TikTok Under New Ownership: American Consortium Takes Control Amid Security Concerns and User Backlash
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A majority American-owned consortium now controls TikTok in the United States, following the establishment of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC on January 22, 2026, in compliance with an Executive Order signed by former President Donald Trump on September 25, 2025. The move,intended too address national security concerns,has sparked controversy and prompted some users to delete their accounts,fearing potential censorship.
The new ownership structure involves a joint venture where American investors hold a significant stake in the business. This structure aims to balance security safeguards with continued operation of the popular social media platform.
“The majority American owned Joint Venture will operate under defined safeguards that protect national security through comprehensive data protections, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurances for U.S. users,” according to a company statement.
Oracle’s Expanded Role and ‘Project Texas’
A key component of the agreement involves tech firm Oracle, which has already been overseeing U.S. TikTok user data under a previous arrangement known as “Project Texas.” Now, Oracle has been licensed the For You Page algorithm – tiktok’s content proposal system – further solidifying its role in securing the platform. Oracle is led by Larry Ellison, a known ally of president Trump, a connection that has fueled concerns among some observers.
Political Fallout and Democratic Concerns
The change in ownership has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have expressed reservations about the new investor group and its ties to Trump. These concerns center on the potential for limiting the diversity of content shared on the platform and exerting undue political influence. One analyst noted that the political affiliations of key players raise questions about the future editorial direction of TikTok.
key Players in the Joint Venture
The TikTok USDS Joint venture boasts a leadership team including CEO adam Presser and Chief Security Officer Will farrell. Three managing investors – Silver Lake, Oracle, and MGX – each hold a 15% stake in the venture. the full board of directors includes Chew, Timothy Dattels, Mark Dooley, Egon Durban, Raul Fernandez, Kenneth Glueck, and David Scott.
User Response: Deletions and Terms of Service Updates
Following the ownership change, a significant number of users began deleting their TikTok accounts. Many expressed fears that the platform’s content would be altered or censored due to Oracle’s political connections.
Adding to these concerns,TikTok updated its terms of service,including a clause stating that the new U.S. entity “does not endorse any content” on the platform, nor does it reflect its views, as reported by the BBC. The updated terms also acknowledge the risks associated with using the platform’s generative AI features, which could possibly produce inaccurate or inappropriate content.
How to Delete your TikTok Account
For users wishing to remove their accounts, the process involves the following steps:
- Open the tiktok app.
- Navigate to “Profile” at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the “Menu” button at the top.
- Tap “Settings and privacy.”
- Choose “Account,” then select “Deactivated or delete account.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Users also have the option to deactivate their accounts instead of permanently deleting them.
Temporary Outage on January 25th
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, around 5 p.m., TikTok experienced a spike in reported outages. Downdetector registered 8,338 reports, with many users complaining of zero views on their videos and disruptions to their For You Page. The issues appeared to be largely resolved shortly thereafter.
The ownership restructuring of TikTok represents a significant shift in the landscape of social media,raising complex questions about data security,political influence,and the future of online content.
