Microsoft Pursues TikTok Acquisition Amid US Ban Threats
Microsoft confirms talks to acquire TikTok's US operations after President Trump threatens to ban the popular video app over national security concerns.
Microsoft confirms it is in discussions to acquire the US operations of TikTok following threats from President Trump to ban the popular short-form video app. The tech giant states that its CEO, Satya Nadella, speaks directly with Trump about the potential deal, aiming to address national security concerns raised by the administration.
The talks come after Trump announces plans to take aggressive action against TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. US officials express worries that the Chinese government potentially accesses the personal data of millions of American users through the app, making a sale to a US company a possible solution to avoid an outright ban.
Microsoft notes that it intends to complete these negotiations quickly, with a goal of finalizing the deal by September 15. The company pledges to ensure that all private data of American users transfers to and remains in the United States if the acquisition successfully goes through.