Tech Desk 
Jan 26, 2025
While TikTok’s future in the US seems to be in limbo after it was restored following a 14-hour ban in the country, US President Donald Trump confirmed that talks were underway for TikTok acquisition by multiple parties and a decision is likely to be made within the next 30 days.
The US administration is reportedly negotiating a deal with third-party investors and Oracle to take over TikTok’s US operations, addressing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership, as reported by Reuters.
Under the proposed arrangement, ByteDance would retain equity in the company, but Oracle would oversee data collection and significant software updates. This arrangement builds on a 2022 deal when the video-sharing platform partnered with Oracle to store US users' data on domestic servers, alleviating fears of interference from the Chinese government.
Trump confirmed that he is in talks with "substantial people" about the TikTok acquisition but refused to speak to Oracle’s Larry Ellison or form a deal with the platform. Other bidders, including a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt and YouTube star MrBeast, are not part of Oracle’s negotiations.
TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, temporarily went offline before a law requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban took effect. Trump delayed the law by 75 days, citing hopes to save TikTok and secure a US ownership equity of 50%.
ByteDance’s US investors, such as Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, KKR, and Sequoia Capital, are likely to participate in the deal. However, the conditions are flexible and could change, with Oracle interested in investing tens of billions of dollars.
NPR, citing sources, reported that appeasing Congress remains a major challenge, as free speech advocates oppose TikTok’s ban. The video-sharing platform claimed its recommendation engine and user data are already available in the US Oracle servers.
Officials from Oracle and the White House recently held a meeting to discuss the deal, with further negotiations planned in the coming weeks. Trump’s decision is likely to reshape TikTok’s future in the country by taking into account national security, app’s popularity and free speech.
