TikTok Algorithm Deal Raises Security Questions
- A U.S. lawmaker warns that licensing TikTok’s algorithm to new owners may pose risks despite planned safeguards.
Concerns Over Algorithm Control
Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, expressed reservations about a proposed licensing arrangement involving TikTok’s algorithm. The deal, part of ByteDance’s plan to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets, would allow the new owners to use the existing recommendation engine. Moolenaar emphasized that any continued influence from China over the algorithm could be problematic. He noted that the algorithm’s inner workings remain opaque, making oversight difficult.
On September 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order approving the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a consortium of American and international investors. The order confirmed that the transaction meets national security requirements outlined in a 2024 law, giving the parties 120 days to finalize the deal. Under the agreement, ByteDance would retain less than 20% ownership and appoint one of seven board members, with the remaining seats held by Americans. The algorithm itself would be retrained and monitored by U.S.-based security partners, with operational control assigned to the new joint venture.
Technical and Strategic Uncertainty
Moolenaar questioned whether the algorithm could be effectively reprogrammed, citing expert opinions that its structure is not fully understood. He argued that a fresh algorithm might be necessary to eliminate residual influence. TikTok has not commented publicly on the licensing arrangement or the broader sale. Enforcement of the law banning TikTok in the U.S. was postponed until January 20, allowing time for the transaction to proceed.
Algorithmic Influence and Policy Debate
Algorithms like TikTok’s play a central role in shaping user engagement and content visibility, making their governance a matter of strategic importance. Experts have long debated whether such systems can be fully neutralized or rebuilt without retaining legacy behaviors. The situation highlights broader tensions between technological integration and national security, especially in cases involving foreign-developed platforms. As scrutiny intensifies, the TikTok case may set a precedent for future regulatory approaches to algorithmic control.
