TikTok to Retrain Algorithm Using US User Data as Part of Deal to Secure its US Future

TikTok’s algorithm, which decides what content appears in users’ feeds, will be retrained using data from US users in order to ensure the app’s continued operation in the country. This move is part of a deal aimed at preventing a potential ban, following President Donald Trump’s demands for the app to be sold off by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The deal will involve tech giant Oracle auditing and overseeing TikTok’s recommendation system. A new joint venture will be created, with US investors controlling TikTok’s operations in the US. This arrangement is designed to meet US national security requirements. However, concerns have arisen about how these changes may affect the user experience. While the deal has been presented as a win for US users, some experts warn that altering TikTok’s algorithm could alienate users or impact content creators, brands, and advertisers. Additionally, the Chinese government’s approval of the deal remains unclear, though White House officials are confident it has been secured. Despite these challenges, the deal aims to address national security concerns while keeping TikTok running smoothly in the US.