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 National Security Justification President  Donald Trump  is set to sign an executive order on Thursday aimed at advancing a deal to split  TikTok  into separate U.S. and international versions. The order will provide legal grounds that the arrangement satisfies U.S. national security requirements under a 2024 law mandating  ByteDance  to divest its U.S. operations or face an app-store ban. Structure of the U.S. TikTok According to White House officials, the U.S. version of TikTok will be held by a  joint venture  in which ByteDance will own less than 20%. Control will rest with a  majority U.S.-owned board , ensuring American oversight. The U.S. entity will retain access to ByteDance’s  recommendation algorithm , though specific terms remain unsettled. Key Investors and Cloud Partner The deal includes  Oracle  and private-equity firm  Silverlake  as U.S. investors, with Oracle continuing to provide cloud hosting...

 Key Takeaways Washington and Beijing agreed on a  framework deal  allowing TikTok to continue in the US. The arrangement includes a  divestment of TikTok US from ByteDance , though China will retain control of the core algorithm. A  planned call between US and Chinese leaders  later this week is expected to finalize the deal. Data privacy and national security remain unresolved concerns, particularly around potential  backdoor access  to US user data. The agreement is part of broader  US-China trade and tech negotiations , highlighting AI and data security as central themes. Deal Overview The US and China have established a framework that lets TikTok continue operations in the US under US-controlled ownership, separating it from Chinese parent ByteDance. Beijing has signaled it will not sell the company’s algorithm — seen as the platform’s “secret sauce.” Instead, the deal focuses on corporate restructuring rather than full technology transf...

Key Takeaway Xiaohongshu’s valuation surged  19% in three months  to  US$31B , fueled by investor appetite for a TikTok alternative and renewed confidence in Chinese startups amid government support for private firms. Valuation Highlights Current Valuation : US$31B (as of June 2025) Previous Valuation : US$26B (March 2025) Growth : +19% in just three months Source : GSR Ventures fund portfolio filings reviewed by Bloomberg Drivers Behind the Surge TikTok Risks : U.S. ban threats push investors to back alternatives. Policy Support : Beijing’s pro-private sector stance revived sentiment. Dominance in Fund : Xiaohongshu made up  92% of GSR’s fund assets  as of June. Investor Rotation : New LPs included  LGT Capital Partners  and  Merit Asset Management ; some StepStone funds trimmed positions. Company Snapshot Founded : 2013 by Charlwin Mao Wenchao & Miranda Qu Fang Global Branding : Known as  RedNote  in the U.S. Positioning : Marketed...

ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok, is launching a new employee share buyback that values the company at over  US$330 billion (RM1.4 trillion) , supported by strong revenue growth. Key Highlights Buyback Price:  US$200.41 per share, up  5.5%  from the US$189.90 offered six months ago (then valuing ByteDance at ~US$315 billion). Timing:  Programme expected to launch in autumn 2025. Revenue Performance: Q2 2025 revenue: ~ US$48 billion , +25% YoY. Q1 2025 revenue: >US$43 billion, topping Meta’s US$42.3 billion for the same period. Business Mix:  Majority of sales from China, while TikTok’s US arm remains under political pressure. Industry Position ByteDance has cemented its status as the  world’s largest social media company by revenue , outpacing Meta. Growth is fueled by  robust ad demand , both domestically and globally. Regular biannual buybacks give employees liquidity without an IPO; unlike peers such as SpaceX and OpenAI, Byte...

In a surprising yet strategic move, the Trump administration has officially launched a  White House TikTok account (@whitehouse) , leveraging the platform's immense popularity to bolster direct communication with younger voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. From Threat to Tool: TikTok Finds Favor in Trump’s Second Term President Donald Trump’s prior attempts to force a sale of TikTok due to national security concerns are well documented. However, after returning to office, his administration’s posture has shifted. Trump now views TikTok as a  powerful communication channel , especially given its outsized influence during the 2024 presidential campaign, where it played a role in mobilizing youth support. The White House account launched Tuesday evening with a clip of Trump declaring,  “I am your voice,”  accompanied by the caption:  “America we are BACK! What’s up TikTok?” ByteDance Sale Delayed — Lawmakers Raise Concerns Despite the bipartisan 2024 law mandating T...

