TikTok Users Report Widespread Technical Issues During Ownership Restructuring
TikTok users across the United States encountered login failures, video upload errors, and erratic recommendation feeds this weekend as the platform navigates its first days under a new U.S.-led ownership structure. Downdetector recorded over 8,300 outage reports at peak times, though the company has not formally addressed the disruptions.
U.S. Ownership Shift Follows 2024 National Security Mandate
The service issues coincide with ByteDance’s completion of a joint venture with American investors including Oracle and Silver Lake, establishing TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC to operate U.S. operations. This restructuring complies with a 2024 U.S. law requiring foreign-owned platforms to localize data and algorithms domestically. The Associated Press reports that U.S. user data will now be managed independently under the new framework.
Experts Urge Caution in Linking Outages to Transition
While outlets like The Verge and Economic Times highlighted the timing of outages relative to the ownership shift, cybersecurity analysts warn against assuming direct causation. IBTimes quoted industry professionals noting that backend adjustments during corporate transitions often create temporary instability. TikTok has yet to confirm whether the disruptions relate to ongoing technical migrations.
