ByteDance Prioritizes Shutting Down TikTok in the US Over Selling the App

According to multiple sources, including current and former employees of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, the US government's efforts to force the divestment of TikTok or face a countrywide ban have led to a tightening of control over its US operations. Insiders claim that ByteDance is unwilling to sell TikTok to an American buyer, even if it means shutting down the app in the US. This decision is reportedly driven by the importance of the algorithms used by TikTok, which are deemed core to ByteDance's overall operations. A shutdown would have limited impact on the company's business, as they would not be required to give up their proprietary algorithm.