TikTok finalizes deal to create a new U.S. joint venture to avoid a ban

TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new, majority U.S.-owned joint venture for its American operations. The move is designed to address national security concerns and avoid a potential ban of the app in the United States.

Following the ownership change, the platform has faced technical issues and allegations of censorship. California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused TikTok of suppressing content critical of Trump, and the company is investigating reports that users were blocked from writing 'Epstein' in messages.

Separately, TikTok settled a major lawsuit over its allegedly addictive design and harm to children just days before the trial was set to begin. Other tech companies, including Meta and YouTube, are still heading to trial over similar claims.