TikTok Dismisses Claims of Sale to Elon Musk as Baseless

Tuesday 14 January 2025 - 07:33

TikTok has categorically denied reports suggesting that the Chinese government is considering selling the platform to Elon Musk to avoid a potential ban in the United States, labeling such claims as "pure fiction."

According to a report, Chinese officials are allegedly holding preliminary discussions about selling TikTok's U.S. operations to comply with a looming deadline. The ban is set to take effect if TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, does not divest its U.S. operations by January 19. One proposal reportedly involves integrating TikTok with Musk’s existing social media company.

The report also noted uncertainty regarding how Musk, one of the world's wealthiest individuals with an estimated net worth exceeding $400 billion, might execute such a deal or whether it would require him to divest other assets.

In response, a TikTok spokesperson rejected the claims, stating, "We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction." Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of the pending ban. The case stems from TikTok’s legal challenge against the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. During recent oral arguments, the court appeared inclined to uphold the ban, with many justices expressing skepticism toward TikTok’s assertion that a forced sale would violate the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.

The outgoing U.S. president signed the legislation in April, citing bipartisan concerns over potential national security risks linked to the platform. Lawmakers from both parties have raised alarms about TikTok's alleged ability to collect personal data from American users and influence public opinion.

The incoming president, who takes office on January 20, has vowed to "preserve" TikTok, a significant shift from earlier efforts to ban the platform during his previous term.