US President Donald Trump revealed he is engaged in discussions with multiple parties about the future of TikTok, indicating a decision on the app’s fate could come within 30 days.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump noted significant interest in acquiring the popular platform, which is used by 170 million Americans.
The administration is reportedly exploring a deal involving software firm Oracle and US investors to take control of TikTok’s operations while allowing its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to retain a stake. Oracle would oversee data collection and security to address national security concerns, sources told Reuters.
TikTok’s management would remain in place, and US user data would continue to be stored on Oracle-operated servers. The deal, which remains fluid, also involves ByteDance’s US investors, including Sequoia Capital and General Atlantic.
Trump stated Congress has granted 90 days to finalise a resolution, expressing optimism about saving TikTok. However, free speech advocates and TikTok officials argue that the platform has addressed concerns by localising data storage and moderation within the United States.
Attribution: Reuters
Subediting: M. S. Salama