A New TikTok for America

Why the change?

The U.S. passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) in April 2024, requiring ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) to divest its U.S. operations or face a national ban WikipédiaReuters.

What’s happening?

To comply, TikTok is developing a standalone app for Americans, internally called “M2.” It will operate independently with its own algorithm, data storage, and infrastructure — all hosted in the U.S. — and under U.S.-based oversight Reuters+1The Verge.

Launch details:

• Release date: September 5, 2025 — the new M2 app will appear separately in U.S. app stores Android CentralMacRumorsReuters.

• The current version of TikTok (codenamed “M”) will remain functional until around March 2026, after which it will cease to work properly in the U.S. The SunAndroid CentralMacRumorsReutersTechnoSports Media GroupThe Verge.

What’s different in M2?

• Separate algorithm and codebase: Tailored for U.S. users and built independently of the global TikTok platform thetechtower.comReuters.

• Data sovereignty: All user data will be stored and managed within the U.S., reducing concerns over foreign access Reuterstiktokmodapk.

• Ownership transition: The new app aims to align with U.S. regulations by shifting control, possibly to a consortium of American investors such as Oracle, with ByteDance retaining a minority stake The VergeReuters+1.

Summary: Is there a "new TikTok" in September 2025?

Yes. TikTok is preparing to launch a U.S.-only app — M2 — on September 5, 2025. It’ll run in parallel with the current TikTok app until March 2026, after which users must switch to M2 to continue accessing the service. This change is prompted by U.S. legislation and national security concerns.