TikTok Algorithm License Agreement Assessed Concerning US Security

JAKARTA The chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) Committee for China considers that licensing agreements related to the use of the TikTok algorithm can raise future concerns.

There are allegations that this algorithm will remain influenced by China even though Republican Representative John Moolenaar is still waiting for a briefing on the deal. Previously, White House officials stated that ByteDance's algorithm would be licensed by the latest TikTok asset owner.

Moolenaar, according to Reuters, said he was concerned that China was still influencing the core technology of the video app. According to him, "Whenever you have (China) the influence of the algorithm, I think it will be a problem."

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on September 25, 2025. In the order, Trump stated that the planned sale of TikTok in the US will meet national security requirements stipulated in the 2024 law.

In relation to the TikTok asset sales deal, Moolenaar argues that the TikTok algorithm needs to be completely replaced, not just licensed. This needs to be done to ensure the safety of its users' devices and data.

"I just believe we should have a new algorithm and I'm not sure we can redesign (TikTok algorithm)," explained Moolenaar.

Since a few months ago, algorithmic licensing agreements have remained a matter of debate in the US. One of the debates is an algorithm that is quite important in regulating the experience of 170 million Americans.

This algorithm has been a concern by members of the House of Representatives for a long time because they are worried about foreign influences, especially China. In the latest information, TikTok in the US will have seven new council members consisting of six Americans and one from ByteDance.