WASHINGTON (AP) — An emerging TikTok deal with China will ensure that U.S. companies control the algorithm powering the app's video feed, with Americans holding a majority of seats on a board overseeing U.S. operations, according to the White House.
A central issue in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Beijing has been whether TikTok would maintain its algorithm after the potential divestiture of its Chinese parent company ByteDance.
Despite Congress passing legislation for a TikTok ban effective in January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly signed orders allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. while negotiations for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations continue.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that tech giant Oracle would manage the app's data and security while Americans will control six of the seven proposed board seats.
“We are 100% confident that a deal is done, now it just needs to be signed as the president’s team engages with their Chinese counterparts,” Leavitt informed Fox News’ “Saturday in America.” The recent dialogue between Trump and China’s Xi Jinping included discussions on a TikTok agreement.
Leavitt added that Americans will also control the algorithm, highlighting how the deal is forming in the view of the White House.
After conversing with Xi, Trump noted that American investors are ready, describing the Chinese leader as “a gentleman” in this context, while being vague about whether China would retain any control over the algorithm.
“It’s all being worked out,” he indicated. “We’re going to have very good control.”
Foreign ministries in China did not clarify any agreements Xi may have made regarding the sale of TikTok's controlling stake to avoid a U.S. ban.
Leavitt expressed optimism about the agreement, asserting, “Now we just need this deal to be signed. I anticipate it happening in the coming days.”
