Shou Zi Chew

Stories

TikTok's American rebirth

Remains global TikTok CEO; serves on USDS board

For five years, the world's most popular social media app lived under a death sentence. TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, faced repeated ban threats from two administrations convinced its Chinese ownership posed an unacceptable national security risk. On January 23, 2026, that uncertainty ended: TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC became operational, transferring 80.1% ownership to American and allied investors while ByteDance retained a non-controlling 19.9% stake.

Updated May 22

TikTok’s U.S. ‘sell-or-ban’ law hits another deadline—but the real clock is now January 2026

Rule Changes

Managing transition to new U.S. joint venture structure while maintaining creator and advertiser confidence

The deal closed on January 22, 2026. TikTok's U.S. operations now belong to TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC—a new entity where Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi's MGX each hold 15%, existing ByteDance investor affiliates hold 30.1%, and ByteDance itself retains exactly 19.9%.

Updated May 15

Notable Quotes

TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made. — Congressional testimony, March 2023

from TikTok's American rebirth · Updated May 22

"We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers..." — TikTok statement (reported by CNBC)

from TikTok’s U.S. ‘sell-or-ban’ law hits another deadline—but the real clock is now January 2026 · Updated May 15

"With these agreements in place, our focus must stay where it's always been—firmly on delivering for our users, creators, businesses and the global TikTok community." — Shou Zi Chew, internal memo to employees

from TikTok’s U.S. ‘sell-or-ban’ law hits another deadline—but the real clock is now January 2026 · Updated May 15