US lawmaker says licensing deal for TikTok algorithm would raise serious concerns

A senior U.S. lawmaker has raised alarm bells about potential national security risks stemming from a proposed licensing agreement for TikTok’s algorithm, warning that Chinese influence over the core technology would create unacceptable vulnerabilities. Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, stated Thursday that any arrangement allowing continued Chinese access to the algorithm through licensing would raise “serious concerns” about American data protection and technological sovereignty.

The Republican congressman’s warnings come as security experts increasingly question whether algorithmic licensing can truly mitigate foreign influence in critical technology platforms. “I think anytime you have China with leverage over the algorithm, I think that’s a problem,” Moolenaar emphasized during an event at the Hudson Institute, highlighting the persistent concerns about Beijing’s potential access to American user data and influence over content recommendation systems.

Algorithmic Control at Center of National Security Debate

The controversy centers on the proposed sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets by Chinese parent company ByteDance to a consortium of American and global investors. While the transaction would ostensibly transfer ownership to U.S. entities, the licensing arrangement for TikTok’s proprietary algorithm—the very engine that drives the platform’s addictive content recommendations—remains a sticking point for national security hawks.

Moolenaar expressed skepticism about the feasibility of creating a truly independent algorithm, noting that technology experts remain uncertain about the algorithm’s complete functionality. “I just believe you have to have a new algorithm, and I don’t know that you can reprogram,” he stated, suggesting that the fundamental architecture might retain connections to Chinese systems regardless of surface-level modifications.

Political and Regulatory Landscape Intensifies

The algorithmic concerns emerge against a backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny of foreign technology platforms. President Donald Trump’s September 25 executive order declared that the proposed TikTok sale meets national security requirements established in the 2024 law, while simultaneously granting a 120-day window to complete the transaction. However, the enforcement of the law banning TikTok—used by approximately 170 million Americans—has been delayed until January 20, creating additional pressure for resolution.

This situation reflects broader cybersecurity challenges facing American technology infrastructure from foreign state actors, with multiple sectors experiencing increased targeting. The TikTok case represents a high-profile test of how the United States balances economic interests with national security in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem.

Proposed Safeguards and Structural Controls

According to the terms outlined in Trump’s order, the TikTok algorithm would undergo retraining and continuous monitoring by security partners of the U.S. company. Operational control would transfer to the new joint venture, with ByteDance limited to appointing just one of seven board members—giving American representatives dominant governance authority.

The ownership structure would restrict ByteDance to holding less than 20% of TikTok’s U.S. operations, complying with requirements that mandate complete divestiture by January 2025. This arrangement aims to address concerns about software vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hostile nations, though critics question whether minority ownership still provides unacceptable influence over critical technology components.

Broader Implications for Technology Governance

The TikTok algorithm debate occurs alongside significant advancements in other technology sectors, including renewable energy innovations that are transforming critical infrastructure and scientific monitoring systems that rely on secure data transmission. These parallel developments highlight the growing intersection between technological sovereignty and national security across multiple domains.

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Meanwhile, the controversy also touches on fundamental questions about artificial intelligence governance and the challenges of understanding complex algorithmic systems. As Moolenaar noted, the precise workings of TikTok’s recommendation engine remain somewhat opaque, making comprehensive security assessment difficult even for technical experts.

Path Forward Remains Uncertain

With the January enforcement deadline approaching, all parties describe the situation as “very much a work in progress.” TikTok has declined to comment on the specific concerns raised by Moolenaar, while the White House continues to evaluate the proposed transaction structure.

The outcome will likely set important precedents for how the United States manages foreign-owned technology platforms moving forward, particularly those with massive user bases and sophisticated algorithmic systems. As the debate continues, the fundamental question remains whether any licensing arrangement can sufficiently sever the connections between American technology operations and their foreign origins—or whether complete technological separation represents the only viable security solution.