 "TikTok seeking Musk's advice ahead of potential ban in the US, incoming Trump administration")
TikTok has reportedly sought advice from Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the competing social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), and a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump, as it navigates challenges in the United States.
Shou Chew, TikTok’s CEO, is said to have reached out to Musk in recent weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Leadership at TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese tech firm, views Musk as a potential intermediary to the incoming administration. This comes as the app faces mounting pressure over national security concerns, including the possibility of a US ban.
TikTok’s troubles in the US
The US administration, under outgoing President Joe Biden, had been raising alarms that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government. The company denies this claim.
The issue has gathered more steam with the passage of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law by Biden in April this year.
Under the law, ByteDance must divest its US operations of TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face an outright ban. The legislation aims to limit risks associated with foreign-controlled apps, which lawmakers say could endanger American users’ privacy and national security.
TikTok has responded by suing the federal government. The company’s legal challenge, TikTok v. Garland, argues that the divestiture mandate violates its First Amendment rights, as well as those of its users.
A court ruling is expected before the deadline January deadline.
Which way is Trump leaning?
Trump’s politics around TikTok has shifted. The Republican, who previously sought to ban the app during his first term, has signalled opposition to the looming ban, according to advisers.
Trump now cites the platform’s popularity and potential economic benefits as reasons to reconsider.
President-elect Trump is set to be sworn into office on January 20. Just a day after the ban deadline.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTikTok is likely betting on Musk’s mediation to avoid, or possibly reverse this potential ban when the next administration comes into power.
With inputs from agencies
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