Oracle is poised to play a key role in a new framework deal aimed at keeping TikTok operational in the United States, according to CBS report.
The discussions between the US and China seek to address Washington’s concerns about data security while allowing TikTok to continue serving its sizable American user base.
The deal, which is still in its preliminary stages, does not involve a full divestment of TikTok’s US operations but instead outlines a complex partnership where Oracle is expected to oversee and secure US user data.
Oracle steps in amid pressure
This move comes after months of uncertainty and political pressure that threatened a potential ban on the popular video-sharing app, originally set for September 17.
Oracle’s involvement is seen as a means to ensure that American data remains under US control, easing fears about possible access by the Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
While Oracle’s role marks a significant step, important details remain unclear, particularly regarding how much influence ByteDance will retain and how TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, considered the company’s “secret sauce,” will be managed.
The deal awaits further formalization, with a high-profile phone call between former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to help finalize the terms.
Congress, though, might still be a stumbling block. The deal needs approval from lawmakers wary of Chinese influence and skeptical about digital data security.
Their vote will be closely watched as a key test of US-China tech trust, or the lack thereof.
What this means for TikTok, Oracle, and tech relations
TikTok isn’t just an app; it’s a cultural phenomenon in the US. With over 170 million Americans visiting the platform regularly and more than 80 million daily active users, any hiccup could ripple through millions of lives and dollars.
TikTok earned around $10 billion in revenue last year and is deeply embedded in younger people’s lives, shaping everything from entertainment to shopping habits.
For Oracle, the deal isn’t just about tech; it’s a major leap into social media territory. The company, typically focused on enterprise software and cloud services, will bring a fresh face to digital content control.
This could boost Oracle’s standing but also place it under the political microscope as part of this delicate balancing act.
On the bigger stage, this deal is a test case for US-China relations in the tech world, a globe-trotting drama over data, influence, and the future of digital sovereignty.
If successful, it might offer a blueprint for how the two superpowers handle other thorny technology investments going forward.
For now, TikTok’s American users, youthful and increasingly older demographics alike, can breathe easier, knowing their favorite app isn’t disappearing overnight.
But all eyes remain on the lawmakers and leaders who ultimately decide whether this deal sticks.
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