The NPR Politics Podcast Tick Tock For TikTok's Sale
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Oct 2, 2025 John Ruwitch, a technology correspondent with a focus on China and global tech policy, delves into TikTok's tumultuous journey towards a potential sale. He discusses key players like Oracle and Rupert Murdoch vying for ownership amid national security concerns. Ruwitch explains the complexities of Chinese laws affecting TikTok and how its massive U.S. growth led to political scrutiny. The talk also touches on how TikTok's influence reshapes political outreach, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 elections.
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Oracle As Security Gatekeeper
- Oracle is positioned to store and monitor U.S. TikTok data and inspect its recommendation algorithm.
- The company may effectively run TikTok's U.S. operations as the proposed security provider.
Legal Clock Forced The Deal
- U.S. law now forces TikTok to sell or shut down after national security concerns about Chinese ownership.
- The Supreme Court allowed the law to stand, which set a hard timeline for a sale or shutdown.
TikTok's Political Reach
- TikTok has become a key platform for political communication and news, especially among young people.
- Rapid growth made the app strategically important to politicians and media alike.