TikTok's Proposal to Resolve Security Concerns and Ensure Future in the US

By Vanessa Pappas, Interim Head of TikTok

When I joined TikTok nearly two years ago, it was relatively unknown to Americans. However, TikTok has since become a social phenomenon, changing the lives of millions of people and transforming the competitive tech landscape. TikTok stands out from other platforms by providing simple tools for users to showcase their creativity and create entertaining short-form videos. The For You feed, which offers personalized video recommendations, has revolutionized the way companies think about recommendation and discovery. Additionally, TikTok has democratized content creation, allowing anyone to reach an audience without needing to be a celebrity or social influencer.

TikTok's popularity has grown exponentially, attracting users for entertainment, learning, and as a platform for small businesses to connect with consumers and build a following. The pandemic further accelerated this growth as families sought creative ways to stay connected. However, with success comes scrutiny. We understand the concerns raised about TikTok's national security implications, although we strongly disagree with them. To address these concerns, we have taken steps to increase transparency, such as hiring a Chief Security Officer with extensive US law enforcement and industry experience, launching a Transparency and Accountability Center, and publishing Transparency Reports.

Today, we are pleased to announce a proposal that resolves the Administration's security concerns and ensures TikTok's future in the US. Our plan includes partnering with Oracle as our trusted cloud and technology provider to fully secure user data. Both Oracle and Walmart will have the opportunity to take a cumulative stake of up to 20% in TikTok Global through a pre-IPO financing round. We will also establish and expand TikTok Global's headquarters in the US, creating 25,000 jobs across the country.

TikTok has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide, including 100 million Americans, as a platform for entertainment, connection, and self-expression. We are grateful for the support of our community, who have turned their creativity into thriving careers, connected small businesses with customers during the pandemic, and found joy and connection through our platform. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our diverse and creative community. This is just the beginning for TikTok, and we are excited to embark on this journey with you for the long term.