TikTok has established a new American joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, in compliance with a directive from President Donald Trump on September 25, 2025. This move aims to enable over 200 million Americans and 7.5 million US businesses to keep using the platform. The joint venture, majority-owned by Americans, will function independently, managing data security, content algorithm, and moderation for US users.
Under this arrangement, US user data will be stored in Oracle’s secure cloud system within the US, ensuring protection through stringent privacy and cybersecurity measures. The joint venture will implement a cybersecurity program meeting both US and global security standards, with regular reviews by external experts. Additionally, the US entity will enhance the app’s recommendation algorithm solely with US user data, safeguarded within Oracle’s US cloud environment.
The joint venture will exercise full control over trust and safety policies in the US, including content moderation decisions. Transparency reports will be provided, and third-party reviews will be allowed to ensure accountability. Despite these changes, US users will still have access to global audiences, maintaining interoperability with TikTok’s worldwide system.
A seven-member board, predominantly comprising American directors, will govern the joint venture, with TikTok CEO Shou Chew serving on the board. Notable board members include executives from Silver Lake, Oracle, Susquehanna International Group, and MGX, with Raul Fernandez from DXC Technology as an independent director and security committee chair. Adam Presser has been appointed as the CEO, bringing his experience from TikTok and WarnerMedia, while Will Farrell will serve as the chief security officer, overseeing data protection and cybersecurity.
Silver Lake, Oracle, and MGX are the primary investors, each holding a 15% stake, while ByteDance retains a 19.9% ownership share. The security measures will extend to other TikTok-owned US apps like CapCut and Lemon8. This new structure ensures that Americans can continue using TikTok’s platforms for creation, sharing, and business activities while meeting US security and regulatory requirements.
