...
By Soo Kim
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
TikTok users are reportedly deleting their accounts in protest after the platform announced its new American‑controlled ownership.
The update, posted on January 23, outlined the creation of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC—an entity formed to comply with an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump in September 2025. Newsweek has contacted TikTok and the White House for comment via email.
According to the announcement, the newly formed, majority American‑owned venture is designed to allow more than 200 million Americans and 7.5 million businesses to continue using the app under tightened national security safeguards.
Read More on Business
In its statement, TikTok said the 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."
...
It added that the entity’s mandate is "to secure U.S. user data, apps and the algorithm through comprehensive data privacy and cybersecurity measures," and to uphold the platform’s content ecosystem with stronger policies, moderation practices, and transparency reporting.
These changes arrive after years of debate over TikTok’s ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The app has faced intense scrutiny over concerns that user data could be accessed by foreign entities or weaponized for political influence. A U.S. Court ruling previously required TikTok to split from ByteDance or face a nationwide ban last year, prompting the company to argue that such action would violate free speech rights.
'I Did Not Feel It Was Wise, nor Safe'
Despite TikTok’s reassurances about the platform, some users aren’t convinced. On Threads, several have begun publicly stating their decision to quit the app entirely—urging others to follow their lead.
Threads user @bookwormshayhudr wrote, "I deleted my tiktok account. I did not feel it was wise, nor safe for me to keep it. It was a nice run, but not like this."
Their post set the tone for a wave of similar reactions, many expressing distrust of the new ownership structure and the political implications attached to it.
Sharing a screenshot of a notice alerting users to updated "terms of service and privacy policy," @awesomelybrie told followers: "It’s official. TikTok has switched ownership to the US corporate entity. Do Not Click Agree. Close the app. This is the end of that era."
Others issued even more urgent warnings. Threads user @barrettpall wrote: "DELETE TIKTOK Trumps Accomplices have officially bought TikTok. Yall it’s not worth being on there."
Echoing that message, @sicairosdavid_ urged: "DELETE YOUR TIKTOK. NOW. YESTERDAY. DO IT. Trump S***show supporters and participants have officially bought TikTok. And get your kids off it. It's going to be red pilling HARD."
For some, the moment feels more bittersweet than alarming. Threads user @mariasibaja posted: "Well TikTok, we had a good run and some real fun but I think it’s time to go our separate ways. It’s not me, it’s you."
Do you have a technology-related story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines