Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
On September 16, US and Chinese officials announced a framework agreement that could allow TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, to continue working in the United States. The deal was revealed after trade talks held in Madrid. According to reports, China has agreed to transfer ownership of TikTok to a US-based company. However, many important details of this deal are still not clear, leaving both experts and the public with many questions.
Trump’s TikTok Ban And Extensions
The issue of TikTok’s future in the US has been debated for years. Former President Donald Trump first pushed for a ban in 2020, arguing that the app posed security risks. Since then, the ban has been extended several times. In fact, there have been three extensions in 2025 alone. Trump said these extensions were to give time for negotiations between the US and China.
The main concern is that TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, and there are fears that the Chinese government could access user data of millions of Americans. Many in the US government believe this could be a threat to national security.
China’s Export Rules And Algorithm Control
In 2020, China introduced new export control rules. These rules specifically included technologies such as recommendation algorithms—the core technology that makes TikTok so popular. Because of this, ByteDance cannot simply transfer TikTok’s technology without Chinese government approval. This rule means that any deal involving TikTok must first be cleared by Beijing, making the negotiations even more complex.
Approval Needed In The United States
In the United States, the process is also complicated. For TikTok to continue operating under the new deal, the agreement must be approved by Congress. The US House of Representatives passed a law in 2024 requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok if the app was to remain in the country. This law was supported mainly because of security concerns. Lawmakers worried that TikTok could be used to spy on Americans or spread propaganda.
Currently, the US Congress is controlled by Republicans. Many lawmakers have promised to carefully examine the new deal once all details are made public. This means even though a framework has been announced, TikTok’s future is still not 100% secure.
Debate Over Trump’s Authority
There has also been debate over whether Trump had the authority to repeatedly extend TikTok’s deadline. Some experts believe these extensions should have gone through Congress rather than being decided by the President alone. Earlier in 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote letters to tech companies like Apple and Google. She assured them that the Department of Justice would not punish them for continuing to host TikTok while negotiations were happening.
Trump And Xi Jinping’s Role
At a White House press conference, Trump admitted that the details of TikTok’s ownership are still not fully decided. He said he would discuss the matter directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping soon. This shows that the final outcome depends not only on laws but also on ongoing political negotiations between the US and China.
American Investors And Pressure To Cut China Ties
Some American investors are already involved in ByteDance. These include firms like Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, and KKR. However, lawmakers such as Senator Tom Cotton have said that if American investors want to buy TikTok, they must fully cut ties with China. This is to make sure TikTok is run only under American influence and control, without any hidden links back to China.
What If Congress Rejects The Deal?
If Congress refuses to approve the agreement, Trump may not have many options left. Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court ruled that the 2024 law requiring ByteDance to divest was constitutional. This decision gave Congress strong authority in this matter. If lawmakers reject the deal, TikTok’s chances of survival in the US will become very slim.
Expected Structure Of New Ownership
Officials have suggested that the new ownership structure of TikTok US will likely be similar to what was proposed earlier this year. Under that plan, TikTok’s US operations would be spun off into a separate company. This company would be majority-owned and operated by American investors. However, the exact ownership details are still uncertain. The plan was delayed earlier when China threatened to withhold approval after Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese goods.
Why TikTok Matters Globally
TikTok is not just another social media app—it is ByteDance’s most valuable asset and its main growth driver worldwide. The app’s recommendation algorithm is considered a technological breakthrough. It helps TikTok show users content they are most likely to enjoy, which is one reason for its massive popularity.
With hundreds of millions of users in the US alone, TikTok has become an important part of American digital culture. Many young people use it as their main source of entertainment and even news. Because of this, the app has enormous influence. This influence is one reason the US government is concerned about who controls it.
China’s Reluctance To Let Go
From China’s perspective, TikTok represents one of its most successful global tech products. Allowing a forced sale to a US company could be seen as a sign of weakness. This is why Beijing has been very careful in approving any deal. By adding algorithms to its export control list in 2020, China made sure it had the final say in any transfer of TikTok’s core technology.
The Bigger Picture: US-China Tensions
The fight over TikTok is not just about one app. It reflects the larger trade and political tensions between the US and China. Both countries have been battling over issues like tariffs, technology transfer, and security concerns. TikTok has become a symbol of this bigger struggle, with each side wanting to prove its power and protect its interests.
Reactions From Lawmakers And Experts
Some lawmakers say they will only support the deal if it guarantees full separation from China. Others believe that as long as TikTok’s technology remains connected to ByteDance in any way, risks will remain. Experts also warn that the process of transferring ownership could take months, if not longer, especially with the legal and political approvals needed in both countries.
What This Means For TikTok Users
For now, TikTok continues to operate as normal in the US. Users can still post, watch, and share videos without interruption. However, the uncertainty has created anxiety among TikTok creators and influencers who depend on the app for their income. Many are waiting to see if the app’s long-term future in the US will be secure.
Future Still Uncertain
The announcement of a framework deal is an important step forward, but it does not guarantee TikTok’s future in the US. Both the Chinese and American governments must approve the final terms. Lawmakers in Congress will study the agreement closely, and Beijing will likely protect its interests. Until then, the app’s fate remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that TikTok has become much more than a social media platform—it is now a centerpiece in the ongoing struggle between two global powers.
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