ByteDance Denies Rumors of a US-Exclusive TikTok App

ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok, has publicly denied recent reports suggesting the development of a separate version of the social media app exclusively for its United States users. The company labeled the Reuters story, which cited anonymous sources, as "factually inaccurate" and based on "uninformed sources."

Reports of a New App Internally Known as M2

Several news outlets, including Reuters and the Information, reported that ByteDance was working on a new TikTok app, referred to internally as M2. This app would feature a new algorithm and data system, distinct from the global version of TikTok. The reports speculated that this move was aimed at facilitating a potential sale of TikTok, as suggested by former US President Donald Trump.

Plans for CapCut Also Under Scrutiny

Similar plans were reportedly in place for ByteDance's other app, CapCut, to comply with a 2024 law requiring the separation of data and operations in the US. However, ByteDance has not commented on the accuracy of these reports regarding CapCut.