It seems unlikely that TikTok will achieve the 50% U.S. ownership threshold in the near future. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has not demonstrated a willingness to divest its U.S. operations, and there is little sign of concrete progress toward meeting this requirement. The complexity of such a divestiture involves both regulatory and structural hurdles, making it difficult to reach an agreement that satisfies U.S. lawmakers and security agencies. Moreover, current laws limit foreign adversaries to a 20% ownership stake, meaning that ByteDance’s continued involvement would likely require legislative changes—an uncertain and lengthy process.
Despite these challenges, TikTok has resumed operations in the U.S., signaling its intent to navigate the legal landscape while maintaining its strong user base. However, with ongoing negotiations, potential legal battles, and the ever-evolving political landscape, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains in flux. With many users already exploring alternatives like Rednote, one has to wonder—has the train already left the station? Trust in lawmakers’ ability to manage the situation effectively remains uncertain, leaving both users and stakeholders questioning what comes next.
Whether TikTok can overcome these hurdles and regain full trust among its U.S. audience is yet to be seen. The platform’s success will depend not only on regulatory compliance but also on its ability to maintain user confidence amid growing competition and shifting public perception.