Is TikTok about to be taken over by Elon Musk?
Chinese officials have reportedly initiated preliminary discussions with Elon Musk regarding the potential purchase of TikTok's U.S. operations, as the app faces a possible ban in the country by the end of the week.
Last year, President Joe Biden approved the ban of the Chinese-owned app amidst accusations of data-sharing with Beijing—claims that TikTok has consistently denied.
The video-sharing platform was given a year to secure its presence in the U.S., contingent on selling its American operations to a domestic company.
To retain influence over TikTok in the U.S., a potential sale to the American billionaire has been considered, according to The Financial Times.
TikTok has not commented on the British media outlet's report, which a spokesperson for the app dismissed as "pure fiction."
TikTok now has until January 19 to find a solution, or it risks being officially banned in the United States.
(QG - Source: The Guardian / The Financial Times / Picture: © Unsplash)