By January 19, TikTok could be banned in the US unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells the platform. Despite this looming deadline, ByteDance remains cautiously optimistic, as TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reportedly been in discussions with Elon Musk, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Musk’s Influence and ByteDance’s Strategy
Shou Chew and Elon Musk have maintained a professional relationship for several years, even though Musk owns X, a rival social media platform. During their discussions, Shou sought Musk’s input on various topics, including potential tech policies under the incoming Trump administration. ByteDance executives were also briefed on these conversations. However, according to sources, their talks did not include specific solutions for TikTok’s future in the US.
Musk’s influence in the political sphere has grown significantly. Having donated over $100 million to Donald Trump’s campaign, Musk has become a key figure in US politics. He has participated in calls between Trump and foreign leaders, made appearances at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, and attended high-profile events with him, such as UFC fights. Trump, in turn, showed support by attending a recent SpaceX Starship launch.
The Path Ahead for TikTok
ByteDance is racing against time to avoid a ban that could affect its 170 million US users. Under a law passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, ByteDance must sell TikTok by January 19 or face the platform’s prohibition in the country. This ban coincides with the day before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
While Trump previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, he opposed the law signed by Biden. Sources suggest Trump may now intervene to block the ban or facilitate a deal to sell TikTok to an American buyer. However, ByteDance remains resistant to such developments, and Beijing is unlikely to approve a sale to the US, adds NIX Solutions.
With the clock ticking, TikTok’s fate remains uncertain, but we’ll keep you updated as the situation unfolds.