TikTok prepares US app with its own algorithm and user data

TikTok is preparing to launch a standalone app for US users that is expected to operate on a separate algorithm and data system from its global app, laying the groundwork for a potential sale orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.

Over the past several months, TikTok employees have been working under tight deadlines to build a new, US -specific version of TikTok by transferring and duplicating the application’s codebase — including AI models, algorithms, features, and user data — from the global…