The White House is reportedly close to finalizing a deal regarding the ownership of TikTok, a popular social media app under scrutiny for its ties to China. Vice President JD Vance announced the potential agreement, which comes with a deadline set by former President Donald Trump. TikTok must either be sold to a U.S. company by Saturday or face a ban. Trump hinted that this deadline might be extended if negotiations are ongoing.
A key concern surrounding the deal is whether it will completely eliminate Chinese control over TikTok. Reports suggest that the administration may consider an arrangement that allows ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to retain some involvement while giving Oracle, a U.S. tech giant, partial ownership. This scenario could conflict with a 2024 law that requires either a complete sale to a U.S. entity or a ban.
The response from politicians has been mixed. Some Republicans have remained vocal about the need to sever Chinese ties completely. Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has made it clear he opposes any deal that keeps Chinese control intact. He argues that TikTok is a tool for the Chinese government to influence American users and poses a national security risk.
On the other hand, some Democrats, who initially supported the ban, have shifted their stance. Senators Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Cory Booker have expressed their desire to extend the deadline to keep the app running while a sale is negotiated. This change reflects the app’s popularity among millions of Americans, with Pew Research indicating that support for a ban has decreased significantly among both Republicans and Democrats.
Parents are also weighing in on the discussion. The American Parents Coalition has urged Vance to ensure that any agreement leaves no room for Chinese influence over the app. They highlight concerns about the type of content TikTok promotes to children, including harmful material. Their advocacy includes a mobile billboard campaign aimed at raising awareness about the app’s potential dangers, stating that a significant percentage of U.S. kids spend a considerable amount of time on TikTok daily.
As negotiations continue, the implications of any deal will be significant, given the app’s widespread use and the ongoing debate over national security and children’s safety. The outcome will likely shape the future of TikTok in the U.S. and influence how social media platforms are regulated moving forward.