tiktok

TikTok deal stalled amid US-China trade tensions

Negotiations to divest TikTok’s US operations have been halted following China’s indication that it would not approve the deal. The development came after President Donald Trump announced increased tariffs on Chinese imports.

The proposed arrangement involved creating a new US-based company to manage TikTok’s American operations, with US investors holding a majority stake and ByteDance retaining less than 20%. This plan had received approvals from existing and new investors, ByteDance, and the US government.

In response to the stalled negotiations, President Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets by 75 days, aiming to allow more time for securing necessary approvals.

He emphasised the desire to continue collaborating with TikTok and China to finalise the deal, expressing a preference to avoid shutting the app in the US.

The future of TikTok in the US remains unpredictable as geopolitical tensions and trade disputes continue to influence the negotiations.

On one side, such a reaction from the Chinese government could have been expected in exchange for the increase of US tariffs on Chinese products; on the other side, by extending the deadline, Trump would be able to maintain his protectionist policy while collecting sympathies from 170 million US citizens using the app, which now is a victim in their eyes as it faces potential banning if the US-China trade war doesn’t calm down and a resolution is not reached within the extended timeframe.

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AppLovin joins TikTok takeover frenzy

As the 5 April deadline approaches for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer or face a US ban, the list of potential acquirers continues to grow.

Marketing platform AppLovin has submitted a preliminary bid to acquire TikTok’s operations outside of China, aiming to expand its footprint in the global digital advertising arena.

AppLovin’s move adds to the mounting interest in TikTok, with Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely also entering the fray.

These developments come amid US government concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, which officials argue poses national security risks, a claim that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have consistently denied.

The White House has taken an unusually active role in facilitating the sale.

President Donald Trump indicates openness to a deal wherein China approves the transaction in exchange for relief from US tariffs on Chinese imports.

This intertwining of trade negotiations and tech acquisitions underscores the complex geopolitical landscape influencing the fate of TikTok in the US.

Private equity firm Blackstone is also evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US operations, potentially joining non-Chinese shareholders like Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic in contributing fresh capital.

The future of TikTok, an app used by nearly half of all Americans, remains uncertain as the deadline looms and negotiations continue.

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TikTok bidding war intensifies as Amazon enters the fray

The roster of potential acquirers is expanding as the deadline for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer approaches.

Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely have recently expressed interest in purchasing the popular short-video platform.

The US government has set a 5 April deadline for TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban due to national security concerns.

Stokely’s new venture, Zoop, in collaboration with the Hbar Foundation, which manages the Hedera cryptocurrency network, has submitted a late-stage bid to acquire TikTok.

Their proposal emphasises a novel ownership model to benefit creators and their communities directly.

Zoop positions itself as a mainstream, family-friendly platform, distinct from the adult-content focus of OnlyFans.

The consortium has partnered with undisclosed investors to support their bid.

Amazon has also entered the fray, confirming its interest in TikTok through a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

While Amazon has not publicly commented on the specifics, this move aligns with its longstanding ambition to establish a foothold in social media.

The tech giant previously acquired live-streaming platform Twitch and book review site Goodreads and has experimented with short-form video features akin to TikTok.

Other contenders include a group led by Oracle, with participation from venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz and private equity firm Blackstone, all exploring potential investments in TikTok’s US operations.

The White House oversees negotiations, aiming to restructure TikTok into a US-based entity with Chinese ownership reduced below 20% to comply with legal requirements.

The urgency surrounding TikTok’s sale stems from a 2024 law mandating ByteDance to divest the app by 19 January, citing national security risks.

US officials have expressed concerns that ByteDance’s ownership could enable the Chinese government to conduct influence operations and collect data on American users.

As the deadline looms, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, with multiple parties vying for platform control. ​

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Trump’s last TikTok call

As the clock ticks toward a 5 April deadline, President Donald Trump is preparing to review a final proposal that could decide the fate of TikTok’s US operations.

A high-stakes Oval Office meeting is set for Wednesday, gathering Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

The urgency stems from a 2024 law mandating that TikTok divest from Chinese ownership or face a ban on national security grounds.

According to recent reports, a deal may be on the horizon. Trump announced on Sunday that he expects an agreement to be finalised before the deadline.

Central to the negotiations is a group of prominent American investors—including Oracle, private equity firm Blackstone, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, exploring ways to take over TikTok’s US business from Chinese parent company ByteDance.

The strategy appears to centre on consolidating the stakes of ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese investors, such as Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, with an infusion of fresh capital.

The involvement of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most influential firms, underscores the political and financial stakes.

Co-founder Marc Andreessen, a Trump ally, is reportedly coordinating efforts to buy out TikTok’s Chinese stakeholders and reshape the platform’s governance under American leadership.

The Financial Times noted that Oracle and other US-based investors spearhead this initiative, further blurring the lines between political oversight and market acquisition.

Reuters also confirmed that Blackstone is weighing a minority stake in the deal, adding another heavyweight to the potential investor roster.

However, both TikTok and Andreessen Horowitz have declined to comment on the ongoing talks.

Behind the scenes, Trump and his advisors effectively act as intermediaries, with JD Vance reportedly overseeing the auction-like process, a rare move that places the executive branch in a quasi-financial role.

With over 170 million American users, TikTok’s fate is more than just a business matter; it’s a flashpoint in the wider conversation about data sovereignty, tech influence, and US-China digital rivalry.

