TikTok Tug-of-War

Oracle has outbid Microsoft for TikTok's US operations, but the deal requires US government approval, including President Trump's. The proposed deal would make Oracle the US technology partner, controlling US user data while ByteDance retains majority ownership. TikTok's rapid growth in the US raises security concerns about data access and potential disinformation. The US government is wary of TikTok's Chinese origins, especially given China's ban on US digital platforms. President Trump has considered banning TikTok and issued an executive order for ByteDance to divest its US business.

What is the main reason President Trump is hesitant to approve the TikTok-Oracle deal?

• He prefers Microsoft over Oracle.

• He is waiting for approval from the Chinese government.

• He wants a higher bid from Oracle.

• He is concerned about national security and data privacy.

In the proposed deal, what role would Oracle play?

• Oracle would own TikTok entirely.

• Oracle would manage U.S. user data.

• Oracle would merge with ByteDance.

• Oracle would develop new features for TikTok.

How has TikTok's user base in the U.S. changed since January 2018?

• It has remained the same.

• It has grown by nearly 800%.

• It has doubled.

• It has decreased by 50%.

What is a major concern of the U.S. government regarding TikTok's operations?

• The app's slow performance.

• The app's potential to spread disinformation.

• The app's high subscription fees.

• The app's lack of features.

What is the broader context of digital platform bans between the U.S. and China?

• The U.S. has banned all Chinese apps.

• The U.S. has banned European platforms.

• China has banned most American digital platforms.

• Both countries have unrestricted digital access.