TikTok Comments on Rumors of Sale to Elon Musk

Recently, #tiktok denied the information that China is considering selling the U.S. operations of this app to billionaire Elon Musk. A TikTok spokesperson called this 'a completely fabricated rumor.'

Origin of the Rumor

  • The rumor originated from a report by #Bloomberg , suggesting that the Chinese government is considering #Musk acquiring TikTok to avoid a ban in the U.S.

  • This report is based on anonymous sources, emphasizing that Musk's successes in China and his relationship with Beijing could be a significant advantage for the deal.

Risk of Being Banned in the U.S.

  • The U.S. has passed the American Protection from Foreign-Controlled Apps Act, requiring parent company ByteDance to divest from TikTok.

  • If compliance is not met, TikTok could face a nationwide ban effective from January 19, 2025.

  • TikTok has appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment rights of 170 million users in the U.S.

  • However, the court seems to lean more towards the government's viewpoint.

If the ban takes effect, platforms like Apple, Google, and web service providers will have to remove TikTok from app stores and cease distribution in the U.S.

Elon Musk's Role in the Rumor

  1. Musk's political and technological influence:

    • Since acquiring Twitter (now X) in 2022 for $44 billion, Musk has used this platform to influence public opinion, particularly in the fields of politics and cryptocurrency.

    • He contributed to the increase in price $DOGE by publicly supporting and suggesting the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) under the presidency of elected Donald Trump.

  2. Concerns about misinformation:

    • A report from CCDH stated that at least 87 of Musk's posts contained misinformation or controversial content during the 2024 presidential election.

The Future of TikTok in the U.S.

  • As the deadline for the ban approaches, TikTok is still fighting to protect the access of millions of users in the U.S.

  • With opposition from both the U.S. government and a series of inaccurate rumors, the future of this platform in the U.S. remains uncertain.

Conclusion
The rumors about Elon Musk acquiring TikTok have been denied, but the risk of a ban on TikTok in the U.S. remains very high. This is a pivotal legal battle not only for TikTok but also for the global technology industry.

(Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or political opinion.)