The United States succeeded in controlling the Chinese app “TikTok” within its borders after long efforts to limit its influence and competition with American social media apps like Facebook and Instagram, especially in influencing American youth.

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to transfer ownership of the popular app within the US to American ownership. Local media reported that a consortium including Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake would own 80% of “TikTok America,” while less than 20% would remain with the parent company ByteDance, preventing the Chinese company from maintaining full control in line with US laws.

The deal, described by Americans as a “win-win,” halted an imminent ban on the app in the US that Trump had postponed several times. It remains unclear whether American users will need to download a new app.

American Concerns

Despite Trump’s acknowledgment of the Chinese app’s role—with 170 million American users—in his election victory, he sought to control it from his first term, treating it like other Chinese technologies such as 5G, which the US views with national security and privacy concerns.

The US fears that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over American user data, including browsing records, contact information, and geolocation data. The Trump administration doubted ByteDance’s ability to protect this data due to Chinese security laws that may compel companies to cooperate with Chinese intelligence agencies and use the app as a spying tool on US officials.

Superior TikTok Algorithms

Although American usage declined from its peak in 2022 when average watch time reached 61 minutes per day, TikTok still leads in watch time, outperforming Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, according to consumer research firm eMarketer. This year, TikTok’s watch time averaged 52 minutes versus 35 for Instagram, 30 for Facebook, and 26 for Snapchat.

The US also criticizes TikTok’s algorithm for manipulating what American users see, promoting pro-China content and suppressing content harmful to Chinese interests, affecting public opinion and political discourse.

According to Bloomberg’s “Tech in Depth” newsletter, TikTok’s algorithm floods users with content by understanding their interests and overwhelming them with similar material. The app’s system relies on user interactions rather than follower count, building a detailed profile of interests and delivering matching content.

Interests are identified by tracking video watch time, re-watches, follows, comments, likes, shares, and skipping or marking content as “not interested.” When a new video is uploaded, TikTok shows it to a small group of interested users and expands or kills its reach based on their interaction.

From Entertainment Platform to Political Change Tool

TikTok has significantly influenced American public opinion on issues like the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Gaza war. A Harvard and Harris Poll study on American voter attitudes showed that 60% of American youth (18-24) sympathize with Hamas against Israel. Furthermore, 71% disagree with Israeli policies, and 51% believe Israel should cease to exist as a Jewish state.

Additionally, 57% oppose Trump’s policy on the Israel-Hamas conflict and US military support for Israel, while 71% oppose Israel’s conduct during the war.

A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 60% of American adults under 30 hold positive views toward Palestinians, and a March 2024 Pew survey revealed that 48% of American TikTok users aged 18-29 use it as a primary source for current political issues.

Netanyahu: The Biggest Winner

Trump was not the only beneficiary of the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed happiness about the agreement during a meeting with American influencers at the Israeli consulate in New York, aiming to present Israel’s perspective that he failed to showcase at the UN General Assembly. Netanyahu celebrated the deal and the sale of TikTok to investors loyal to Israel, calling it “the most important purchase currently underway,” which sparked angry reactions among American youth.