As negotiations intensify, the Biden-era regulatory stance on tech mergers appears to give way to a more deal-oriented, ‘America First’ strategy under Trump.

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TikTok Shop launches in France, Germany and Italy

TikTok is expanding its e-commerce push by launching TikTok Shop in France, Germany and Italy. Already active in Spain and Ireland, the feature allows users to buy products directly within the app via videos, livestreams and a dedicated shop tab.

Customers can now browse, order, and get personalised product suggestions without leaving TikTok. However, users under 18 won’t be able to access content linked to TikTok Shop, with the platform promising stricter moderation.

The move has sparked concern among French retailers, with trade groups calling on the government to act against what they see as unfair competition from platforms like TikTok, Shein and Temu. Lawmakers are also investigating TikTok’s impact on young users.

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TikTok ban threatens 170 million American users

The US is just days away from imposing a ban on TikTok unless a deal is struck with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The ban, set to take effect on Saturday, would affect 170 million American users of the popular app.

However, President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached in time. He extended the deadline from January to April 5 to give ByteDance more time to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok’s US operations.

Trump mentioned that there is significant interest from potential buyers, with private equity firm Blackstone reportedly evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US business.

The discussions are centred on ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic. Washington’s main concern is that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance allows the Chinese government to potentially influence the app and collect data on Americans.

Despite the pressure, TikTok has yet to comment on the situation. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, TikTok faces the risk of being banned, though the app would remain on users’ devices if already installed. However, new users would not be able to download it.

The app is already banned in countries like India over similar national security concerns.

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Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal

US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.

ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to divest TikTok’s US operations or risk a nationwide ban over national security concerns.

The law mandating the sale stems from fears in Washington that Beijing could exploit the app for influence operations and data collection on American users.

Trump suggested he may extend the deadline if negotiations require more time and acknowledged China’s role in the deal’s approval. Speaking to reporters, he hinted that tariff reductions could be used as leverage to finalise an agreement.

China’s commerce ministry responded by reaffirming its stance on trade discussions, stating that engagement with Washington should be based on mutual respect and benefit.

The White House has taken an active role in brokering a potential sale, with discussions centring on major non-Chinese investors increasing their stakes to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a framework for the deal could be reached by the April deadline.

Free speech advocates, meanwhile, continue to challenge the law, arguing that banning TikTok could violate the First Amendment rights of American users.

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Security Checkup arrives on TikTok to boost user account safety

TikTok has launched a new Security Checkup tool, offering users a simplified way to manage their account safety.

The dashboard provides an easy-to-navigate hub where users can review and update security settings such as login methods, two-step verification, and device access.

Designed to be user-friendly, it aims to encourage proactive security habits without overwhelming people with technical details.

The security portal functions similarly to tools offered by major tech companies like Google and Meta, reinforcing the importance of digital safety.

Features include passkey authentication for password-free logins, alerts for suspicious activity, and the ability to check which devices are logged into an account.

TikTok hopes the tool will make it easier for users to secure their profiles and prevent unauthorised access.

While the Security Checkup is a practical addition, it also arrives amid TikTok’s ongoing struggles in the US, where concerns over data privacy persist.

The company’s head of global security, Kim Albarella, describes the feature as a ‘powerful new tool’ that allows users to ‘take control’ of their account safety with confidence.

Accessing the tool is straightforward—users can find it within the app’s ‘Settings and privacy’ menu under ‘Security & permissions.’

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US administration in talks with multiple buyers for TikTok

US Vice President JD Vance expects the broad terms of a deal to resolve TikTok’s ownership dispute to be in place by the April 5 deadline, according to White House officials.

The platform’s future has been uncertain since a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban was enacted in January. President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the law’s enforcement by 75 days, allowing time for negotiations.

The White House has assigned Vance and national security adviser Michael Waltz to oversee the potential sale. Trump confirmed that discussions were ongoing with four interested groups.

Vance, speaking to NBC News, expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached to create an independent US-owned TikTok while addressing national security concerns. Some details of the deal may still require further negotiation after the April deadline.

Neither TikTok nor ByteDance has commented on the ongoing discussions. The proposed sale comes amid broader concerns about data security and foreign ownership of social media platforms.

The Biden administration had previously attempted to push for divestment, but legal challenges delayed action. The latest developments suggest that Washington is moving closer to a resolution on the issue.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Trump eyes TikTok sale: Four buyers in play

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that his administration is actively negotiating with four parties interested in purchasing TikTok, the immensely popular Chinese-owned social media platform.

Trump’s comments come amid continued uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the US, following security concerns that prompted legislation mandating its sale or facing a ban.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about the potential deal, suggesting all four prospective buyers offered strong options.

Though Trump did not disclose specifics about the parties involved, recent reports indicate significant interest, notably from prominent businessman Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Analysts estimate TikTok’s value could reach up to $50 billion, making it one of the most lucrative tech deals in recent years.

The uncertainty around TikTok began escalating when the new law targeting the platform took effect on 19 January, requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest the business due to national security concerns.

President Trump subsequently delayed enforcement of the law by signing an executive order granting a 75-day extension, providing additional time to facilitate a sale.

So far, neither TikTok nor ByteDance have publicly commented on Trump’s latest statements or the ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, the app’s tens of millions of American users continue to watch closely, hoping their favourite platform survives the political and economic storm surrounding it.

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