As TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban over national security concerns, Elon Musk has emerged as a possible buyer for the platform’s American operations. The Supreme Court is set to decide on the fate of TikTok in the U.S. by January 19, with ByteDance’s ownership being scrutinized due to its ties to China.
According to *The Wall Street Journal*, Chinese officials might approve Musk’s acquisition of TikTok’s U.S. division. However, TikTok dismissed the speculation as “pure fiction.” Analysts, like Daniel Ives, suggest Musk’s relationships with both former President Donald Trump and Beijing make this scenario plausible.
If a sale occurs, it is likely to exclude TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, with the platform’s valuation estimated between $40 billion and $50 billion. Musk’s potential entry into the social media space, following his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter), could reshape the industry.
For now, the possibility of a TikTok ban looms, leaving millions of users and creators uncertain about the platform’s future in the U.S.
TikTok to Shut Down in US on Sunday as per reports
TikTok is set to shut down its U.S. app on Sunday unless the Supreme Court steps in to block a law requiring its sale to an American company. This law was introduced due to national security concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and fears of data misuse.
Even if you already have the app downloaded, you will no longer be able to access updates or use new features after the shutdown. Existing users may still be able to use the app on their phones for now, but its functionality will likely diminish over time without updates. This shutdown could be avoided if the Supreme Court overturns the law or if a deal is reached to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company.
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