In a strategic move aimed at appeasing American lawmakers, TikTok is working on developing an independent version of its core recommendation algorithm for its 170 million U.S. users. This effort may lead to a version of the app that operates separately from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, according to sources familiar with the project.
The initiative to split TikTok’s source code began late last year, well before a bill was introduced in Congress to force the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations. This bill gained significant momentum and was signed into law in April. Sources indicate that the technical separation could pave the way for a divestiture of TikTok’s U.S. assets, although no current plans for such a sale exist.
TikTok’s legal battle
TikTok and ByteDance have previously stated that selling U.S. assets is not feasible. In May, they filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court to block the new law, arguing it infringes on First Amendment rights. The case is currently on a fast-track schedule set by a U.S. appeals court.
The code-splitting effort
In recent months, hundreds of engineers from ByteDance and TikTok, both in the U.S. and China, have been tasked with the monumental job of separating millions of lines of code. The goal is to create a distinct code base for TikTok’s U.S. operations, independent of ByteDance’s Chinese version, Douyin. This effort involves removing any links to Chinese user data.
Technical challenges and compliance
The complex and painstaking process, described by sources as “tedious dirty work,” is expected to take over a year to complete. Compliance and legal issues add to the challenge, requiring each line of code to be meticulously reviewed to determine its suitability for the new U.S.-specific code base.
TikTok executives have discussed the progress of this project during internal meetings and through their communication platform, Lark. At one point, the open-sourcing parts of TikTok’s algorithm were considered to demonstrate technological transparency.
The future of TikTok U.S.
The ultimate aim is to establish a recommendation algorithm exclusive to TikTok U.S., thereby severing its reliance on ByteDance’s engineering resources in China. However, TikTok management is aware that this split could impact the performance of the app, as it currently benefits from ByteDance’s extensive engineering support to optimize user engagement.
As TikTok works towards an independent U.S. version of its recommendation algorithm, the company continues to navigate significant legal and political challenges. This move represents a crucial step in addressing concerns over data security and operational independence, but the success of this endeavor remains uncertain amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.