TikTok finalized agreements to form a new American entity, a move designed to avert a potential ban in the United States that had been under discussion for several years. The social video platform company signed deals with major investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, to establish the TikTok U.S. joint venture, the company announced Thursday.
The new entity will operate with "defined safeguards that protect national security through comprehensive data protections, algorithm security, content moderation and software assurances for U.S. users," according to the company statement. The company aims to alleviate concerns regarding data security and potential influence from its parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese technology firm. These safeguards are intended to ensure that user data is stored and managed within the United States, subject to U.S. laws and oversight. Algorithm security refers to measures taken to prevent manipulation or bias in the platform's content recommendation system.
American TikTok users will be able to continue using the same app, with no immediate changes to the user experience anticipated. The transition to the new entity is expected to be seamless for users.
Former President Donald Trump praised the deal in a Truth Social post, thanking China's President Xi specifically "for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal." Trump added that he hopes "that long into the future I will be remembered by those who use and love TikTok." The former president's involvement highlights the political complexities surrounding TikTok's operations in the U.S.
The formation of TikTok U.S. represents a significant restructuring of the platform's operations within the country. The move follows years of scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and regulators concerned about the potential for the Chinese government to access user data or influence the content displayed on the app. These concerns stem from China's national security laws, which could compel Chinese companies to share data with the government.
The involvement of Oracle, a major U.S. technology company, is seen as a key component of the deal. Oracle is expected to provide cloud infrastructure and data security services for TikTok U.S., ensuring that user data is stored securely within the United States. Silver Lake, a private equity firm, and MGX, a global investment firm, are also expected to provide financial backing and strategic guidance to the new entity.
The long-term impact of the deal on the social media landscape remains to be seen. TikTok has become a dominant force in the short-form video market, with millions of users worldwide. The new structure is designed to allow the platform to continue operating in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns. The success of TikTok U.S. will depend on its ability to maintain user trust and comply with U.S. regulations.
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