TikTok's Future in Limbo: What Users Need to Know About Ownership, Data, and the 90-Day Extension

As debates around TikTok's future in the United States heat up, misinformation and speculation are spreading like wildfire. From concerns about its ownership and user data to the role of political decisions in its potential ban, here’s what you need to know about the current state of TikTok.

Did Facebook Buy TikTok?

Recently, rumors have circulated that TikTok has been sold to Facebook (Meta). However, these claims are entirely false. TikTok remains owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, and there are significant legal and regulatory barriers preventing its sale to a foreign company.

Interestingly, TikTok users noticed Facebook's verified account on the platform, which has been active for years, posting Facebook and Instagram advertisements. Some users also pointed out that TikTok videos can now be directly shared to Facebook. While this feature might seem new, TikTok has allowed users to share content to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms since 2020.

We reached out to TikTok and Facebook regarding these rumors. As of now, we have not received a response to our email inquiries. Once we get an update, we will either post another article or update this one.

Why Can’t ByteDance Sell TikTok Outside of China?

ByteDance owns TikTok, but the Chinese government imposes strict restrictions on the sale of domestic tech companies. These regulations tightened in 2020 after a Chinese company was forced to sell Grindr back to a U.S. buyer.

The primary issue is TikTok's algorithm—the secret sauce that personalizes each user's For You Page (FYP). The Chinese government considers algorithms like this to be national security assets, effectively barring their sale to foreign entities.

If TikTok were ever sold, it would have to exclude the algorithm, drastically altering the platform's unique user experience.

Where Is TikTok User Data Stored?

Since 2022, TikTok has stored all U.S. user data in Oracle’s Texas-based data center. This move was part of Project Texas, an initiative aimed at addressing U.S. security concerns. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, no longer has access to this data.

Recently, TikTok user @ethanlevinsz claimed that TikTok’s data is being moved from Oracle’s Texas data center to a facility in Forest City, North Carolina, owned by Meta. However, this claim has been debunked as misinformation. TikTok has made no such announcements, and Oracle remains the exclusive host of U.S. user data.

Who Is TikTok’s CEO?

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has become a familiar face to users, even gaining a following on the platform under the username @shou.time. Shou, who is from Singapore, has been actively addressing concerns about TikTok’s operations and its commitment to user privacy in the face of ongoing scrutiny.

Should Trump Get Credit for the 90-Day Extension?

Former President Donald Trump’s 2020 executive order to ban TikTok laid the groundwork for many of the current discussions, but he does not deserve credit for the recent 90-day extension. That extension stems from ongoing negotiations between TikTok, lawmakers, and regulators, not from Trump’s executive order. You can view Trump’s original executive order here.

What’s Next?

As TikTok users await a final decision, the spotlight remains on ByteDance’s efforts to balance compliance with U.S. demands and Chinese regulations. Whether through further data transparency, structural changes, or additional legal battles, TikTok’s story is far from over.

We will continue to monitor this situation closely. For credible updates and fact-checked information on TikTok's future, stay tuned to The Voice.