China Considers Selling TikTok’s US Operations to Elon Musk Amid US Ban Threat

Beijing:In response to the looming threat of a ban in the United States, Chinese authorities are reportedly considering selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk. Media reports suggest that following the approval of a law by US President Joe Biden aimed at banning TikTok, its parent company ByteDance is exploring various options, including the possibility of selling the app’s US operations to the American billionaire.

The primary concern in the US revolves around the ownership of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, which has shares held by the Chinese government. This has raised fears in the US that the Chinese government could exert influence over the app. Under the law approved by President Biden, TikTok must sever its ties with ByteDance by January 19, or it could face a ban in the US.

ByteDance has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court, arguing that the Chinese government’s stake in the company does not affect its operations outside of China, and that Beijing does not influence the app’s functioning. On the other hand, newly elected President Donald Trump has also filed a petition, requesting that a ban not be imposed on TikTok until his inauguration, so he can explore a political resolution.

If TikTok and the US administration cannot reach a settlement before January 19, a ban on the app in the US may be imminent.