What does TikTok’s transition to a U.S.-based joint venture mean for user experience, data practices and platform stability? Davis+Gilbert partner Jim Johnston was featured in a CNBC article discussing the immediate reaction to TikTok’s transition and where the app stands now.
In the article, Jim addresses early concerns about disruptions on the platform, noting that recent glitches “no doubt impact[ed] how and what content was being served, even without any intent or motive.” He also provides important context on how algorithmic behavior may naturally shift as TikTok retrains its systems on U.S.-based data.
Jim further highlights several noteworthy updates within TikTok’s new terms of use — ranging from precise location data collection to AI interaction tracking and deeper ad network integration — underscoring that while there is no evidence of engineered political influence, the technical possibility always warrants close scrutiny.
As the platform navigates its new ownership structure, these insights help clarify where the real risks and opportunities lie for users, advertisers, and regulators.
Read the full article here: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/16/tiktok-us-joint-venture-user-data-no-mass-exodus-oracle-mgx-silver-lake-larry-ellison-trump.html