TikTok's Algorithm Quandary Tests U.S.-China Tech Negotiations Amid Security Fears

Trump Announces TikTok Deal; China Denies Agreement

President Donald Trump announced on September 19 that he had made progress with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a long-sought deal to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States. The agreement, which Trump described as a key outcome of their phone call, involves a proposed sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a consortium of American investors. Under the framework, U.S. investors would control approximately 80% of TikTok, while the remaining 20% would stay with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company Al Jazeera. (2025, September 19). Trump-China TikTok deal in the works to avoid looming US ban.^[1]. Trump emphasized that the deal would preserve TikTok’s presence in the U.S., aligning with his campaign’s reliance on the app to engage young voters USAToday. (2025, September 19). Trump suggests TikTok deal approved, but China hasn’t confirmed.^[2].

The proposed arrangement includes participation from major U.S. tech firms such as Oracle and Andreessen Horowitz, which would form a majority-owned board overseeing TikTok’s operations CNN. (2025, September 19). Trump and Xi are expected to finalize a long-sought TikTok deal.^[3]. However, critical details remain unresolved, particularly regarding the app’s algorithm, which determines content recommendations. China has historically resisted transferring control of the algorithm, a key asset for TikTok’s success. U.S. law prohibits collaboration between the new entity and ByteDance on algorithmic functions, raising questions about whether the new owners can replicate its effectiveness Politico. (2025, September 18). As Trump nears Tiktok pact, trade gains remain elusive.^[4].

China’s response has been cautious. Xinhua, the state news agency, stated that the Chinese government respects corporate decisions and welcomes market-driven negotiations but reiterated its demand for a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses in the U.S. Xinhua. (2025, September 19). Xi Jinping and Donald Trump hold talks.^[5]. ByteDance, while thanking both leaders for their efforts, did not confirm the deal’s specifics, stating it would comply with applicable laws to ensure TikTok remains accessible to American users ByteDance. (2025, September 19). Statement on TikTok U.S. operations.^[6]. The ambiguity underscores the ongoing tension between U.S. national security concerns and China’s push for regulatory reciprocity.

TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users, particularly young adults, have been central to the debate. Trump has credited the app with boosting his 2024 election campaign, reversing his earlier stance of advocating a ban. Critics, however, argue that the proposed deal could compromise data security, as TikTok’s user data is still managed by ByteDance, raising fears of potential access by Chinese authorities Al Jazeera. (2025, September 19). Trump-China TikTok deal in the works to avoid looming US ban.^[7]. Analysts also highlight the broader geopolitical implications, noting that the deal could ease trade tensions but does not resolve deeper disputes over tariffs, technology, and supply chain dependencies Politico. (2025, September 18). As Trump nears Tiktok pact, trade gains remain elusive.^[8].

The Trump administration has extended the enforcement of the TikTok ban multiple times, most recently to December 16, while negotiations proceed. The deal’s approval would require regulatory approvals in both countries, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on the legality of Trump’s tariff policies adding another layer of uncertainty. Despite the progress, the lack of concrete terms and China’s conditional cooperation suggest the finalization of the agreement remains contingent on resolving outstanding technical and political hurdles NPR. (2025, September 19). Trump says talk with China’s Xi yielded progress, including on TikTok.^[9].