TikTok: Chinese short-form video-hosting service TikTok has become one of the world’s most popular social media platforms since its inception in 2016.
About a week ago, talking about the popular social media platform, US President Donald Trump dropped a hint that his billionaire close friend Elon Musk might buy TikTok. However, the Tesla CEO has said that currently he has no such plans. Musk stated that he has never bid for the popular short-video app and does not intend to do so.
“I have not put in a bid for TikTok. I don’t have any plans for what I would do if I had TikTok,” Musk said while admitted that he does not use the app and is unfamiliar with its format.
Talking about buying twitter, now X, Musk said that buying Twitter/ X was an unusual move for him as he usually builds companies from scratch rather than acquiring existing ones.
Trump’s reservations and Musk’s remarks hold much significance amid growing concerns over TikTok’s future in the USA due to national security fears.
The US government has alleged that TikTok’s Chinese ownership through ByteDance could put the national security in danger and leakage of sensitive data with Beijing in cahoots.
These charges have been dismissed by TikTok. However, its future in the USA remains uncertain. Earlier, ByteDance was ordered to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban by January 19. However, Trump later extended the deadline by 75 days, giving the company more time to comply.
A TikTok spokesperson dismissed reports that China might approve a sale to Musk, calling them “pure fiction.” Trump has said he is in talks with multiple parties about TikTok’s fate and expects a decision soon. The app has about 170 million users in the US. Meanwhile, reports suggest ByteDance is delaying negotiations while waiting for China’s approval. Some experts believe China may take a tough stance, possibly allowing TikTok’s US operations to shut down rather than selling them.
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