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Microsoft Pursues Acquisition of TikTok’s US Operations Over Security Concerns

Image Source: Ascannio / Shutterstock

Reports suggest that Microsoft is engaged in talks to purchase the US division of TikTok from ByteDance, as indicated by President Donald Trump. While on Air Force One, Trump remarked, “I would say yes. A lot of interest in TikTok. There’s great interest in TikTok,” implying that the tech giant is giving serious thought to the acquisition.

This development aligns with broader initiatives aimed at addressing national security concerns associated with TikTok’s activities in the United States. During a meeting with Republican lawmakers in Florida, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “We’re going to have a lot of people bidding on it, and if we can save all that voice and all the jobs, and China won’t be involved, we don’t want China involved.”

The potential acquisition reflects Trump’s ongoing demand for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face the possibility of a ban. The app experienced a temporary suspension on January 19 but was permitted to resume operations after Trump issued an executive order granting the platform additional time to find a buyer. Nevertheless, users who had deleted the app during the ban are still unable to access it on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Meanwhile, other entities have expressed interest, including AI startup Perplexity AI, which proposed merging with TikTok’s US operations to create a new entity in which the US government could hold a 50% stake. Furthermore, there were speculations regarding Elon Musk potentially pursuing a TikTok acquisition, although these have largely been dismissed. Oracle is also noted as a company that might be looking into TikTok’s global operations.

As negotiations progress, Microsoft’s potential role could prove significant in navigating the ongoing discussions about TikTok’s future in the US, with the goal of ensuring that the app’s operations adhere to national security protocols while protecting jobs and maintaining user access.

Image Source: Ascannio / Shutterstock

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