implications for users. The US government is likely to closely monitor ByteDance's compliance with the terms of the deal, while TikTok's user base will be watching closely for any changes to the app's operations. In a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that "we are committed to ensuring that TikTok continues to operate in the US market, while also addressing the concerns of regulators and lawmakers." The new deal marks a significant development in the ongoing saga over TikTok's future in the US. *Reporting by Vox.*