The White House has announced plans for a US-controlled TikTok algorithm, aiming to eliminate national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned app while ensuring its continued availability in the American market. At the heart of this debate lies TikTok’s recommendation system—often described as the platform’s “secret sauce”—which determines what content users see and has been a point of tension in US-China negotiations.
Under US law passed during Joe Biden’s presidency, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance must sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban. Policymakers argue that TikTok could be exploited by China to harvest sensitive user data or exert influence through algorithm-driven content. Former President Donald Trump, during his first term, raised similar alarms, delaying the ban multiple times while the administration sought domestic buyers to take over TikTok’s American operations.
According to senior officials, the proposed structure involves transferring TikTok’s US business into a new joint venture with a majority-American board of directors. To ensure security and independence from Chinese influence, Oracle will act as the guarantor, overseeing TikTok’s algorithm in the United States. This would involve fully inspecting, retraining, and operating the algorithm solely on US user data, while subjecting it to ongoing monitoring to ensure no outside interference.
The White House clarified that the algorithm would be “continuously monitored” and adjusted to prevent undue influence. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that of the seven board seats in the US entity, six will be filled by Americans, reinforcing Washington’s control over TikTok’s domestic operations.
The deal has also attracted high-profile American investors, with Rupert Murdoch, his son Lachlan, and major venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz and Silver Lake reportedly involved in the takeover negotiations. This move is intended to build trust with regulators and the public, showing that TikTok will be operated under US corporate governance structures rather than foreign oversight.
Despite these developments, questions remain about Beijing’s response. While Chinese authorities have been relatively quiet, President Xi Jinping recently emphasized that any agreement must respect Chinese laws and market rules, leaving the final outcome uncertain. Critics warn that ByteDance’s continued global control over TikTok could still pose risks, even if the US algorithm is localized.
Trump is expected to sign an executive order this week, officially declaring the deal as compliant with US national security requirements. If finalized, this would mark a major milestone in Washington’s ongoing battle to assert digital sovereignty over foreign-owned platforms.
In conclusion, the White House’s push for a US-inspected and domestically controlled TikTok algorithm reflects a broader effort to safeguard American users from potential security threats. While the move could allow TikTok to remain operational in the United States, its long-term success will depend on the balance struck between US enforcement, investor confidence, and China’s willingness to cooperate.