U.S. lawmaker warns TikTok algorithm licensing deal poses national security risks

A senior U.S. lawmaker raised fresh concerns Thursday over a proposed licensing deal for TikTok’s algorithm as part of the planned sale of the app’s U.S. operations by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, warning that any continued Chinese influence over the technology could threaten national security.

Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, said he is awaiting a formal briefing on the deal, which would reportedly allow the new U.S. owners of TikTok to license the platform’s algorithm from ByteDance.

“I think anytime you have China with leverage over the algorithm, that’s a problem,” Moolenaar said during remarks at the Hudson Institute, adding that the arrangement could leave room for undue influence.

The White House previously said the agreement meets the national security requirements set out in a 2024 law mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a ban. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 25 approving the sale and granting 120 days to complete the transaction.

Under the proposal, ByteDance would retain less than 20% ownership in the new U.S. entity, with Americans holding the remaining board seats. The algorithm, which drives TikTok’s recommendation system, would be retrained and monitored by U.S. security partners.

Moolenaar, however, expressed skepticism that the algorithm could be fully reprogrammed or separated from its Chinese origins, noting, “It’s still very much a work in progress.”

TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment.