TikTok is reportedly developing a separate version of its app specifically for users in the United States as part of efforts to comply with an executive order from President Donald Trump, which mandates the divestment of its U.S. operations. According to a report by The Information on Sunday, the app’s parent company, ByteDance, has accelerated efforts to finalize a deal before the September 17 deadline set by the Trump administration.
The report indicates that the new app version will be tailored to U.S. regulations and data storage requirements, addressing concerns from Washington over national security and data privacy. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of Chinese technology companies operating in the U.S., citing fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government.
President Trump issued an executive order in August requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban. The order reflects growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and security. On Friday, Trump announced that talks with China regarding TikTok’s future would resume on Monday or Tuesday, suggesting that a resolution might be in sight.
Several U.S.-based companies, including Microsoft and Oracle, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets. A group of American investors, possibly including firms such as Sequoia Capital and General Atlantic, are reportedly in talks with ByteDance as well. The creation of a U.S.-specific version of TikTok could streamline the sale by separating it more cleanly from ByteDance’s global operations and making it easier to transition ownership and control.
Analysts see TikTok’s efforts as a strategic move to maintain its massive user base in the United States while navigating mounting political pressure. With over 100 million U.S. users, the app has become a cultural phenomenon, especially among younger audiences.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes remain on Washington and Beijing to see if a deal can be struck in time to avoid a ban and ensure TikTok’s continued operation in one of its largest markets.
