Here’s What’s Happening Right Now With the US TikTok Deal
Here’s what’s happening right now with the US TikTok deal: after years of political back-and-forth, major tech investors are finally closer to securing a deal that could reshape the app’s future in America. With ByteDance under pressure and U.S. lawmakers concerned about data security, the next few weeks could determine TikTok’s fate.
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Why the US TikTok Deal Matters
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has been under U.S. scrutiny for over four years. Lawmakers worry about how user data might be accessed and whether the Chinese government could influence the platform. This debate has left millions of American users uncertain about the app’s future.
Earlier this year, TikTok even faced a temporary outage in the U.S., sparking confusion before quickly returning to the App Store and Google Play. These disruptions highlighted how deeply TikTok has become embedded in American social media culture—and why the deal matters so much.
Who’s in Line to Take Over TikTok’s US Business?
A number of American investors are competing for control. According to CFRA Research’s Angelo Zino, TikTok’s U.S. business could be worth as much as $60 billion if the deal goes through.
Reports suggest that Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz are part of a consortium expected to oversee TikTok’s U.S. operations. This group may hold an 80% stake, while Chinese stakeholders would retain the remaining shares. The board of this new entity would mostly be made up of U.S. members, ensuring stronger American oversight.
The Role of Political Pressure
Former President Trump repeatedly extended deadlines for a TikTok ban, using it as leverage in negotiations. Recently, he announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved a framework for a deal. That framework would allow U.S. investors to control TikTok’s U.S. operations while keeping the app available for American users.
This political approval marked a significant step forward, though many details of the agreement remain under discussion.
What This Means for TikTok Users
For TikTok’s massive U.S. user base, the deal could bring stability after years of uncertainty. The app is expected to stay accessible in the U.S., though the ownership structure may change. If U.S. investors successfully take control, the hope is that trust in the platform’s data handling will improve.
For now, TikTok creators and users should expect business as usual. But the finalization of the deal could influence everything from platform regulations to how TikTok works with advertisers and U.S. tech infrastructure.
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