By Jungle-Journalist.Com
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order approving the takeover of TikTok’s American operations by a consortium of U.S. investors — a dramatic move in the global tech power struggle. Crucially, TikTok’s worldwide operations remain fully under Chinese control through its parent company, ByteDance.
📍 What the Order Covers
Only TikTok’s U.S. business is affected.
ByteDance keeps control in Africa, Europe, Asia, and other regions.
In the U.S., ByteDance will retain less than 20% ownership, with no access to user data or algorithm control.
For African users and governments, this highlights the growing contest over digital sovereignty.
📱 How We Got Here
TikTok has long faced U.S. scrutiny over fears of Chinese access to user data.
In 2020, Trump threatened a ban unless American investors took over.
In 2024, Congress passed a law forcing ByteDance to divest its U.S. arm. President Biden signed it, but enforcement stalled until Trump’s return in 2025.
🇺🇸 The New Deal
A U.S.-based joint venture will now operate TikTok in America.
Oracle will secure data and cloud infrastructure.
Prominent Trump allies — Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and Rupert Murdoch — are among the investors.
The algorithm will be retrained and monitored by U.S. security partners.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the talks, said the deal “protects American data while preserving the app’s cultural impact.”
🌍 Outside the U.S., China Still Rules
ByteDance keeps full control of TikTok across Africa and other regions.
No changes in algorithm or data rules outside America unless local governments act.
In Africa, TikTok continues to thrive as a platform for youth creativity, activism, and entrepreneurship.
🧠 What’s Next?
The deal must be finalized within 120 days, with ByteDance’s full U.S. divestment expected by January 2026. African policymakers may now weigh whether similar data sovereignty measures are necessary.
📌 Bottom line for Africa: The U.S. has seized TikTok’s American arm, but everywhere else — including Africa — it remains firmly Chinese-owned.
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