TikTok may  go dark in the U.S.  if the Chinese government refuses to approve a sale deal,  U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick  warned on Thursday. Speaking on CNBC, Lutnick made it clear:  American ownership and control of TikTok’s algorithm is non-negotiable . What’s the Issue? 170 million Americans use TikTok , but the app is owned by China-based ByteDance. A  2024 U.S. law  requires TikTok to  sell its U.S. operations or shut down , originally by  Jan 19, 2025 . President Trump has extended the deadline  three times , with the current cutoff on  Sept 17, 2025 . What Lutnick Said: “China can keep a little piece, ByteDance can keep a little piece... But  Americans will own and control the technology and the algorithm ,” Lutnick said. “ If China doesn’t approve the deal, TikTok will go dark in the U.S. ” Where the Deal Stands: A sale deal was being negotiated earlier this year to  spin off TikTok U.S. into a U.S.-cont...

Retail investors are back in full force , fueling a  new wave of meme stock rallies —this time centered around names like  Opendoor, Kohl’s, GoPro, and Krispy Kreme . As U.S. markets hover near record highs, traders are diving into  highly shorted, speculative stocks , hoping for the next big squeeze. What's Driving the Surge? It’s not fundamentals . Most of these companies are facing operational challenges, profit pressures, or leadership issues. Instead,  social media influencers (finfluencers)  are calling the shots, and retail traders are piling in. According to Citadel Securities, retail buying has continued for  19 straight sessions , the longest since the original 2021 meme stock craze. Goldman Sachs data shows  25% of trading volume in non-profitable tech firms  now comes from retail— a record high . Case-by-Case Breakdown: Opendoor (OPEN) Previously trading below $1, risking delisting. Jumped  312% in six days  after hedge fund ...

Media Sector Rated “UNDERWEIGHT” as Shift to TikTok, Shopee Live Accelerates Key Headlines: Malaysia’s 1H 2025  ad spend  fell  28% YoY  to  RM2.3B Digital ads  plunged  43% , especially  YouTube desktop ads CIMB cuts full-year adex forecast to  RM4.72B (-23% YoY) Sector remains  UNDERWEIGHT  due to structural disruption What Went Wrong? RTM’s Free-to-Air TV was  excluded  from Nielsen tracking YouTube webpage ads collapsed  to RM127M — just 1/3 of 4Q23 peak Advertisers are  shifting budgets  to untracked formats (apps, smart TVs) What’s Trending Instead? Malaysians spend  ~3 hours/day on social media TikTok & Shopee Live  are stealing the spotlight Live commerce  gaining traction with real-time engagement Digital ad spend still expected to grow  7.4% annually  to  RM3.1B by 2027 Big Picture: Traditional players like Media Prima’s TV3/TV9 are holding ground, but others like ...

The fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations could soon shift again, as  President Donald Trump confirmed  on Friday that formal negotiations with China are set to resume early next week. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that discussions could begin as soon as  Monday or Tuesday , potentially involving Chinese President  Xi Jinping  or his representatives. “We pretty much have a deal,” Trump told reporters, referring to a long-awaited plan to  divest TikTok’s U.S. assets  from its Chinese parent,  ByteDance , into a new U.S.-controlled entity. A Deal Delayed — and Revived The TikTok restructuring deal had  stalled this spring  after China signaled resistance to approving any forced divestiture, especially amid escalating  U.S. tariff threats . The Biden-era negotiations were originally aimed at transferring TikTok’s U.S. operations into a majority  American-owned  and operated company — a structure designed to address d...

