TikTok has closed a deal that will allow the short-video platform to continue operating in the US, following years of pressure over national security concerns linked to its Chinese owner, ByteDance.
The move comes after legislation passed under former President Joe Biden required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban, with enforcement repeatedly delayed by President Donald Trump.
Under the agreement, a new entity called TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC has been established in compliance with an executive order signed by Trump on 25th September 2025.
The majority US-owned joint venture will enable more than 200 million Americans and 7.5m businesses to continue using the platform.
The joint venture’s mandate is to secure US user data, apps and the algorithm through comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity measures.
US user data will be protected within Oracle’s secure US cloud environment, supported by a programme that will be audited and certified by third-party cybersecurity experts and aligned with major industry standards.
TikTok said the new entity will also implement ongoing software assurance protocols, including source code review and validation, supported by Oracle as its trusted security partner.
It will be governed by a seven-member, majority-American board of directors, including TikTok CEO Shou Chew.
Adam Presser has been appointed CEO and Will Farrell will serve as chief security officer.
TikTok USDS Joint Venture has three managing investors – Silver Lake, Oracle and MGX – each holding 15%, with a wider consortium of backers also involved. ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake in the US business.
The safeguards provided by the joint venture will also cover CapCut, Lemon8 and a portfolio of other apps and websites operated in the US.