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China aims to keep TikTok under ByteDance ownership but may consider alternatives. According to a report, one such step may be allowing Elon Musk to acquire TikTok’s US operations if it faces a ban
With over 170 million US users, TikTok would offer a significant platform for Elon Musk’s X to attract advertisers. (AP File)
The future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance, with a potential ban looming. The US Supreme Court is set to decide the platform’s fate, but the outcome appears bleak. Following the judges’ stance during the hearing on January 10, hopes for a reprieve from the Supreme Court seem slim.
While Democratic lawmakers Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna have called on Congress and President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline, during the Supreme Court hearing, the justices seem inclined to stick to the deadline, highlighting the national security concerns that led to the legislation.
The Biden administration has pointed out that TikTok could be used by China for spying and political manipulation if the social media platform is not sold.
The Chinese government appears determined to retain ownership of TikTok under its parent company, ByteDance Limited. Consequently, China is exploring alternative strategies for the future of the social media platform.
A Bloomberg report, citing sources, suggests that Elon Musk may be offered the opportunity to acquire TikTok’s US operations if the platform faces a nationwide ban.
According to Bloomberg, Chinese officials have initiated discussions on collaboration with the Trump administration. One such plan reportedly involves offering Elon Musk the opportunity to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Musk, perceived as having a close relationship with Trump, contributed $250 million to the latter’s election campaign.
However, according to a BBC report, TikTok has called reports about allowing the sale of its US operations to Musk “pure fiction.”
“We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson was quoted as saying by BBC.
Chinese officials have not yet reached a final decision on the matter. It remains unclear whether ByteDance is aware of these discussions. Furthermore, it is uncertain if any conversations have taken place between Musk, TikTok, and ByteDance concerning this potential deal.
Elon Musk opposes the ban on TikTok. Despite not commenting on the potential acquisition of TikTok’s US business, he expressed his stance on the platform X in April, stating, “In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the US. Even if doing so benefits X, it would be against freedom of expression.”
The reports about the acquisition come a week after Trump met TikTok’s chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, at the former’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
If Elon Musk receives an offer to acquire TikTok’s US business, it could prove a profitable deal. With over 170 million US users, TikTok would offer a significant platform for X to attract advertisers. Additionally, Musk’s AI company, xAI, could benefit from the wealth of data generated by TikTok.
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)