Recent communications between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping indicate a pivotal agreement concerning TikTok, the popular social media platform under scrutiny due to its ties with China.
According to the White House, the proposed deal aims to give American companies control over TikTok's algorithm, as well as appointing U.S. citizens to the majority of the seats on a newly formed board to oversee operations in the United States.
This negotiation arises amid ongoing tensions regarding data security and the potential for a ban on TikTok within the U.S. In January, Congress passed legislation leading towards such a ban, but Trump has exercised his executive powers to delay enforcement while negotiating a potential divestment from TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that tech company Oracle is poised to take over the app's data and security management, emphasizing that an American dominion over the algorithm and operational control is non-negotiable.
In a recent appearance on Fox News, Leavitt stated, “We are 100% confident that a deal is done,” reiterating the administration’s commitment to finalizing the agreement. Trump's discussions with Xi included assurances from the Chinese side that they would cooperate in the divestment of operations, although specifics on control over the algorithm from the Chinese perspective remain elusive.
With a statement from the Chinese government post-conversation lacking clarity on the deal's terms, Trump expressed optimism that “very good control” would be established once the particulars are resolved. Leavitt indicated that the agreement could be finalized shortly, boosting hopes for a new operational framework for TikTok in the U.S.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely as it unfolds, recognizing the implications for both national security and the broader international landscape of technology and data governance.
