TikTok Denies Allegations of Sale to Elon Musk Prior to U.S. Ban

Tuesday, 14 January 2025, 14:48

TikTok denies rumors of a sale to Elon Musk, calling the report 'pure fiction.' The app faces a potential ban in the U.S. amid government scrutiny.
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TikTok Denies Allegations of Sale to Elon Musk Prior to U.S. Ban

TikTok Denies Allegations of Sale to Elon Musk

TikTok has officially disputed reports claiming that Chinese officials are considering a sale of the company's U.S. operations to tech billionaire Elon Musk, labeling the report as 'pure fiction.' Spokesperson Michael Hughes stated, ‘We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.’ This denial comes as TikTok contends with impending legislation set to take effect on January 19, which mandates its parent company, ByteDance, divest from the app to avoid being banned on U.S. app stores and networks.

New Legislation and Potential Outcomes

Ahead of the looming deadline, Bloomberg reported on speculations that the Chinese government is considering a scenario where Musk's social platform X might take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. This potential takeover raised eyebrows given Musk's self-identification as a 'free speech absolutist.' In prior statements, he expressed opposition to banning TikTok, arguing it would contradict fundamental values of freedom of speech and expression.

Furthermore, Musk's close ties with President-elect Trump add another layer to this complex narrative. Trump has been vocal in his support of TikTok and has taken legal steps to challenge the constitutionality of the legislation compelling the app's divestment.

  • Potential ban deadline is set for January 19.
  • TikTok fights the law's implications on First Amendment rights.
  • Concerns about user data security and ties to the Chinese government persist.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.

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