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TikTok Could Be Elon Musk’s Next Investment

By Crystal Crowder
Person using TikTok.

Are you dreading a TikTok ban and wish there was any type of hope on the horizon? As it turns out, TikTok might still have a chance, but that may mean Elon Musk would take control.

The Price to Save TikTok

Elon Musk taking over Twitter and turning it into X has been nothing but one controversy after another. It’s been beneficial to competing networks, especially lesser known and new networks like Mastodon and Bluesky. Now, with a TikTok ban looming and the Supreme Court unlikely to rule in TikTok’s favor, another option is suddenly being explored.

Donald Trump has said he wants to save the network, despite pushing for a ban during his first term as US President. Now, China is considering saving the US version of TikTok by partnering with one of Trump’s biggest supporters – Elon Musk.

Tiktok on phone against Chinese flag.
Image source: Unsplash

Yes, the price to save TikTok might be handing it all over to the man behind X.

ByteDance May Have No Say

ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, has stated it would be nearly impossible to break apart TikTok and take it out of China’s control. However, the Chinese government might not give ByteDance any say in the matter.

The US government says the ban isn’t about freedom of speech, but more about China’s stake in ByteDance and the potential security risks as a result. Naturally, ByteDance has tried to make it clear that China has no control over the global operations outside of China itself. Still, US officials remain concerned enough to issue a ban unless a US company takes control over the US portion of TikTok.

Currently, ByteDance and TikTok aren’t saying whether they’re aware of any discussions with Elon Musk. Still, China has begun preliminary talks about selling US operations to Musk, letting him run both X and TikTok.

TikTok and X logos.
Image source: Unsplash and Unsplash

Since everything depends on whether a TikTok ban actually happens or not, no one’s commenting officially about Musk taking over.

What A Musk Takeover Could Mean

Take a long hard look at X, formerly Twitter. Many of the same changes could come to TikTok, for better or worse. Plus, those who aren’t exactly fans of Musk, may seek out alternatives.

If Musk does take ownership, you can be certain there will be some noticeable changes. And, with Trump beginning his second presidential term on January 20th, he may push for Musk to become the new TikTok owner.

However, Musk isn’t the only potential buyer. Kevin O’Leary, from Shark Tank, is interested is buying the popular video sharing platform. O’Leary, along with others, have created the People’s Bid for TikTok coalition to buy the platform. For those who don’t want Musk to be in charge, it’s a viable alternative.

Remember, nothing is concrete right now. With less than a week remaining until the ban goes into effect, anything can still happen.

Image credit: Pexels

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Crystal Crowder Avatar
Crystal Crowder
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

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