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[FCE] Abu Dhabi royal family to take stake in TikTok US under Trump deal | TikTok | The Guardian

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In a major development for social media, the Abu Dhabi royal family is set to acquire a significant share in TikTok’s US operations. This follows an executive order by US President Donald Trump to finalize a deal valuing the American branch of the popular app at 14 billion dollars. The agreement seeks to resolve ongoing concerns about privacy and national security tied to TikTok’s original Chinese ownership by ByteDance.

TikTok, known for its short, creative videos, has millions of users worldwide. However, the US government has long feared that personal data collected by the app could be accessed by foreign entities, posing a threat to American citizens. In response, Congress passed a law last April demanding that ByteDance sell TikTok’s US business or face a complete ban. After several delays, President Trump has now secured a deal to place the app under American control. He assured the public that TikTok would no longer be influenced by foreign adversaries and would be overseen by trusted US investors.

Under the new structure, MGX, a fund managed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, will own a 15 percent stake and secure a position on the board. Alongside tech company Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, and the investment firm Silver Lake, they will collectively hold about 45 percent of TikTok US. Overall, American entities are expected to control over 65 percent of the business, aligning it with national interests. ByteDance will retain a reduced stake of 19.9 percent, though it remains uncertain whether the Chinese government fully supports this change. President Trump noted a constructive conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hinting at some level of agreement.

This deal has two key outcomes. Firstly, it ensures TikTok can continue operating in the US, much to the relief of its large user base. Secondly, as Vice President JD Vance pointed out, it prioritizes the safety of Americans’ personal information, addressing concerns about potential misuse. However, the 14 billion dollar valuation of TikTok US is significantly lower than ByteDance’s overall estimated worth of over 300 billion dollars, highlighting the financial consequences of this forced restructuring.

This situation raises broader questions about the intersection of technology, privacy, and global business. As nations grapple with balancing security and international cooperation, the future of apps like TikTok remains a topic of intense debate.

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1. What is the main purpose of the deal involving TikTok’s US operations?

  • A. To increase TikTok’s global user base
  • B. To address privacy and security concerns
  • C. To raise the app’s valuation to 300 billion dollars
  • D. To give full control to the Abu Dhabi royal family

2. What concern led the US government to demand the sale of TikTok’s US business?

  • A. The app’s declining popularity
  • B. The risk of foreign access to user data
  • C. The high cost of maintaining the app
  • D. The lack of American investors

3. What percentage of TikTok US will American entities control after the deal?

  • A. 15 percent
  • B. 19.9 percent
  • C. 45 percent
  • D. Over 65 percent

4. How does Vice President JD Vance view the outcome of the deal?

  • A. He believes it will harm TikTok’s reputation.
  • B. He thinks it prioritizes the protection of personal data.
  • C. He is concerned about the low valuation of TikTok US.
  • D. He disagrees with the involvement of foreign investors.

5. What does the article suggest about the future of apps like TikTok?

  • A. They will likely face fewer security concerns.
  • B. They are expected to grow in value rapidly.
  • C. They will continue to spark debates on privacy and business.
  • D. They will be fully controlled by American companies.