White House Promises US-Controlled TikTok Algorithm

The White House affirmed on Monday that a US version of TikTok would incorporate a domestically developed model of the app's coveted algorithm, potentially resolving one of the major hurdles to maintaining the Chinese-owned platform's operation in the United States.

During his first term, Trump cautioned that China could utilize TikTok to extract data from American users.

Washington:

Commonly referred to as TikTok's "secret sauce," the destiny of the video-sharing application's algorithm was one of the principal uncertainties in convincing China to permit the platform's transition to American ownership.

Legislation enacted under President Joe Biden, Trump's predecessor, has compelled current owner ByteDance to divest its US operations or face prohibition of the immensely popular application in its largest market.

American policymakers, including Trump during his initial presidency, have cautioned that China could employ TikTok to collect data from Americans or exert influence through its state-of-the-art algorithm.

Trump has consistently postponed implementing the ban while the White House sought a team of domestic purchasers for TikTok's US business.

As part of ongoing trade negotiations with Beijing, the administration has also requested permission from Chinese authorities to allow one of their most successful technology champions to transfer corporate control—and the algorithm—to Americans.

Under the proposal presented to reporters by a senior White House official, TikTok's US operations would transition into a new joint venture based in the United States with a predominantly American board of directors.

US cloud giant Oracle, which already collaborates closely with TikTok in the United States, would function as a security guarantor for the algorithm, ensuring its separation from any Chinese involvement.

- 'Fully inspected' -

TikTok's content recommendation algorithm is "going to be fully inspected and retrained by the security provider on US user data, and then it's going to be operated by that US entity," stated the official, speaking anonymously.

The US official added that the algorithm would be "continuously monitored" to ensure it is "not being unduly influenced."

These latest developments emerged after Trump praised progress with Chinese President Xi Jinping on various issues including TikTok, following their second telephone conversation since Trump's return to the presidency.

Trump is anticipated to sign an executive order this week, declaring that the terms of the TikTok arrangement satisfy national security requirements, the US official revealed Monday.

This would also reassure skeptics concerned that the agreement between Trump and Xi might fall short of the legal obligations by retaining too significant a role for ByteDance, which would maintain control of TikTok globally.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News over the weekend that "there will be seven seats on the board that controls the app in the United States, and six of those seats will be Americans."

Trump separately mentioned that conservative media magnate Rupert Murdoch and his eldest son Lachlan could be among the investors taking control of TikTok in the United States.

Venture capital giants Andreessen Horowitz and Silver Lake are also reportedly involved in the deal.

Beijing, however, has provided minimal commentary regarding any pending agreement.

"On the TikTok issue, Xi noted that China's position is clear: the Chinese government respects the will of enterprises and welcomes them to conduct business negotiations based on market rules, to reach solutions that balance interests and comply with Chinese laws and regulations," stated state broadcaster CCTV following the Trump-Xi phone call.