TikTok deal runs into fresh roadblock over algorithms
What you need to know
- TikTok faces yet another roadblock in its sale process.
- There are now questions over whether TikTok's algorithm can be included as part of the deal.
- It comes after the Chinese government made rule changes regarding selling technology to foreign buyers.
TikTok's acquisition process has hit another roadblock after questions emerged over whether the app's algorithms can be included as part of the deal.
According to The Wall Street Journal:
The news comes after the Chinese government updated rules regarding the sale of technology to foreign buyers. The changes could mean that any deal which includes the sale of TikTok's algorithms (considered to be the app's "secret sauce) would need to be signed off by Beijing, casting doubt on whether it would approve the deal.
TikTok's parent company ByteDance has stated it will abide by the rule changes, but the report notes that the complexity involved "has reduced the chances that a deal could be completed soon."
Reports say ByteDance is seeking clarity from Beijing on how to proceed regarding this new development.
Reports last week suggested the deal was a mere 48 hours away, however, the recent changes have clearly derailed the acquisition process, where Microsoft is reported to be a frontrunner to buy the app.
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Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9