The TikTok deal marks a turning point what the US split means for technology, geopolitics and the UK economy in 2026
Skrevet av Frode Skar Finans Journalist.
TikTok has finalised a landmark agreement that allows its US operations to continue after years of political and regulatory uncertainty. The deal separates TikTok’s American business from its Chinese parent company ByteDance and places majority ownership in the hands of US investors, with Oracle playing a central role. In 2026, this agreement stands as a defining moment in the intersection of technology, national security and global trade.
The background to the deal lies in a 2024 US law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, requiring ByteDance to divest its US assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court upheld the legislation, reinforcing Washington’s stance that foreign ownership of major digital platforms could pose a national security risk.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House initially added uncertainty, as deadlines were repeatedly extended amid claims that negotiations were ongoing. With the deal now closed, TikTok’s US operations are majority-owned by American investors, while ByteDance retains a minority stake below the 20 percent threshold set by lawmakers.
For the UK economy, the implications go well beyond social media. The TikTok deal underscores a broader shift towards stricter regulation of digital platforms and greater scrutiny of cross-border ownership. British companies rely heavily on global tech platforms for advertising, consumer engagement and data-driven growth. Any structural changes in these platforms can have immediate commercial consequences.
The agreement also sets a powerful precedent. Governments have demonstrated their willingness to intervene directly in corporate ownership structures when national security concerns are raised. This could accelerate the fragmentation of global technology markets, with platforms increasingly operating through region-specific entities rather than unified global systems.
For UK investors, the deal highlights the growing importance of political risk in technology valuations. Regulatory intervention can reshape business models overnight, affecting long-term returns. This is particularly relevant for pension funds and asset managers with significant exposure to the tech sector.
In the short term, the agreement brings stability. With nearly 200 million users in the US, TikTok’s continued operation reassures advertisers and creators worldwide. British brands that use TikTok as a marketing channel benefit from renewed confidence and predictable access to a key audience.
However, the longer-term outlook remains complex. The separation may increase operational costs and reduce global efficiencies. Over time, this could weaken TikTok’s competitive position relative to rivals such as Instagram and YouTube, influencing advertising dynamics and platform economics.
More broadly, the TikTok deal reflects a world in which technology is no longer politically neutral. Digital platforms are increasingly treated as strategic assets, subject to national interests and geopolitical pressures. For the UK, navigating this environment requires balancing openness to innovation with regulatory safeguards.
Vår vurdering
The TikTok deal illustrates how deeply geopolitics now influences the digital economy. For the UK, this means higher regulatory complexity and political risk, but also opportunities for companies that can adapt to a more fragmented and security-focused technology landscape in 2026.
