Who controls TikTok in the US?

TikTok in America is controlled by a new U.S. joint venture, with a consortium of American investors (including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX) holding the majority stake (45%) and overseeing operations, while its Chinese parent, ByteDance, retains a minority share (under 20%), ensuring data security and algorithm control remain within the U.S. under Oracle's watch, following a 2024 U.S. law requiring a sale or ban.

Who owns TikTok in the USA?

TikTok's U.S. operations are being sold to a new American-controlled joint venture, majority-owned by a consortium including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, with ByteDance retaining a minority stake and existing investors holding another part, following a U.S. law requiring its divestiture from its Chinese parent company. The deal, moving towards finalization in early 2026, creates a new entity with an American-led board, overseen by Oracle for data security and algorithm control, to comply with U.S. national security demands.
 

Is TikTok regulated by the US government?

The short-form video-hosting service TikTok has been under a de jure nationwide ban in the United States since January 19, 2025, due to the US government's concerns over potential user data collection and influence operations by the government of the People's Republic of China. However, the ban has yet to be enforced.

What did President Trump do for TikTok?

Reportedly, after White House advisers persuaded him to hold off on banning TikTok outright because of the possible legal and political repercussions, Trump subsequently agreed to put a 45-day hold on any action against TikTok to allow ByteDance to divest the platform to Microsoft or, should a deal with the tech ...

Who is the real owner of TikTok?

TikTok is owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance Ltd., founded by billionaire entrepreneur Zhang Yiming in 2012; while Zhang stepped down as CEO in 2021, he remains a significant figure, and ByteDance also owns other popular apps like Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok). ByteDance's ownership structure includes global institutional investors, Zhang, and employees, but its Chinese origin has led to potential regulatory challenges in the U.S.
 

New deal reshapes who controls TikTok in the US

Who currently runs TikTok?

TikTok is now controlled by a new U.S.-based joint venture, TikTok U.S. Holdings, primarily owned by American and global investors like Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, with China's ByteDance retaining a minority stake (19.9%) after a deal reached in late 2025 to avoid a ban. Oracle will oversee the crucial algorithm and data security for U.S. operations, ensuring it's managed domestically, moving control away from ByteDance's full influence, though the deal faced complexities with the algorithm's core tech. 

What social media does Trump use?

Donald Trump primarily uses Truth Social, his own platform, as his main social media outlet, though he is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), where he posts videos, images, and political messages, often reposting content from his Truth Social posts. He uses these platforms to communicate directly with supporters, share campaign messages, criticize opponents, and promote merchandise. 

Who saved TikTok in the USA?

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Saves TikTok While Protecting National Security. SAVING TIKTOK FROM GOING DARK: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order saving TikTok from a ban while protecting America's national security.

What are the US concerns about TikTok?

These attacks have intensified bipartisan concern in Congress that platforms like TikTok, which collect vast data on American citizens and influence digital information flows, could be similarly exploited, whether through surveillance, censorship, or psychological operations in times of crisis.

Can TikTok access everything on your phone?

No, TikTok does not monitor your entire phone, but it does access specific data necessary for the app to function, such as your camera, microphone, and location if you grant it permission. This access supports content creation and enhances user experience but does not extend to monitoring all phone activity.

In what states is TikTok banned in the US?

TikTok bans are gaining momentum

The list of banned states includes states such as Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Utah, Texas, Maryland, Montana, South Dakota, South Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia — and could include the entire country.

Is TikTok still owned by China?

TikTok is still owned by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, but a new deal is in progress to create a U.S.-controlled joint venture with American investors like Oracle, giving them majority ownership of U.S. operations while ByteDance retains a minority stake, though final approval from China is pending, creating uncertainty. 

What does TikTok stand for?

The name "TikTok" comes from the sound of a ticking clock, reflecting its focus on short, time-sensitive videos, while its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, means "Shaking Sound" or "shaking music," linking to its music and dance origins. It's named for its fast-paced, engaging short-form videos, with the international version emerging from the merger of Douyin and Musical.ly. 

How can I protect my privacy on TikTok?

To keep your TikTok private, go to Profile > Menu (☰) > Settings and privacy > Privacy, then toggle on "Private account" to approve followers and control who sees your content; you'll also want to adjust settings like who can send you direct messages, comment, and "suggest your account to others" within that same Privacy section for maximum control. 

Is TikTok a United States company?

TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance has signed binding agreements with American and global investors to operate its business in the US, the video platform's boss told employees on Thursday.

What is TikTok called now in the USA?

In partnership with

ByteDance is reportedly planning to launch a standalone U.S. version of TikTok called “M2” by September.

Who controls American TikTok?

TikTok in America is controlled by a new U.S. joint venture, with a consortium of American investors (including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX) holding the majority stake (45%) and overseeing operations, while its Chinese parent, ByteDance, retains a minority share (under 20%), ensuring data security and algorithm control remain within the U.S. under Oracle's watch, following a 2024 U.S. law requiring a sale or ban. 

What would happen if TikTok was banned in the US?

TikTok's existing American users could still use the app on their phones, but they won't be able to update it via the app stores, meaning the company won't be able to fix bugs or security holes. And either of those can add up, eventually making the app difficult — if not impossible — to use.

Does Trump still use Twitter?

Yes, Donald Trump uses X (formerly Twitter), though he primarily posts on his own platform, Truth Social, and posts to X (or has posts shared) less frequently, often for major announcements or campaign-related messages after his @realDonaldTrump account was reinstated by Elon Musk in late 2022 after being banned in 2021 for inciting violence. His posts on X are less frequent than during his presidency, but he did return in August 2023 posting his mugshot, and posts have appeared there since, sometimes linked to fundraising or political messaging. 

Does Donald Trump use Facebook?

On March 17, 2023, Trump made his first Facebook post since his reinstatement: a video clip of his victory speech following the 2016 presidential election in which he stated, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Complicated business. Complicated."

Who will replace TikTok in the US?

The 8 Best TikTok Alternatives for 2025

• Instagram Reels.
• YouTube Shorts.
• Facebook Reels.
• Snapchat.
• Lemon8.
• Triller.
• Likee.
• Chingari.

Is TikTok banned in China?

China. Despite being a Chinese-made app, the international version of TikTok does not function on local networks in mainland China or Hong Kong. Instead, the domestic version Douyin is available, presumably to shield Chinese users from politically sensitive content posted by foreign users.

Is the CEO of TikTok a billionaire?

He founded ByteDance in 2012, developed the news aggregator Toutiao and the video sharing platform Douyin (internationally known as TikTok). Zhang is one of the richest individuals in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$65.5 billion as of May 2025, according to Forbes.