TikTok Develops U.S. Version Amid Regulatory Challenges
TikTok is set to launch a U.S. version called M2 on September 5, as it faces regulatory pressures and a potential ban on its current platform by March 2026.
Overview
- TikTok is creating a U.S. version named M2, aimed at providing an alternative for American users amid regulatory scrutiny.
- The new app is scheduled for launch in U.S. app stores on September 5, ahead of a looming deadline.
- Last year, Congress approved a ban on TikTok's sale to non-Chinese entities, pushing Bytedance to divest or face a ban.
- President Biden enacted a TikTok ban, which was previously delayed by Trump, with the latest extension valid until September 17.
- By March 2026, TikTok plans to shut down its existing platform while M2 will continue to operate until then.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame TikTok's development of a new app as a strategic response to U.S. regulatory pressures, highlighting a sense of urgency and impending change. The authors exhibit skepticism towards the company's motives, reflecting concerns about national security and corporate accountability, while emphasizing the political backdrop influencing these decisions.
The company plans to launch the new app, M2, in U.S. app stores on September 5, ahead of the deadline for the third extension.
Bytedance plans to shut down its current social media app by March 2026 while operating alongside a new platform until then.
TikTok and ByteDance both deny the allegations of data mining by the Chinese government.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
"…This move appears to be a direct response to immense political pressure."
Gizmodo·13h·"…The planned new app aims to launch in U.S. app stores Sept. 5, ahead of the deadline for the third extension."
Deadline·14h·FAQ
TikTok is launching the U.S. version M2 to provide an alternative platform for American users amid regulatory scrutiny and a potential ban on its current platform by March 2026.
The new TikTok U.S. version called M2 is scheduled for launch in U.S. app stores on September 5, 2025.
TikTok faces regulatory pressures in the U.S., including Congress approving a ban on TikTok’s sale to non-Chinese entities and President Biden enacting a TikTok ban, which delays have only temporarily postponed. The latest extension is valid until September 17, 2025, and TikTok must divest or potentially be banned entirely by March 2026.
By March 2026, TikTok plans to shut down its existing platform in the U.S., while the new M2 app will continue to operate until then.
History
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