The alliance between TikTok and Oracle is a noteworthy development in a world where technology and geopolitics collide. In light of the political and social context in the United States, TikTok, a well-known video-sharing site, had difficulties that led to this partnership. This in-depth blog article explores the factors that led TikTok to choose Oracle as a partner, the specifics of that agreement, and the ramifications of that partnership for TikTok’s future in the US.
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Why Might TikTok be banned?
With its short-form video content, TikTok, a Chinese social media site, has won over millions of fans in the US and other countries. However, because to worries about national security, TikTok’s presence in the US could be prohibited. The administration of President Joe Biden has threatened to outlaw TikTok unless its American operations were sold to an American business, citing security concerns related to the Chinese parent firm of TikTok, ByteDance. This danger exposed the weaknesses of multinational digital platforms operating in foreign markets and served as a sobering reminder of the intricate relationship between technology, national security, and international politics.
Purpose of Partnership between Oracle and TikTok
TikTok and Oracle have partnered to handle issues related to national security and guarantee user data protection. Oracle has been selected as the “trusted technology partner” of TikTok in the United States in an effort to diffuse President Joe Biden impending ban on the well-known video-sharing app. Through this relationship, Oracle will host app data, manage TikTok’s U.S. user data, and become the company’s exclusive cloud infrastructure provider. As part of the agreement, Oracle would acquire a 12.5% share in TikTok Global, a new company featuring an American board of directors and a U.S. headquarters.
What does the new bill include?
If the law is passed, TikTok would not be outright banned. Rather, it would provide ByteDance a choice: either sell TikTok or risk being banned in the United States. Some see the measure as a way to make sure that the ownership of the app is not in the hands of organizations that may endanger national security. TikTok and its backers counter that the law would lead to a ban, citing First Amendment rights and the effects on creators and companies.
TikTok and its users have opposed the law, claiming that it will violate Americans’ freedom to free speech and harm companies and artists. TikTok users are being asked to oppose the measure by contacting their legislators. The law received bipartisan support in spite of the resistance, and it is seen as a major step in resolving TikTok-related national security issues.
Given that the plan must pass both the House and the Senate and be signed into law by the president, its future in Congress is questionable. The White House has voiced support for the bill while highlighting the emphasis on ownership and national security issues and stating that it does not view it as a prohibition on TikTok.