Platform Power & Police Footage: Two Lawsuits, Big Stakes

This week’s stories explore who controls platforms and footage when public interest, national security, and contractual promises collide. From TikTok’s long fight to stay online in the U.S. to a reality show blocked over safety concerns, the legal stakes are high.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
January 27, 2026

Hi there,

This week’s stories show what happens when media control meets legal controversy.

After years of political pressure, TikTok has finally struck a deal with U.S. investors to avoid a nationwide ban. The agreement gives American companies oversight of U.S. operations — but questions remain over data access and national security compliance.

Meanwhile in New York, city officials are suing Jordan McGraw (son of Dr. Phil) over a reality series that allegedly exposes undercover cops and violates a contract with the NYPD. It’s a reminder that entertainment content, especially when it touches law enforcement, can carry real legal risks.

TikTok Strikes U.S. Deal to Avoid Ban

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have reached a long-awaited agreement with American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX — to spin off its U.S. operations into a new entity governed by a majority-American board. The move ends years of legal uncertainty sparked by concerns over Chinese access to U.S. user data.

The new venture will be run by TikTok’s former head of operations, with CEO Shou Chew retaining global oversight and a board seat. Oracle will continue acting as a data security partner. Under the deal, ByteDance will lease its algorithm to the U.S. TikTok entity but retain control over parts of the business, like advertising and e-commerce.

NYC Sues Dr. Phil’s Son Over Reality Show Footage

The City of New York is suing Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media to block release of Behind the Badge, a pro-police reality series shot under a previous agreement with the NYPD. The show allegedly reveals undercover officers, crime witnesses, and sensitive precinct operations — violating both safety protocols and the parties’ contract.

According to the complaint, McGraw was required to remove flagged content before airing, but refused after city officials reviewed four episodes. Some footage reportedly shows faces of non-consenting civilians and confidential discussions — even an unedited scene with a precinct’s backdoor security code.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

TikTok Seals Deal to Operate in the US After Years of Drama

After years of political pressure and near-ban threats, TikTok has finalized a deal with U.S. investors to keep operating stateside. The agreement reshapes ownership and oversight — but leaves open questions about data, algorithms, and national security.

NYC Sues Dr. Phil’s Son to Block Release of Pro-Cop Reality Show

New York City is seeking to stop the release of Behind the Badge, claiming the show exposes undercover officers and violates its contract with producers. The lawsuit highlights how access-based productions can unravel when safety and control break down.

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