ByteDance’s‍ Path Forward⁣ with TikTok: ‍Exploring Alternatives⁢ to Divestment

As per an executive directive‍ issued by US ‍President Donald Trump, ByteDance must divest ⁢its‌ ownership of TikTok to a⁤ US company ‌by April 5, 2025. ‍Although the‌ app ​remains accessible​ to users in the United ⁢States, it⁤ has ⁢been removed from major platforms ‌like the ⁤App Store and Google Play. Numerous potential buyers have​ emerged;⁢ however, one member of ByteDance’s board ⁣is hopeful that a resolution may be found which allows for continued ownership of the app.

A New Perspective on Control and Ownership

Bill Ford, ​CEO and chairman of General Atlantic—a prominent equity firm—is an optimistic board member at ByteDance. He ‍believes there ⁣may​ still ‌be opportunities​ for negotiating terms that would allow ByteDance to maintain oversight ⁤over TikTok without having to transition control to an American firm.⁢ This hopeful outlook ​comes amid ‌recent discussions ⁤between President Trump and​ Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Navigating Legal Complexities

Ford points out that while some form of “change in control” could be ⁣possible regarding TikTok’s operations in ‌the US, ByteDance is actively strategizing ways ⁤to continue running ⁣its ‍platform stateside without proceeding with a sale. The challenge⁣ lies in navigating through⁢ legal⁤ frameworks⁢ established earlier this year which necessitate selling assets to comply​ with U.S regulations.

Source​ (paywall)