Microsoft is reportedly in discussions to acquire TikTok, as the popular video-sharing app faces an uncertain future in the United States.
Former US President Donald Trump confirmed this development during a press briefing on Monday, adding that there’s “a lot of interest in TikTok.”
The move comes as TikTok struggles to comply with a US law that mandates its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the platform or face a nationwide ban. The legislation, initially set to take effect on January 19, raised national security concerns, citing potential risks of espionage or undue influence by the Chinese government.
Trump hinted at the possibility of a bidding war for TikTok, describing it as a “good development” for all parties involved.
While the ban was temporarily paused for two and a half months, TikTok briefly shut down operations in the US as the legal deadline approached. In response, Trump promised to issue an executive order to delay the ban, allowing more time for negotiations between TikTok and US stakeholders.
Following this intervention, TikTok resumed its services, acknowledging Trump's role in reversing the situation. Interestingly, the Biden administration later stated it would not enforce the previously planned ban.
With Microsoft exploring a potential acquisition, the future of TikTok in the United States remains a focal point of international business and policy discussions.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
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