What's happened
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, would rather shut down the app than sell it if faced with a US ban. TikTok's algorithm, based on user interests, has been a game-changer in the social media landscape. China's export laws give it control over the export of algorithms, adding complexity to any potential sale of TikTok.
Why it matters
The stance of ByteDance regarding TikTok's algorithm and potential shutdown in the face of a US ban highlights the importance of algorithms in social media success. The outcome could impact global social media dynamics and the regulatory environment surrounding tech companies.
What the papers say
The Independent emphasizes ByteDance's firm stance on not selling TikTok, even if faced with a US ban, due to the app's algorithm being core to its operations. SBS highlights the significance of TikTok's algorithm and ByteDance's reluctance to sell the app, given China's control over algorithm exports.
How we got here
TikTok's success is attributed to its algorithm, which focuses on user interests rather than social connections. ByteDance's position stems from China's export laws, which grant it authority over algorithm exports, complicating any potential sale of TikTok.
More on these topics
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TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.