ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant that owns TikTok, is considering shutting down the app in the United States if it fails to overturn the ban-or-sell legislation. The company is hesitant to sell TikTok because it does not want a foreign entity to acquire its algorithms, which are crucial to its operations. TikTok represents a small portion of ByteDance’s total revenues and user base, making it easier for the company to contemplate shutting it down rather than selling it. Toutiao, another platform owned by ByteDance, has stated that there are no plans to sell TikTok. The CEO of TikTok has announced plans to challenge the legislation in court, citing concerns about privacy and national security. The app has faced criticism for its data privacy practices and impact on the mental health of teenagers.
