After what could only be described as a botched attempt to force TikTok into US ownership by the Trump Administration, the platform is now close to realigning its internal storage, ensuring that data from US citizens cannot be accessed by China-based groups.
According to business newsgroup Reuters, TikTok nears securing a deal with Oracle, a known cloud solutions provider, to store its US user information. If the deal pushes through, then that would effectively separate TikTok’s US and Chinese databases, essentially siloing US user information away from other regions.
TikTok America
This might help alleviate concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese roots, especially with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, still obligated to adhere to strict Chinese cybersecurity laws. To note, one stipulation within China’s cybersecurity regulations is that companies, ByteDance included, are required to submit user information to the CCP upon request. We know, very dystopian, right?
TikTok’s links to the Chinese Government were among some of the most prevalent qualms the Trump Administration had with the app. In turn, this saw the US Government threaten to cut off TikTok in the US entirely unless it could be sold to US ownership. Though not necessarily the same instance as the ban imposed in India, the essence to disallow TikTok to operate within another region was practically a xerox. This was when various suitors honed in on the chance to acquire the app’s US arm, with Oracle being the closest to outright buy it out. In June last year, new US President Joe Biden abandoned the push.
Despite this, there are still some lingering concerns regarding TikTok’s potential to share US user information with Chinese authorities. These fears were no doubt further amplified with Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, especially with China backing Russia’s actions. Besides other concerns, the one that pits China as a direct adversary to the US stands out quite evidently.
The Wrap
With this, the push to separate TikTok from Chinese ownership has subsided, but there still lies a couple of underlying movements to address the issue. With TikTok currently being the most popular app, it has seen particularly huge success within the US, which will likely see it do all that it can to secure its business opportunities. If a deal with Oracle provides more assurance and reduces regulatory pressure, then it would be folly for TikTok not to pursue such.
Despite being initially ‘vetoed’ by the Biden Administration, this doesn’t fully take US TikTok ownership out of the picture. Though not yet official, closing this deal would certainly be another key milestone in the platform’s ongoing growth plans. Besides, regardless of connections, TikTok remains highly influential, making it a highly effective communications and promotions tool. If president Biden sees what advantages American ownership of part of the platform can bring to the country and its people, then he might just yet change his stance.
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