TikTok’s Chinese owners tighten grip as US ban looms

TikTok’s Beijing-based owner, ByteDance, is facing increasing scrutiny over its control of the popular video-sharing app, with tensions rising between Chinese leadership and US employees. The US government recently passed legislation aimed at forcing TikTok to separate from ByteDance or risk a nationwide ban, highlighting the challenges of disentangling the two entities.

Insiders revealed that ByteDance staff have been integrated into TikTok, with a preference for Mandarin-speaking employees who can liaise with Chinese counterparts. Restructuring efforts have targeted US-based workers who do not meet performance standards, leading to concerns about the influence of Chinese leadership on the app’s operations.

Despite claims of independence, TikTok executives have insisted that the company is a “distributed” organization with no official global headquarters. However, employees have reported that decisions are still being made in Beijing, contradicting the company’s public statements.

The push for separation comes as ByteDance prepares for a major IPO, seeking to showcase TikTok’s success to investors. However, concerns about data privacy and national security have raised doubts about the app’s future in the US.

As the battle between TikTok and the US government intensifies, the company is facing internal challenges related to cultural differences, discrimination complaints, and allegations of Chinese influence over key decisions. The road ahead for TikTok remains uncertain as it navigates a complex landscape of regulatory scrutiny and internal discord.