TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance has signed a landmark agreement aimed at keeping the popular video sharing platform operational in the United States, easing months of uncertainty over a possible nationwide ban driven by national security concerns.
The deal restructures TikTok’s U.S. operations by reducing ByteDance’s ownership stake and shifting greater control to a new entity backed by American and international investors. The arrangement is intended to address U.S. government fears about foreign influence, data security and control over the platform’s technology.
TikTok has been under intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, who warned that the app would face removal from app stores unless it was separated from foreign ownership. With more than 170 million users in the United States, a ban would have disrupted creators, advertisers and millions of daily users.
Under the newly signed agreement, ByteDance will retain a minority stake, while the U.S. based entity will assume responsibility for managing American user data, content moderation and operational decisions. The structure is designed to ensure stronger U.S. oversight and compliance with domestic laws.
Officials familiar with the deal say safeguarding user data was a central requirement of the agreement. Measures include tighter controls over data storage, limits on access by foreign entities and a governance framework that gives U.S.-based directors a majority voice in key decisions.
The agreement also seeks to clarify how TikTok’s recommendation systems and software operations will be managed, an issue that has long troubled regulators concerned about transparency and influence.
For TikTok users and content creators, the deal offers relief after months of uncertainty about the app’s future. Many small businesses and digital creators rely on the platform for income, marketing and audience engagement and a ban would have had wide economic and social ripple effects.
While the agreement has been signed, it is still subject to final regulatory approvals and implementation timelines. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring compliance to ensure the new structure meets U.S. security and data protection standards.
For now, the deal marks a critical step in keeping TikTok available in the United States, while underscoring the growing intersection between technology, national security and global politics.