US Warns TikTok Ban Looms if Bytedance Fails to Divest Ownership

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The United States government has indicated it is ready to move forward with a ban on the social media app TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not agree to divest its ownership. According to a US official familiar with the matter, the comments came during a fresh round of negotiations held in Madrid.

Washington has long raised concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership, citing national security risks tied to data access and influence. Lawmakers have argued that Bytedance’s control could potentially allow sensitive user information to be accessed by Chinese authorities. While TikTok has repeatedly denied these claims, pressure on the company has steadily increased in the US.

The US has made divestment a central condition for TikTok’s continued operations. The government’s stance is that TikTok must separate from ByteDance to resolve security concerns and maintain access to its large American user base. If no agreement is reached, the US says it will not hesitate to enforce a ban.

The Madrid discussions mark another step in ongoing negotiations between the US and China over technology and data governance. While details of the talks remain limited, both sides are believed to be exploring potential solutions that balance business interests with national security considerations.

The dispute over TikTok comes against the backdrop of broader tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade, and security. The US has already restricted several Chinese technology companies, citing security reasons, and TikTok remains one of the most high-profile cases in this ongoing struggle.

With millions of US users relying on TikTok for entertainment and business, the platform’s future in America now depends on whether a divestment deal can be finalized. For now, Washington’s message is clear: without separation from ByteDance, TikTok’s operations in the US are at risk.