Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — A developing agreement involving TikTok with China guarantees that U.S. companies will manage the app’s video feed algorithm, while Americans will hold most of the positions on the board overseeing U.S. operations, according to the White House on Saturday.

A major issue in the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing is whether the app will retain its algorithm after potentially separating from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

Although Congress passed a law to ban TikTok starting January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly issued orders allowing the app to continue operating in the U.S. as his administration strives to finalize a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations by ByteDance.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Oracle, a major tech company, will oversee the app’s data and security, and Americans will control six out of the seven seats on the planned board. Oracle did not comment on this matter.

“Patriotic Americans are investing in it—highly influential individuals who love our country,” Trump stated to reporters on Saturday after a significant phone call with China’s Xi Jinping about the deal. “They are technologically adept and will ensure TikTok remains safe.”

In an interview on Fox News “Saturday in America,” Leavitt added that “the algorithm will also be under American control,” providing more insight into how the White House perceives the deal’s development.

TikTok’s algorithm fuels what users see on the app. American officials have warned the algorithm is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect.

“We are 100% confident that a deal is done, now that deal just needs to be signed and the president’s team is working with their Chinese counterparts to do just that,” Leavitt said.

Trump said after his call with Xi that American investors were lined up and that the Chinese leader has been “a gentleman” about the matter. The Republican president was vague on the crucial question of whether China would control the algorithm.

“It’s all being worked out,” Trump said. “We’re going to have very good control.”

A statement from the Chinese government after that phone call did not clarify what Xi had agreed to regarding a sale of a controlling stake by TikTok’s Chinese parent company to avoid a U.S. ban.

Leavitt said Trump “recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open,” adding that “TikTok is a vital part of our democratic process.”

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about one-third of Americans said they supported a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023. Roughly one-third said they would oppose a ban, and a similar percentage said they weren’t sure.

Among those who said they supported banning the social media platform, about 8 in 10 cited concerns over users’ data security being at risk as a major factor in their decision, according to the report.

Leavitt expressed confidence that the agreement would be finalized soon. “Now we just need this deal to be signed,” she said. “And that will be happening, I anticipate, in the coming days.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Clear Leadership Succession Leaves No Surprises for Next Mormon Church President

SALT LAKE CITY – Following the recent passing of President Russell M.…

Tragic Coles County Crash: Mattoon Man Killed, Woman and Child Injured

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Coles County, leaving a…

Is it possible to obtain a passport during a government shutdown?

(NewsNation) — U.S. citizens looking to get or renew a passport amid…

Medina takes charge in resurrecting alma mater after Purple Riders’ season was almost canceled

ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — If you told Arcola administrators back in the…

Missing Daughters Discovered 36 Years After Mother’s Tragic Murder

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two sisters, discovered abandoned and crying in a park…

Register Now for Community Emergency Response Team Training with Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting…

Greta Thunberg’s Pre-recorded Message Regarding Detainment

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

October Heatwave: Midwest on Track to Shatter Numerous Records with 90-Degree Temperatures

The fall vibes are on hold across much of the Midwest this…

Authorities Report Four Injured in Synagogue Incident

Internet Explorer 11 isn’t supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

California Sisters Reunited After Being Missing for 36 Years

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please access…

Cruise Ship with Nearly 100 Norovirus Cases Docks in Florida

MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — A Royal Caribbean cruise ship carrying nearly 100…

Two Dead, Many Injured in Car Ramming and Stabbing Incident Near UK Synagogue

A tragic event unfolded outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday,…