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 winning over 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 coalition including Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake would own the majority stake in “TikTok America,” reaching 80%, while less than 20% would remain with the parent company ByteDance, below the threshold allowing the Chinese company full control, complying 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—boasting 170 million American users—in his election victory, he sought to control it since his first term, treating it like other Chinese technologies such as 5G, with concerns about national security and privacy.

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

Superior TikTok Algorithms

Although usage has declined from its 2022 peak when daily watch time reached 61 minutes, TikTok remains the leader in watch time, outperforming Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, according to consumer research group eMarketer. This year, TikTok’s watch time averaged 52 minutes compared to Instagram’s 35, Facebook’s 30, and Snapchat’s 26 minutes.

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

According to Bloomberg’s “Tech in Depth” newsletter, TikTok’s algorithm enables a massive content flow, understanding user interests and flooding them with similar material.

The app’s advantage lies in a system based not on followers but on user interactions, creating a complete picture of interests and providing matching content.

Interests are identified by tracking video watch times, replays, follows, comments, likes, and shares, while skipping or marking content as “not important” leads the algorithm to bypass it.

When a new video is posted, TikTok’s algorithm 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 contributed significantly to shifting American public opinion on many issues, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Gaza war. A Harvard University and Harris Poll study on American voters’ attitudes toward specific issues, including the Israeli war on Gaza, showed that 60% of Americans aged 18-24 sympathize with Hamas against Israel.

Moreover, 71% of this group disagree with Israeli policies, and 63% reject holding Hamas responsible for the conflict with Israel.

Additionally, 51% of American youth aged 18-24 believe Israel should cease to exist as a Jewish state, marking a strong shift even in previously softened expressions.

57% of the same group oppose Trump’s policies 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 showed that 60% of American adults under 30 have positive attitudes toward Palestinians.

TikTok’s role in broadcasting live images revealing the reality of Israeli brutality in Gaza and Palestine, contrasting with content restrictions on local American apps like Facebook and Instagram, broke the previous ignorance among American youth. TikTok became a news platform and a primary source breaking the “single narrative” imposed by media and social networks. A Pew Research Center survey in March 2024 found 48% of American TikTok users aged 18-29 use it as a main source for current political issues.

The app’s impact on shifting American public opinion, especially regarding Israel and the Gaza war, is comparable to its role in significant movements like Nepal’s “Gen Z revolution” that toppled the government, relying on the Chinese app to convey events.

Netanyahu: The Biggest Winner

Trump is not the only big winner from the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed happiness with the agreement during a meeting with American influencers at the Israeli consulate in New York, aiming to present the Israeli perspective he failed to convey at the UN General Assembly. He expressed his desire to use all possible tools, including social media. Netanyahu celebrated the deal’s success and the sale of the app to investors loyal to Israel, calling it “the most important purchase currently happening,” sparking angry reactions among American youth.