Critics Say Oracle’s Role in TikTok Deal Repeats Past Plans, Offering Little New Assurance

In recent announcements, Oracle has been positioned as the guardian of TikTok’s U.S. user data and algorithm oversight under a proposed ownership restructuring. But critics argue that this “role” essentially rehashes earlier efforts—like Project Texas—and may not resolve the underlying concerns about data security and influence.

Under the plan, U.S. operations of TikTok would be transferred to a new joint venture, with Oracle tasked with securing the recommendation algorithm, ensuring U.S. user data is stored locally, and preventing access from China. ByteDance would retain a minority stake.

Opponents caution that unless ByteDance’s influence over algorithm design and data practices is fully severed, regulatory and security worries will persist. They say Oracle’s oversight, even if expanded, might amount to a repackaging of previous agreements rather than a fundamentally new solution.

Supporters, however, maintain that Oracle’s involvement—licensing the algorithm, monitoring source code, and ensuring infrastructure control—could offer stronger protections than earlier setups. The final deal is subject to regulatory approval and requires detailed implementation to satisfy lawmakers and security experts.