The United States and China have reached an agreement allowing the popular social media platform TikTok to continue operating in the American market under new ownership conditions.

The deal aims to address national security concerns while preventing a nationwide ban on the app.

According to Reuters, the agreement requires TikTok’s U.S. assets to be transferred to a new company that will be majority-owned and controlled by American investors, while China’s ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, will retain a minority stake of less than 20 percent. The new structure will also include a U.S.-based board of directors and algorithm oversight body.

The deal is valued at around 14 billion dollars and involves several large U.S. investment groups. Officials said the restructuring is part of broader U.S.–China negotiations that also cover trade issues such as rare earths and agricultural products.

Under the agreement, the U.S. government has extended the deadline for the transaction to be finalized, allowing more time for regulatory approvals.

Experts say the move is intended to reduce concerns over data security and potential Chinese government access to American user information. However, some analysts argue that the new arrangement may not fully guarantee data protection. Bloomberg reported that “TikTok’s deal still raises red flags” regarding data privacy and political influence.

The changes have raised questions among the platform’s 170 million U.S. users about how the app experience might change. If TikTok’s recommendation algorithm or global content reach is altered, users may notice differences in their feeds and overall experience.

Analysts warn that a major shift in TikTok’s algorithm or identity could lead to a loss of user engagement and a potential migration to rival platforms. However, strong user loyalty and the platform’s cultural influence could help it maintain its popularity.

The TikTok agreement is considered one of the most significant cases of technology and geopolitics intersecting in recent years. While the platform will continue to operate in the U.S., observers say the key question now is whether the “new” TikTok will remain the same experience that made it one of the most popular apps in the world. (ILKHA)