A secret project from TikTok was recently leaked. It focuses on developing a "US copy" of the ByteDance Chinese company's original algorithm for its app. The algorithm clone is a way to appease US lawmakers amidst this looming TikTok ban in the country, one that could change its course and avoid getting rid of social media.
This new effort suggests that ByteDance and TikTok have no plans to divest the platform to an American company to avoid the ban.
TikTok App's Algorithm Has a 'US Copy' to Share in the Future
A report from Phone Arena (via Reuters) presents a new development on TikTok's looming US ban. The platform is ushering in a secret plan to share a 'US copy' of the app's algorithm in the future. It was reported that TikTok had cloned the original used to create the app in China, effectively separating the US operations from the original.
With this code, TikTok would undergo a complex process of removing any ties to its Chinese operations and users, one that would sever its ties from its roots. However, this is considered a complex and monumental task for TikTok, especially with its tightly-knit code.
It is expected that TikTok's secret project will take a year to complete before the successful splitting of its Chinese and US code.
Will the TikTok Algorithm Help Avoid US Ban?
It is unknown what the US lawmakers will do once they get ahold of this code, especially as it does not necessarily mean that TikTok will go on sale or divest with ByteDance despite sharing it. Additionally, since it is now a law, it can hold legal action against TikTok for not selling the platform, with the only thing keeping it from moving forward being the lawsuit set for September.
TikTok's US Ban: Still a Go?
The Foreign Adversary Law will soon take effect, making ByteDance and TikTok face tough decisions in the future, but that does not mean they will not go out without a fight. In various instances, TikTok has already filed a lawsuit against the United States, going against the country's Justice Department and the law that will have them banned "unconstitutionally."
Experts expect that TikTok will call this law a First Amendment violation, claiming that the US Constitution's clause for free speech will be the main basis of this case.
However, this does not stop the law from going forth with TikTok's ban here in the US, especially as it is the top platform in the crosshairs because of security concerns.
While the US believes that TikTok shares millions of American users' data on the platform with China, the platform says this is untrue and has been separate since then. However, TikTok has massive plans and secrets up its sleeve, one of which could help improve its chances against the ban, including the US copy of its algorithm for continued operations in the country.
