US and China Near TikTok Deal as Control Over Algorithm is Discussed

Mon Sep 29 2025 01:41:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The White House announces plans ensuring US oversight on TikTok's operations and algorithm control as President Trump discusses a potential agreement with President Xi Jinping.

In a significant move towards alleviating tensions surrounding TikTok, the White House confirmed that U.S. companies will manage the app's algorithm and U.S. operations will have a majority of controlling board seats. President Trump noted that discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping are progressing positively, with confidence that a complete agreement will be finalized soon.

WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — In a notable step towards addressing the ongoing negotiations surrounding TikTok, the White House disclosed that the potential deal with China will stipulate that U.S. companies will control the algorithm that dictates the app's video feed. Moreover, Americans will occupy six of the seven seats on the board responsible for overseeing TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Discussions have been intense, especially focused on whether the popular video platform will maintain its algorithm after the expected sale of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

While Congress has passed legislation for a TikTok ban set to take effect in January, President Trump opted for a more flexible approach, repeatedly extending permissions for TikTok's operations within the U.S. as negotiations for its divestment into American hands continue.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated tech giant Oracle is poised to oversee TikTok’s data and security, reinforcing further American control over the platform's management.

Leavitt emphasized, “We are 100% confident that a deal is done, now that deal just needs to be signed and the president’s team is working with their Chinese counterparts to do just that.” This assertion followed a day after Trump had a detailed phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding the deal.

Leavitt also reiterated that “the algorithm will also be controlled by America as well,” clarifying the structure of the upcoming agreement from the White House’s perspective.

Amid speculation regarding the extent of Chinese control, Trump commented on the willingness of American investors to engage, noting that Xi is being “a gentleman” about the negotiations. He mentioned that they are still working out the specific details related to algorithm control and the stakes involved.

Leavitt expressed optimism regarding the signing of the agreement in the near term, stating, “Now we just need this deal to be signed, and that will be happening, I anticipate, in the coming days.”