TikTok Avoids US Ban with Deal Signed by China and Washington
In a major development, TikTok has finalized a deal with China to avoid a ban in the United States. The agreement comes after a year-long wait since a law effectively banning the social media platform from the country went into effect.The Law That Sparked the Deal
A bipartisan law passed in 2024 required TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sever ties with its American operations or face penalties. The law made it unlawful for app stores to offer updates or new downloads after January 19, 2025. However, President Trump had issued executive orders directing the Justice Department not to penalize tech companies hosting TikTok on their platforms.
The Consortium Behind TikTok's US Operations
CBS News previously reported that TikTok's U.S. operations would be held by a consortium of firms including Oracle and Silver Lake. The details about the arrangement, including who controls the platform's algorithm, have not yet been disclosed.
The Chinese Government's Stance
It is unclear how the Chinese government plans to move forward with the deal. Statements from Beijing have been vague, but it has said that any agreement would have to comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
This development marks a significant turning point for TikTok in the United States. As the platform continues to navigate its relationship with China and the US government, one thing is clear: the future of social media has never been more complex or intriguing.
