Diwakar Narayan’s Post

Of course, TikTok and its parent company ByteDance were all over the news last week. It is a great time to speak to Jing Yang, the Asia Bureau Chief from The Information and assess the situation from a neutral Asian perspective on Analyse Asia #podcast. Here are the key takeaways from my conversation with her and it is simply a tale of 2 markets - #China and International: 1/ Misjudging U.S. Political Landscape: TikTok underestimated the complexities of U.S. politics, leading to a bill threatening its operation. Their technical solutions, although innovative, couldn't fully address the heightened political concerns surrounding data security. 2/ Data Security Hurdles: The podcast emphasized TikTok's significant efforts in enhancing data security, like 'Project Texas' involving Oracle and its engagement with USDS and CFIUS. However, these initiatives have been overshadowed by broader political issues, highlighting the complex interplay between tech innovation and government policy. 3/ Financial Dichotomy: Despite ByteDance's robust profitability in China, TikTok faces financial strains internationally. Initiatives like TikTok Shop indicate a commitment to global expansion, but they come with substantial costs, showing the challenge of replicating domestic success in international markets. You can watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gGpBB5xH

Fresh out of the studio, Jing Yang, the Asia Bureau Chief for The Information, provided an insightful analysis of the potential implications of the recent U.S. House of Representatives bill to force Bytedance to divest TikTok or face a ban in the US. Detailing a timeline of events, she illuminated how ByteDance and TikTok executives may have misinterpreted U.S. political signals. Despite Bytedance's profitability in China, she shed light on why TikTok is facing financial challenges and the complex dynamics between Bytedance and the investors of the company. Concluding her discussion, she offered her perspectives on the possible future of TikTok globally pending the outcome. "If we assume that happens, I'm sure TikTok, let alone ByteDance as a company as a whole, will survive - and maybe even continue to thrive after this. Because, let's put things into perspective, right? TikTok has more than 1 billion users globally and then the US represents just a little over a 10th of that, 170 million. So I'm not saying that it's not going to impact TikTok and ByteDance. But does it pose an existential threat? Probably not. I believe given we already talked about how ByteDance has been super profitable. I think that, even if they get banned in the US, this is by no means the end of TikTok or ByteDance." - Jing Yang You can watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gRSdEgr2

American social media giants face barriers in China, yet Chinese platforms like TikTok thrive in the US. Is this disparity justifiable? Let's leave the national security argument aside for one second. Consider this: Innovation thrives on competition. Yet, when one side faces restrictions that the other doesn't, it skews the playing field. It's not just about market access; it's about principles of reciprocity and fairness in global business practices. Shouldn't the digital playing field be levelled? If American companies are restricted in China, why should Chinese companies enjoy unfettered access to the US market? I believe the recent move to ban TikTok unless parent company ByteDance divests it will start a much wider debate about reciprocity. What's your take? Given the impact it will have on creators, users and brands that rely on TikTok, is it all fair? Let me know below 👇

Chatted with Bloomberg’s David Westin and Katie Greifeld this morning about the US legislation targeting #TikTok. The headline aside, it’s important to remember that in most countries, the dominant social media platforms are “foreign-owned” — by US companies like Meta and Google. If they start to view the US through a more adversarial lens (a real possibility post-2024 election), let’s hope they don’t take inspiration from our own policy to set off a cascade of divestitures. I also talked about the blurring lines between platforms and governments, who wins from a TikTok ban, and possible economic impacts. While it could be overly optimistic to imagine China wanting to preserve it’s pioneering consumer tech success (in Western markets) by letting Bytedance divest its US TikTok, it’s a possibility to consider — there’s huge potential value to them if more of their consumer tech platforms aspire to achieve success in the US, the EU, Japan, India... Cultural influence is an important dimension of global power.

TikTok's influence lies far beyond addicting short videos, it's been a critical thread between eastern and western tech worlds. The A ban on TikTok is likely to further split the world’s tech landscape into two blocs, one centered on the US, the other embracing tech from China. Check out Laura He's article in CNN Business exploring the potential impact of a Tik Tok ban in the USA. https://lnkd.in/e7fkZmN5

Explore the vibrant landscape of Chinese digital trends, innovations, and market updates in our weekly #ChinaDigitalDigest : 🇨🇳 Zhang Nan Resigns as CEO of Douyin Group to Focus on ByteDance’s CapCut 🇨🇳 US Lawmakers Push To Put TikTok-Parent ByteDance On Export Control List 🇨🇳 Biden Campaign Joins TikTok, Despite US Security Concerns With App 🇨🇳 Digital Red Packets Drive Record Online Transactions on Chinese New Year’s Eve Don't miss out on important insights that could shape your digital strategy. #digitaltrends #socialmediatrends #ClickInsights https://ow.ly/gTln50QFeuh

TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance says it has no intention of selling the business after the US passed a law to force it to sell the hugely popular video app or be banned in America. According to TikTok, ByteDance's Chinese founder owns 20% of shares, through a controlling stake in the company. About 60% is owned by #institutionalinvestors, including major US investment firms The Carlyle Group, General Atlantic, and Susquehanna International Group, LLP (SIG) . The remaining 20% is owned by its employees around the world and 3 of ByteDance's 5 board members are American. The Chinese government has also dismissed such concerns as paranoia and has warned that a TikTok ban would "inevitably come back to bite the US". However, TikTok is not facing an immediate ban in the US. The new law gives ByteDance nine months to sell the business, and an additional three-month grace period, before a potential ban can be enforced. That means the sale deadline would most likely come some time in 2025, after the winner of the 2024 presidential election takes office. #GlobalRivalry #TechWar #TradeWar #TechTrends #TechCompanies #ChineseCompanies #EconomicWar #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #Geostrategy #CorporateStrategy #Strategy #Politics #WorldPolitics #ForeignRelations #ForeignAffairs #ForeignPolicy https://lnkd.in/gfTdgdzs

ByteDance would rather close down Tik Tok in the US than sell it if it fails to fight potential US ban in court, report says ByteDance would rather close down TikTok in the US than sell it, Reuters reported, citing four unnamed sources. President Joe Biden recently signed into law legislation that could see TikTok banned in the US. ByteDance has nine months to a year to divest itself of the company under the legislation. Tap the link in our bio for more about TikTok's future in the US. Follow TechWisdo Technology Insights News Updates #TechWisdo #usa #usatechnology #techhouse #tech #technology #techno #techtrends #trendingreels #america #americanstyle #technews #newtech #upcomingtechnology #latestnewstoday #nvidiageforce #virginia #tiktokusa #facebooknewsfeed #tiktokers #tiktok #business #businessnews

TikTok, which Chinese technology firm ByteDance owns, faces the threat of a total ban in the US, leading to the question of what problems this potential ban will cause for businesses that rely on TikTok. The latest blog post dives into what this really means if you use TikTok for revenue and learn how MHA can help you seamlessly transition to other platforms. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gsDgySbd.

Recently, the potential US ban of TikTok, the popular app owned by China’s ByteDance, has dominated headlines. To provide deeper insights, we have compiled a report on the media coverage surrounding this issue.   Our report includes actionable insights from our expert consultant, Jennifer Sanchis, who states, "The new federal law mandating TikTok divestment from ByteDance is a watershed moment for social media and PR practitioners. Never before has a social platform been banned by federal law, making the implications significant."   Gain access to CARMA’s report, which explores the media coverage from countries that have banned TikTok, top countries driving online and social media discussions, key themes such as US national security concerns, the impact on the US election campaign, freedom of speech, and more.   Download your complimentary PDF copy now: https://lnkd.in/dEbYMF5T   #TikTokBan #TikTok #US #China