Will Elon Musk take over TikTok? The Chinese comment on sensational reports

The Chinese company ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, is considering selling the popular social media platform. According to reports from Bloomberg, one of the potential buyers could be Elon Musk, the richest man in the world. TikTok, which has over a billion monthly users, is currently valued at $84 billion.

Will TikTok change ownership?

Talks about the sale are related to the Chinese authorities’ concerns about the upcoming judgment of the US Supreme Court. The decision, expected to be made on January 19, could ban the use of TikTok in the United States.

Joe Biden’s administration has repeatedly expressed doubts about the app’s security, suggesting it could be used by China for spying and political manipulation.

Elon Musk is a potential buyer

Bloomberg reports that ByteDance is in preliminary talks with Elon Musk. One of the scenarios being considered is for Musk’s Platform X (formerly Twitter) to take over TikTok’s US operations. Nevertheless, a TikTok spokesman, in an interview with the BBC, rejected these speculations, calling them “pure fiction.”

Donald Trump, former US president, has appealed to the Supreme Court to delay its decision on TikTok until his potential return to office. Trump expressed his desire to find a “political solution” and opposition to a ban on the app. He previously met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to discuss the future of the platform.

One billion users and enormous value

TikTok, founded in 2016 by ByteDance, is one of the most popular social media applications in the world. Users create and watch short videos ranging from a few seconds to three minutes in length.

The platform attracts over a billion monthly active users and has become a global phenomenon, especially among younger generations.