MxM News

Quick Hit:

Vice President JD Vance expects a framework agreement to resolve TikTok’s ownership by April 5, as the Biden-era law requiring its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban looms. President Donald Trump had previously delayed enforcement of the law, allowing more time for negotiations. The White House is in discussions with multiple potential buyers to establish an American-owned version of the social media platform.

Key Details:

• Vice President Vance stated that a high-level agreement will likely be reached that meets national security concerns while creating a U.S.-based TikTok enterprise.

• President Trump signed an executive order in January, delaying the enforcement of a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban.

• The White House is engaged with four interested groups in potential acquisition talks.

Diving Deeper:

The fate of TikTok in the U.S. has been a subject of intense debate due to concerns over data security and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party through ByteDance. The law, originally passed under the Biden administration, sought to force the sale of the app due to fears that American user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. However, after taking office, President Trump extended the enforcement deadline by 75 days, giving room for negotiations.

Vice President Vance, speaking to NBC News aboard Air Force Two, expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached by April 5, though some details may still need to be finalized afterward. He and national security adviser Michael Waltz have been leading efforts to facilitate a sale that would address national security concerns while preserving TikTok’s massive American user base.

President Trump revealed last weekend that his administration is in talks with four different groups interested in acquiring the app. While the specifics of these negotiations remain undisclosed, the administration has made it clear that TikTok must operate as a distinct American entity to remain in the U.S. market.

As the deadline approaches, ByteDance has not publicly commented on the ongoing discussions. However, with bipartisan concerns over the influence of the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. technology platforms, the expectation is that any deal will include significant safeguards to prevent foreign interference in the app’s operations.

The coming weeks will determine whether a sale materializes or if further action will be needed to enforce the law. Either way, the Trump administration has signaled its commitment to ensuring that TikTok is no longer under the control of a hostile foreign adversary.

MxM News

Quick Hit:

A coalition of 38 state attorneys general, alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced a final plan to break up Google’s search engine monopoly. The proposed remedies include forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser and, potentially, its Android operating system. The move follows a court ruling last year that found Google guilty of monopolistic practices in online search.

Key Details:

• The plan would require Google to sell Chrome and could extend to Android if initial measures fail.
• The initiative aims to restore competition in the search and search advertising markets, according to Colorado AG Phil Weiser.
• Google argues the DOJ’s proposal is overly aggressive and claims it would harm consumers and U.S. technology leadership.

Diving Deeper:

The Justice Department and 38 state attorneys general have put forward a final set of remedies aimed at dismantling Google’s dominance in online search and digital advertising. The proposal, announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, seeks to correct years of alleged anti-competitive behavior by the tech giant.

“For years, the Google browser has been the dominant gateway for users to search the internet,” Weiser said, emphasizing that Google’s monopolistic grip has “stifled innovation, undermined competition, and harmed consumers.” The coalition’s proposed remedies focus on breaking up Google’s search empire to promote a more competitive marketplace.

One of the most significant aspects of the proposal is the forced divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser, which currently serves as the primary access point for billions of users. Additionally, if Google is found to be undermining the decree’s effectiveness, the company could also be required to sell off Android, further reducing its influence over digital search.

This aggressive action follows a federal court ruling last year that determined Google had engaged in monopolistic practices. The ruling came after extensive legal battles between the government and the tech giant, reinforcing concerns that Google’s dominance in online search has hurt competition and limited consumer choice.

However, Google has strongly pushed back against the proposal. Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulatory affairs, criticized the DOJ’s intervention, calling it an overreach. “DOJ’s proposal would harm American consumers and undermine America’s global technology leadership,” Mulholland said, signaling the company’s intent to challenge the ruling in court.

A court hearing on the proposed remedies is set to begin on April 21 and is expected to conclude by May 9. Google has already indicated that it will appeal any ruling that forces it to break up its core business, setting the stage for another high-stakes legal battle between the tech giant and federal regulators.