"I think an analogy is you're buying the car without the engine. It really is the thing that makes TikTok special," professor Richard Hanna said of TikTok's algorithm.

TikTok engages more than 170 million Americans with its endless scroll and viral content, but as a potential sale for the popular platform nears, experts are concerned about the future of the app's functionality if it no longer includes its flagship algorithm.

President Donald Trump announced Monday, Sept. 15, that a framework deal with China has been reached to sell TikTok assets to a U.S.-based owner. But further details have been sparse, including the fate of the app's algorithm, which has been a key matter for China .

Trump said the agreement hinges on a Friday, Sept. 19, meeting with Chinese President Xi

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