Rumored disposal of US operations is seen as a backup option against a looming ban on the app in the US, according to the outlet
China is considering selling TikTok’s US operations to tech billionaire Elon Musk if the short-video app cannot avoid an impending ban in America, Bloomberg claimed on Tuesday. TikTok has called the allegation “pure fiction.”
Discussions are at the early stages, with officials in Beijing preferring TikTok remaining under the control of its China-based owner, ByteDance, the outlet claimed, citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential sale is being explored as a contingency plan to prevent a possible American ban, the outlet noted.
Last year, US President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok’s operations in the United States by January 19, 2025, and citing national security concerns. A ban for non-compliance could affect over 170 million American users.
Reports about Chinese officials allegedly discussing the possible sale come amid increased scrutiny of TikTok in the US over concerns that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government – claims that the company has consistently denied.
Last week, the US Supreme Court heard arguments over the law that would force the sale or a shutdown of TikTok, with justices apparently leaning toward upholding the legislation.
According to Bloomberg, one scenario involves Musk’s social media platform X taking control of TikTok’s US operations, valued last year at around $40 billion to $50 billion.
It remains unclear, however, to what extent ByteDance or Musk are aware of the alleged discussions among Chinese officials regarding the app sale. Additionally, there is no information on whether ByteDance, TikTok, and the owner of X have engaged in any talks about a potential deal, the outlet said.
In response to inquiries about the Bloomberg report, TikTok has stated that it “can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.”
The Chinese government owns a 1% stake, known as a “golden share,” in a ByteDance affiliate, granting it influence over the company’s strategic decisions and operations. TikTok has previously claimed that the government’s stake is a “common arrangement” under Chinese law and “has no bearing on ByteDance’s global operations, including TikTok.”
