On September 15, 2025, the United States and China reached a framework agreement that could allow TikTok to continue operating in America under U.S.-controlled ownership. This deal comes just days before a looming September 17 deadline, when the app was set to be banned under U.S. law if ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, did not divest its American operations.
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to speak on Friday, a conversation expected to finalize the unresolved details of the agreement.
Key Provisions of the Deal
- Ownership Shift: TikTok’s U.S. operations will be transferred to U.S.-controlled ownership. The exact percentage of shares and the identity of new owners remain undisclosed.
- Deadline Extension: The agreement triggers a 90-day extension, giving negotiators more time to iron out legal and operational details.
- Legislative Pressure: The deal responds to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), passed in April 2024, which mandated TikTok’s divestiture or removal from U.S. app stores.
- China’s Demands: Beijing reportedly sought to preserve certain “Chinese characteristics” of the app, while Washington prioritized national security concerns, particularly regarding user data and algorithm control.
Unresolved Questions
Despite the progress, several issues remain open:
- Who will own TikTok U.S.? – Whether major U.S. investors or tech firms will step in, and if ByteDance will retain a minority stake.
- Algorithm control – Will the powerful recommendation algorithm transfer fully to U.S. control?
- Data security – Where will American users’ data be stored and who will oversee it?
- Chinese approval – How much influence Beijing will retain or demand.
- Legal hurdles – Whether U.S. courts or Congress will challenge the arrangement.
Implications
- For U.S. Users: TikTok will likely continue to operate without disruption, sparing its massive American audience from a ban.
- For National Security: The deal aims to ensure U.S. data sovereignty and reduce risks of Chinese state influence through TikTok’s content algorithms.
- For Trade Relations: The agreement could cool tensions between Washington and Beijing, signaling a rare instance of cooperation amid broader conflicts over tariffs and technology.
- For Tech Oversight: The deal sets a precedent for how the U.S. may handle foreign-owned apps in the future, potentially reshaping global digital policy.
What Comes Next
The Trump-Xi call on Friday is expected to:
- Clarify ownership structure.
- Decide on algorithm and data governance.
- Finalize regulatory approvals.
If successful, TikTok could continue as a U.S.-controlled entity while preserving some of its original design elements that reflect Chinese influence.
Risks & Criticisms
- Vague framework – With many terms undisclosed, critics fear the deal may be symbolic rather than substantive.
- Cultural tug-of-war – Balancing “Chinese characteristics” with U.S. oversight could spark future conflict.
- Legal sustainability – Courts and lawmakers may still challenge the deal’s validity.
- Global precedent – Other countries may follow the U.S. lead, demanding local control over apps, potentially fragmenting global tech ecosystems.
Conclusion
The framework deal is a major breakthrough in the ongoing U.S.-China tech standoff. If finalized, it could save TikTok from a ban, protect American users’ data, and establish a new model for handling foreign-owned apps. But until Trump and Xi seal the deal this Friday, uncertainty remains over who will truly control TikTok’s future.
