In fresh days, the media has heard of possible talks regarding American salesTikTok Elon Musk. This information is quoted in The Guardian’s British paper citing for Bloomberg's agency report. Although no authoritative confirmation of these reports has been released, the very thought of specified a takeover raises large emotions on the global political and economical scene.
TikTok targeting American politicians
TikTok, an application belonging to the Chinese company ByteDance, has been controversial in the US for respective years now. Its increasing popularity — the platform for the first time overtakes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube in terms of downloads as early as 2018 — concerns any American political circles. Currently, the app has over 170 million users in the United States.
However, politicians, especially Republicans, fear that TikTok may be a tool for Beijing's influence. ByteDance has a alleged "golden action" that allows the Chinese government to co-determine key strategical issues of the company. Last year, there were drafts to ban TikTok's activities in the US, and the case yet came before the ultimate Court.
Will Musk take control of TikTok in the United States?
According to Bloomberg's report, Chinese businessmen are considering selling TikTok's operations in the United States to Elon Musk. So far ByteDance has officially denied specified plans. TikTok's spokesperson in a discussion with the media stated: "We cannot anticipate to comment on pure fiction," stressing that the company has repeatedly declared its deficiency of intention to sale American platform activities.
Despite the deficiency of authoritative conversations, the possible sale of TikTok Musk would make immense confusion. After taking over Twitter (today renamed X) in 2022, Musk has already gained considerable control over the global media space. Adding TikTok to his portfolio could make him the most powerful player in the American infosphere.
Musk and global Policy
Elon Musk, known for his controversial statements and political activity, has late intensified his engagement in public affairs. In harsh words, he criticized British Prime Minister Keith Starmer, suggesting that he should face justice for neglecting the fight against sexual crime among minors. Musk besides met right-wing politician Nigel Farage, suggesting support for his ReformUK organization in the face of the British Conservative organization crisis.
Major controversy was besides raised by Musk's interview for German meds, in which he expressed his support for the alternate for Germany (AfD), a right-wing political party. According to Muska AfD, it can be a “save” for Germany in the face of political and economical challenges.
What's next with TikTok in the United States?
TikTok's future in the United States remains uncertain. It seems that political force on the platform will increase, regardless of whether talks about its sale to Elon Muskow will be confirmed. A possible transaction could change the arrangement of forces on the global social media market, but could besides make further tensions between the US and China.
One thing is certain: TikTok remains at the centre of attention as a platform that not only changes the way content is consumed online, but besides shapes the political and economical dynamics of the world.
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The Chinese are considering selling TikTok Muskov.