The Chinese government is considering selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk to prevent the app from being banned, according to Bloomberg News. This contingency plan is one of several options China is exploring as the US Supreme Court decides on a law requiring China-based ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US business by January 19.
Under this plan, Musk would oversee both X, his current social media platform, and TikTok’s US business. However, Chinese officials haven’t decided whether to proceed with this plan, which is still in its preliminary stages.
The situation arises from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US business due to national security concerns. TikTok’s legal team argues that this law violates the free speech rights of its US users.
In response to the news, a TikTok spokesperson stated, “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.” Meanwhile, senior Chinese officials are discussing contingency plans for TikTok’s future in the US, including potential collaborations with President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump’s stance on TikTok has shifted over time. Initially, he favored a ban during his first administration, but after meeting with billionaire Jeff Yass, a major investor in ByteDance, he began to reconsider. Late last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay implementing Biden’s ban, seeking a “political resolution” instead.
The Supreme Court’s decision on the matter is highly anticipated, with oral arguments held last week. If the court upholds the law, TikTok’s US operations would be severely impacted, potentially leading to a ban. However, if the court rules in favor of TikTok, the app’s future in the US would be more secure.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s fate in the US remains uncertain. The potential sale to Elon Musk is just one of several possibilities, and it is unclear what the ultimate outcome will be. One thing is certain, however: the future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance.
With the January 19 deadline looming, TikTok’s US users are anxiously waiting to see what will happen next. Will the app be banned, sold to Elon Musk, or find another way to continue operating in the US?