A bipartisan law threatens to ban the popular social media platform over national security concerns unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake. Currently, TikTok is operating on an extension set to expire tomorrow.
Vice President, J.D. Vance expressed confidence in a resolution, stating, “It’ll come out before the deadline.” Vance emphasized the importance of balancing security concerns with user access. “You want to make sure that the TikTok app in the United States is not spying on people—it’s good for national security. You also want to give people access to this incredible platform,” he said.
Under U.S. law, ByteDance must sell at least 80% of its ownership in TikTok. However, China appears reluctant to approve such a sale. President Donald Trump has suggested using tariffs as leverage to push a deal forward.
Media analyst Sara Fischer of CNN highlighted a key obstacle: “It doesn’t matter how many investors want to buy this U.S. app of TikTok. The big question is—does China want to let them buy it? They have indicated that they don’t.”
Beyond ownership concerns, any deal must also meet two other critical requirements. First, TikTok and ByteDance cannot coordinate on data sharing due to privacy concerns. Analysts believe this could be addressed, as U.S. company Oracle now stores TikTok’s data. Second, ByteDance must relinquish control over TikTok’s algorithm, amid fears that China could use it to influence American users.
This issue remains a sticking point. Trump previously proposed addressing it through a lease agreement, though Fischer remains skeptical. “If you’re licensing the algorithm, I don’t personally understand how you’re solving for that problem. But I’m sure the U.S. government is discussing it as part of this deal.”
Sara Fischer is a leading media analyst known for her deep expertise in the intersection of technology, policy, and media. Her insights into high-stakes issues like TikTok’s future in the U.S. highlight her ability to break down complex negotiations, national security concerns, and global business dynamics.
As a keynote speaker, Fischer provides audiences with a clear, informed perspective on how media and tech shape the world, making her an invaluable voice at any event. Fischer’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host her for your event, contact us.
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