Is there a possibility that Microsoft will buy TikTok? Could be
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Key notes
- US lawmakers propose a bill forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to a US company within 6 months.
- The bill arises from concerns about TikTok’s data privacy and potential national security risks.
TikTok is back in the spotlight – and not for its viral dances; well, it has been in the spotlight for some time now. US lawmakers are pushing a bill that could force ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell the app’s US operations. If passed, ByteDance would have just six months to find a US buyer or face a complete ban in the US.
Remember all those concerns about user data and national security floating around TikTok a few years ago? They’re back. US officials are still worried that China might be accessing user data or influencing content on the platform.
Back in 2020, under the Trump administration, there were similar situations about forcing a TikTok sale. Back then, Microsoft was a top contender to buy the app. Now, with this new bill, the door might be opening for a Microsoft-TikTok reunion.
According to Windows Report, there are a few reasons why this whole Microsoft buying TikTok thing might not fly. First, is Microsoft even interested? They tried (and failed) to buy the app a few years ago. Second, can they afford it? TikTok is HUGE now, and the price tag would likely be massive. Finally, there are concerns that forcing a sale or a ban might violate free speech rights, something Bing is already facing, well, something similar.
The future of TikTok in the US is uncertain. This new bill creates a chance for Microsoft to potentially snatch up the app.
