Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk as pressure from the Biden administration intensifies. According to Bloomberg, Beijing is considering this option if TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, cannot meet the January 19 deadline to divest or face a nationwide ban.

The Biden administration has raised national security concerns over ByteDance’s control of TikTok, warning that sensitive U.S. user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. This led to an ultimatum demanding ByteDance sell its U.S. operations or risk the platform being shut down across the country.

BREAKING – Elon Musk, King Of Social Media?!

Chinese officials are reportedly considering the sale of TikTok to Elon Musk if a U.S. ban is upheld.

This is a developing story.

Source: Bloomberg

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ByteDance, however, has refused to sell TikTok’s core algorithm, which powers the app’s content recommendation system. The company has taken legal action, asking the Supreme Court to block the forced sale. ByteDance argues that the divestment order violates its First Amendment rights, though the Court has yet to issue a ruling.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X, has been floated as a possible buyer for TikTok. Known for his stance against online censorship, Musk could dramatically alter how TikTok operates in the U.S. if he were to take ownership. However, no official talks between Musk and ByteDance have been confirmed.

Concerns about the Chinese government’s influence over ByteDance have been amplified by its “golden share” ownership, which allows Beijing to exert control over the company’s operations. U.S. lawmakers argue this arrangement threatens national security and justifies forcing TikTok to sever ties with China.

Adding to the uncertainty, President-elect Donald Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok. Once a vocal critic advocating for its ban, Trump now supports the platform and has urged the Supreme Court to pause the Biden administration’s ban. His recent embrace of TikTok during his campaign highlights his evolving position.

Chinese officials have discussed options for TikTok’s U.S. operations, including a possible sale to Elon Musk https://t.co/t6wOUrJsou

— Hossein Ghazanfari (@TehranWatcher) January 14, 2025

With the January 19 deadline rapidly approaching, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains unclear. Whether Elon Musk will step in as a buyer or ByteDance will choose another course of action continues to be a major question.