US-China Finalize TikTok Ownership Transfer Amid Security Concerns

2025-09-16 politics

Washington, D.C., Monday, 15 September 2025.
The US and China have finalized an agreement to transfer TikTok’s ownership to a US-controlled entity, addressing longstanding security concerns and potentially easing bilateral tensions.

Background of the TikTok Ownership Transfer

The journey towards the transfer of TikTok’s ownership has been fraught with geopolitical tensions and security concerns. The social media platform, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been under scrutiny by the U.S. government over fears of data privacy and potential foreign influence. These concerns led to bipartisan legislation in 2024, aiming to ban TikTok unless it was sold to a U.S.-approved entity [1][4][6]. President Joe Biden signed this legislation, highlighting national security as a priority [5].

Framework Agreement Details

On September 15, 2025, the United States and China finalized the transfer of TikTok’s ownership to a U.S.-controlled entity, following extensive negotiations in Madrid. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that a framework for the deal had been established, though specific commercial terms remain undisclosed [1][3][4]. This agreement marks a significant breakthrough in a long-standing dispute that has seen multiple delays, including extensions granted by former President Donald Trump [3][5].

Political Implications and Future Steps

The finalization of this deal precedes an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 19, 2025. This meeting is expected to ratify the agreement and solidify terms that could influence future U.S.-China relations [2][3]. The transfer of ownership is anticipated to alleviate some of the bilateral tensions and foster a more stable digital environment in the U.S. market [4][5].

Impact on TikTok and Its Users

With more than 170 million active users in the United States, TikTok’s operation and user experience are set to proceed uninterrupted under the new ownership structure. The law, initially set to ban TikTok by September 17, 2025, will no longer pose a threat to the platform’s existence in the U.S., assuming the ownership transfer is completed without further complications [1][4][7]. This development allows TikTok to continue as a major player in the social media landscape, while addressing U.S. national security concerns [6][7].

Sources

TikTok deal US China relations