TikTok's US Algorithm Overhaul: A Look Into the Trump Era Deal

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:31:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

TikTok's algorithm will be retrained using US user data as part of a deal to secure its future in the US market, backed by President Trump's impending executive order.

In a significant move, TikTok's algorithm will undergo retraining with US user data to comply with national security requirements. This agreement, facilitated by White House officials and involving Oracle as a trusted technology partner, aims to ensure the app's operations are secure for American users. Experts suggest the changes could alter user experiences significantly, raising questions about the implications of a US-only algorithm.

TikTok's algorithm - the technology that determines what users see in their feed - will be copied and retrained using US user data as part of a deal to secure the app's future in the country.

A White House official said on Monday that TikTok's recommendation system will be audited by tech giant Oracle, and operated by a new joint venture involving US investors to meet requirements for the app's sale.

This deal follows President Donald Trump's announcement that an agreement to prevent the app's ban in the US, unless sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, had been reached with China's approval.

White House officials claim the deal will be a win for the app's US users and citizens, as Trump is expected to sign an executive order later this week that will define how TikTok will comply with US national security demands. The order will also introduce a 120-day pause in the enforcement deadline for the app's sale.

It has been reported that data from approximately 170 million US TikTok users is currently held on Oracle servers under an arrangement dubbed Project Texas, designed in part to alleviate concerns about potential data access by the Chinese government.

Under Trump's deal, ByteDance is expected to take on a comprehensive role in securing TikTok for American users, which will include auditing and inspecting the app's source code and recommendation system, and rebuilding it using only US user data.

Patriotic Investors

Oracle has long been speculated to play a pivotal role in this deal as it provides cloud computing infrastructure for various companies, including AI firms. Private equity firm Silver Lake is also reportedly involved, seeking patriotic investors and board members with cybersecurity expertise.

Experts warn that any significant changes to the TikTok algorithm could risk alienating US users, possibly affecting the app's overall value and performance for creators, brands, and its user base.