Tech Desk 
Jul 07, 2025
TikTok is creating a new US version of its app to bypass a potential ban that stemmed from a new law requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US business.
Ranging from viral dance trends to funny skits and educational content, TikTok has soared in popularity, especially with Gen Z users in the US.
However, due to the increasing concerns in Washington surrounding data privacy and national security, new rules could eject the app from the country without significant changes made to it.
According to The Information, TikTok is developing a "special" version of the app called "M2," which will be used only by US users.
The new version is expected to launch on September 5, 2025, at which time the current TikTok app will remain live until March 2026 so that users will have enough time to change to it.
According to rumours, ByteDance was given until September 17 to sell the US version.
Former President Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok, has said that a deal with American investors is "pretty much" finalised.
The sale could move forward shortly; however, the agreement still needs approval from both the US and Chinese governments before it can be made official.
TikTok does not appear to have publicly commented on the report. The new plan is significant in relation to the pressure from lawmakers that feel that the current ownership of TikTok creates unacceptable risk to user data.
Assuming the sale and app transition proceed seamlessly, the new TikTok US app could allow for the continued availability of the platform while complying with privacy and security regulations, which will impact millions of American users and shake up the wider global tech sector.
