US concerns over TikTok sale deal

(Patria) - The Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP expressed concern on Wednesday over reports that a framework deal between the United States and China regarding the transfer of US assets of the TikTok application to US-controlled ownership would still allow Beijing to influence app users, Reuters reported.

"Based on initial reports, I am concerned that the reported licensing agreement could involve continued reliance on ByteDance’s algorithm and application, which could enable continued CCP control or influence," Representative John Moolenaar said in a statement. CCP refers to the Chinese Communist Party.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's deal with China would keep TikTok in the United States by transferring its US assets to US owners from China's ByteDance, and that it was similar to a deal reached earlier this year, three sources familiar with the new terms said.

TikTok US could likely still access ByteDance's algorithm under the new deal, two sources said, while China announced this week that it would review the export of such technology and intellectual property licensing rights in accordance with the law.

Moolenaar's concerns are focused on this access.

In 2024, Congress, during the Joe Biden administration, passed a law requiring the divestment of TikTok due to fears that the Chinese government could access US user data, allowing Beijing to spy on Americans or conduct influence operations through the app.

Several lawmakers have argued that the 2024 law, which requires divestment by January, mandates a complete separation of TikTok's assets between China and the United States, and that Trump violated the law by allowing TikTok to continue operating after the deadline under Chinese ownership.