In a significant development regarding TikTok’s operations in the United States, the White House has announced plans for the formation of a board comprised predominantly of American members. Following a successful negotiation between government officials from Washington and Beijing, the Chinese parent company of TikTok is set to sell its U.S. operations, ensuring that six of the seven board positions will be occupied by American citizens. These details were shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Fox News interview.
Leavitt indicated that an agreement could be finalized “in the coming days.” This statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues that would enable TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S. without the looming threat of a ban, a concern that has been prevalent amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
While President Trump referred to the talks as “very good,” emphasizing his appreciation for the potential TikTok approval on his platform Truth Social, China has yet to officially confirm any agreements reached during the conversations. Notably, Larry Ellison, a billionaire and cofounder of Oracle, has been identified as a key investor in the consortium looking to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. Leavitt acknowledged Oracle’s role, stating that data and privacy will be managed by the tech firm, ensuring American oversight of the platform’s operations.
TikTok currently enjoys a robust user base in the United States, with approximately 175 million users engaging with its content. This places it among the top five social media applications in the country. However, the platform has faced scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly following legislation passed under the Biden administration, which sought to compel the app to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Both sides of the political aisle have expressed concerns regarding national security, citing fears that data gathered by TikTok could be accessed by the Chinese government, potentially facilitating the spread of disinformation.
Trump previously proposed measures to ban TikTok during his presidency, issuing executive orders in August 2020 aimed at restricting its use. Nevertheless, he has recently pivoted, declaring his intention to “save” the app as part of his campaign for the 2024 election.
China has consistently rejected assertions from U.S. lawmakers that the government exerts pressure on companies like TikTok to gather personal data for state use, reaffirming its commitment to cybersecurity.
As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok in the United States appears to be on a path toward greater American control, which may alleviate some concerns surrounding data privacy and security. This situation underscores the intricate relationship between technology, national security, and international diplomacy in today’s digital age.
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