Oracle's stock soared nearly  4%  after a wave of bullish analyst upgrades, strong cloud momentum, and speculation over TikTok’s future in the U.S. Key Drivers Behind Oracle's Rally Stifel upgraded Oracle to “Buy” , highlighting: Aggressive capex  into AI infrastructure and cloud Strong remaining performance obligations (RPO)  growth of  +41% YoY Forecasted cloud revenue growth of  ~38% annually  over the next 2 years New  price target: $250  (up from $180) Cloud Boom Ahead : Oracle expects  cloud revenue to hit $46.5B by FY2027 , accounting for  100% of company revenue growth  in that period. OpenAI & AI Workloads : Oracle’s partnership with OpenAI and focus on  generative AI infrastructure  bolsters long-term confidence. $30 Billion Deal : Oracle revealed a  new cloud agreement  that could generate  $30B annually starting FY2028 , according to a regulatory filing. Analyst Optimism Builds Mizuho Se...

A new proposal involving Oracle and Blackstone to take over TikTok’s US operations is under review. With a potential ban on the line, political and regulatory uncertainty could reshape TikTok’s future and influence broader US-China tech dynamics. The Situation President Trump is set to review a proposal this Wednesday to force a  divestment of TikTok’s US operations  from its Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd. The plan reportedly involves a  joint venture led by Oracle Corp. and Blackstone Inc. , with Oracle offering to manage US data security. A key point of contention:  TikTok’s algorithm may remain under Chinese control , a potential loophole in the eyes of US lawmakers. Why This Matters Deadline Pressure : ByteDance must finalize a sale by  April 5 , or face a US ban. Trump has indicated he may  extend the deadline , but no formal decision has been made. Security Risk Debate : While Oracle would secure US data, critics say  leaving the algorithm with Ch...

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he may be willing to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods as part of an effort to secure Beijing's approval for a deal involving the sale of  TikTok's U.S. operations  to an American company. In remarks made on Wednesday at the White House, Trump explained, "Every point in tariffs is worth more than TikTok," and suggested that a tariff reduction could be part of the negotiations with China to facilitate the sale of  ByteDance Ltd’s  social video platform  TikTok . This statement comes just after Trump announced a new  25% tariff  on  automobile imports , further complicating the global trade landscape. Trump has already imposed  20% levies  on goods from China, and his plan could significantly reshape U.S.-China trade relations. Key Developments: Trump’s Suggestion : The president proposed a potential reduction in tariffs to gain China's support for the TikTok deal. However, he also noted that he coul...

With  TikTok's U.S. ban  set to take effect in  January 2025 , questions are swirling about whether  President-elect Donald Trump  could intervene to prevent the popular app from being blocked. Trump's Mixed Signals on TikTok At a recent press conference, Trump hinted at a  soft spot for TikTok , acknowledging its influence among  young voters : “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points,”  he said. While this statement is politically exaggerated—Trump did not win the youth vote—it underscores TikTok's role in engaging younger audiences. The Legal Reality Ban Timeline : The TikTok ban, requiring its U.S. operations to be sold, officially takes effect  one day before Trump assumes office . Trump's Leeway : Although the law is already signed and set, a new president has tools to  slow or modify implementation . Trump could choose not to enforce the ban aggressively, giving TikTok room to negotiate or appeal...

In a landmark decision, a US federal appeals court upheld a law requiring Chinese-owned ByteDance to sell its US TikTok operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The ruling affirms a contentious law signed by President Joe Biden in April, aimed at addressing national security concerns over the app’s Chinese ownership. Key Points: Divestiture Deadline: ByteDance must divest TikTok's US assets by January 19 or face app store removals and internet hosting bans. President Biden can grant a one-time 90-day extension if significant progress toward a sale is made. National Security Concerns: The Justice Department argues TikTok’s vast data collection on US users poses risks of Chinese government manipulation and covert surveillance. Legal Challenges: TikTok and ByteDance, along with user advocates, claim the law violates constitutional free speech rights and US principles of an open internet. They label the measure as "radical" and discriminatory. Potential Ap...

TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reportedly reached out to Elon Musk for guidance on navigating the incoming Trump administration, as the video-sharing platform faces increasing pressure over national security concerns. Key Developments Chew's Outreach to Musk Chew initiated contact with Musk, who owns Tesla, SpaceX, and the rival social-media platform X (formerly Twitter), in recent weeks. Conversations reportedly centered around U.S. tech policies and insights into the Trump administration, rather than explicit strategies to prevent a TikTok ban. ByteDance executives, including Chew, view Musk as a potential ally given his proximity to President-elect Trump. Musk's Influence in the Trump Administration Musk, a close confidant of Trump, has been staying at Mar-a-Lago since the election and has participated in cabinet discussions and calls with global leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Business leaders have sought Musk’s advice due to...

Key Takeaway: TikTok has committed to working with Malaysian agencies, including MCMC and Bank Negara, to address cyberbullying and online scams on its platform. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that TikTok will collaborate with Malaysia's Ministry of Communications, MCMC, and Bank Negara Malaysia to combat cyberbullying, scams, and defamation on the platform. This assurance came following a meeting between Anwar and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. During the meeting, Anwar discussed plans to implement a regulatory framework for social media licensing starting Jan 1, 2025. TikTok confirmed its commitment to these initiatives and pledged continued investment in Malaysia . Additionally, TikTok expressed support for Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 . Anwar’s visit to Peru includes his participation in the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting , aiming to enhance Malaysia-Peru relations.

  Canada has ordered ByteDance Ltd to close TikTok Technology Canada Inc due to national security concerns, though Canadians can still access the TikTok app. The decision, based on a review from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies, follows previous bans on TikTok from government devices in Canada, the US, and the European Union. University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist called the move “curious,” noting that shutting down the company instead of the app could weaken oversight and accountability while keeping the security risks associated with the app in place. The issue echoes past efforts in the US, where in 2020, then-President Donald Trump attempted a TikTok ban, later supporting it in 2024 as necessary for market competition. TikTok Canada did not respond to requests for comment.

In a bid to connect with Generation Z and combat misinformation, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey made his debut on TikTok just hours after announcing the central bank’s first interest rate cut in four years . In an interview with personal finance influencer Abigail Foster , Bailey explained the Bank of England’s monetary policies , adopting a more approachable tone to engage younger audiences increasingly skeptical of traditional banking. Bailey’s move is part of the central bank’s broader strategy to reach younger generations, many of whom are disconnected from financial institutions and rely on social media for news. The BOE has boosted its presence on platforms like Instagram, where it now has more followers than the European Central Bank , and has enlisted influencers such as Curtis and AJ Pritchard to launch new banknotes featuring King Charles III. As misinformation about central banking circulates online, the BOE faces a challenge in controlling the narrative aroun...

TikTok Inc announced plans to shut down its music streaming service on November 28 , marking the end of its efforts to compete with Spotify and Apple Music . Users have been instructed to transfer their playlists to other platforms by October 28 , after which all customer data will be deleted. ByteDance Ltd , TikTok's parent company, launched the service in 2019 under the name Resso , aiming to leverage TikTok's popularity among music fans. While TikTok has been credited for boosting hit songs and new artists, it has also faced challenges from record labels demanding higher payments for using music clips. Despite TikTok's influence on the music industry, the experiment to turn its user base into a full-fledged music streaming service ultimately did not succeed.

  ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok, is raising up to $600 million for its automobile information and trading platform, Dongchedi. The fundraising round, backed by investors including General Atlantic, HongShan (formerly Sequoia Capital China), KKR & Co, and Gaorong Ventures, values Dongchedi at nearly $3 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. Key Takeaways: Strategic Carve-Out of Dongchedi : ByteDance initiated a carve-out of Dongchedi less than a year ago, positioning the platform, which shares a user base with Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), for growth as a standalone entity. Dongchedi, launched in 2017, provides automobile information, trading, and services and has grown to approximately 35.7 million monthly active users as of June, according to Quest Mobile. Focus on Long-Term Growth Amid US Scrutiny : Under scrutiny in the US, particularly after a bill was passed ordering the sale of TikTok, ByteDance has been realigning its business to...