TikTok has dismissed reports suggesting Chinese officials are considering selling the platform's U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk as "pure fiction."
Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the discussions, reported early Tuesday that senior Chinese officials were discussing a potential sale to the world's richest man if TikTok is unable to avoid a U.S. ban scheduled to take effect on Sunday.
A TikTok spokesperson told Reuters in response: "We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction."
Newsweek has contacted TikTok via online form, Musk through Tesla, and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. government's proposed TikTok ban, currently being considered by the Supreme Court, is related to broader national security concerns over the potential misuse of Americans' data by Chinese entities.
In the United States, 39 percent of young people regularly get their news on TikTok, per a Pew Research Center analysis.
Musk already owns the social media platform X, which he used to campaign for President-elect Donald Trump in last year's presidential election. Buying TikTok would further solidify his position as one of the most powerful men in the U.S. and the world.
What To Know
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the Chinese government, which has a controlling 'Golden Share' in the app's parent company ByteDance, would strongly prefer the company retain control of TikTok but is exploring alternatives, including a possible sale to Musk, as part of ongoing discussions about how to respond to the potential U.S. ban.
One scenario allegedly under discussion involves Musk's X platform taking control of TikTok's U.S. operations and integrating the two platforms, Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources.
However, it remains unclear if ByteDance is aware of these discussions, or if the SpaceX chief and TikTok have engaged in any talks.
Per the reports, the same sources said Chinese officials have not communicated their contingency plans to ByteDance and reiterated that government approval would be required for any sale involving TikTok's proprietary algorithm.
The Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold the law mandating TikTok's divestiture during oral arguments last week, though no formal ruling has been issued. ByteDance has argued that the law violates the First Amendment.
What People Are Saying
TikTok spokesperson, responding to Reuters: "We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction."
Elon Musk, on X in April 2024: "In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression."
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the U.S. ban this week. If the ban is upheld, ByteDance will have to decide whether to divest its U.S. operations.
English (US) ·