TikTok debate in the USA: ByteDance prefers shutdown to sale

Should the legal means against a planned ban in the USA fail, Reuters reports, citing four unnamed sources, that the parent company ByteDance would rather shut down TikTok in the USA than sell it. A sale is so unlikely because the algorithms behind the short videos are of central importance to ByteDance's overall operations. Closing the app would limit the impact on ByteDance and, according to the sources, control over the algorithm could also be maintained.  

Background

The background to the ongoing debate and the current activities are the fears of lawmakers in the USA that China could use the app for surveillance activities and to collect data on US citizens.

However, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, is optimistic:"We are confident and will continue to fight for your rights in court," he said, "the facts and the constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail."

Deadline 

January 19, 2025 has been set as the deadline for the sale of the app, although an extension of the deadline is conceivable if the parent company ByteDance can prove that it has taken positive steps towards a sale. 

Source: www.businessinsider.de