January 14, 2025 - As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States by January 19, speculation has emerged regarding Elon Musk's interest in acquiring the app. Reports indicate that Chinese officials are contemplating a sale of TikTok's US operations to Musk, valued between $40 billion and $50 billion. However, TikTok has dismissed these claims as 'pure fiction.'
The urgency arises from national security concerns linked to TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, and its ties to the Chinese government. US lawmakers have raised alarms over data privacy risks, prompting calls for divestment or a nationwide ban.
TikTok's future hinges on a deadline set by the US government, which mandates ByteDance to sell the app's US operations or face a ban. Failure to comply would result in users losing access to updates and security patches.
Despite the looming deadline, TikTok officials have denied any discussions regarding a sale to Musk or any foreign entity. ByteDance maintains that its Chinese ownership does not influence TikTok's global operations.
Other potential bidders for TikTok include Microsoft and Oracle, should Musk not proceed with a deal. Meanwhile, China is reportedly inclined to retain control over TikTok, viewing a sale to a foreign party as a loss of strategic leverage.
The stakes are high for TikTok creators, who may have to transition to competing platforms like YouTube or Instagram if a ban occurs.