Zhou Shouzi’s Internal Memo Reveals TikTok’s U.S. Plan: ByteDance Retains Commerce and Ads, Joint Venture to Oversee Data Security
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TikTok has outlined a new U.S. operational framework aimed at addressing data security concerns while preserving its core commercial operations.
On December 18 local time, TikTok CEO Zhou Shouzi circulated an internal memo updating employees on the latest developments regarding TikTok’s U.S. business.
According to the memo, ByteDance and TikTok have signed agreements with three investors and will establish a new joint venture for TikTok’s U.S. operations. The new entity will be named TikTok US Data Security Joint Venture LLC (TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC).
This joint venture will be responsible for U.S. data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance. Meanwhile, other TikTok entities in the United States that are wholly owned by ByteDance will continue to oversee commercial activities, including e-commerce, advertising, and marketing operations, as well as ensuring global interoperability of TikTok’s products.
The memo stated that all matters related to the agreement are expected to be finalized no later than January 22, 2026.
