TikTok is reportedly working on a major update to its app as it braces for the possibility of a forced sale of its U.S. business. The update is aimed at helping the company split its American operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, if necessary.
This move comes in response to legislation that could ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it severs ties with ByteDance. While TikTok has pushed back against the proposed law and even challenged it in court, it appears the company is preparing for all outcomes, including divestment.
The planned technical changes would make it easier to carve out the U.S. version of the app without disrupting user experience or operations. This could help reassure potential buyers and regulators that TikTok can operate independently from its Chinese counterpart.
The update may also include structural changes to data storage, algorithms, and content moderation to comply with American regulatory expectations and privacy concerns.
As the legal battle continues and the deadline for divestment approaches, TikTok’s behind-the-scenes preparation suggests the company is taking the situation seriously—while trying to ensure that millions of users experience minimal disruption.