What is so special about TikTok’s algorithm?

The content recommendation algorithm that powers the online short video platform TikTok has once again come under the spotlight after the app’s Chinese owner ByteDance signed binding agreements to form a joint venture that will hand control of operations of TikTok’s US app to American and global investors, including cloud computing company Oracle.

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Here is what we know so far about its fate, following the establishment of the joint venture.

While the creation of this new entity marks a big step toward avoiding a US ban, as well as easing trade and tech-related tensions between Washington and Beijing, there is still uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the recommendation algorithm, considered TikTok’s crown jewel.

Rush Doshi, who served at the National Security Council under President Joseph R. Biden, said on X it was unclear whether the algorithm had been transferred, licensed or was still owned and controlled by Beijing, with Oracle merely providing “monitoring”