Elon Musk would consider buying TikTok according to close sources. Owner of social network X, he could jointly manage the two platforms. What would be the consequences of such a rapprochement? Decryption.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and owner of the social network X (formerly Twitter), is in discussions to acquire TikTok according to sources close to the matter. A perspective that raises many questions about the future of the social media landscape.
A takeover under close surveillance
Chinese authorities are currently evaluating the possibility of Elon Musk buying TikTok’s American activities, if the application were to be banned in the United States. Indeed, a law adopted last year obliges the Chinese giant ByteDance, owner of TikTok, to sell the application by January 2025, under penalty of ban.
According to confidential sources, the Chinese government is considering a scenario where Elon Musk’s Company X would take control of American TikTok and jointly manage the two platforms. One option among others to try to preserve the future of TikTok across the Atlantic.
Musk, a strong ally for TikTok?
If this acquisition were to materialize, Elon Musk would become a key player in social networks. Already the owner of X, he would get his hands on TikTok’s 170 million American users. Enough to consolidate its influence in this highly strategic sector.
But beyond the business issues, it is also Elon Musk’s proximity to future President Donald Trump that is of concern. The billionaire has widely supported the Republican, financially and via his platform X. Trump, who tried to ban TikTok at the end of 2020, has since reconsidered its positioneven saying he had a “weakness” for the application.
What consequences for users?
If the operation were to succeed, many questions would arise about the future of TikTok. Would Elon Musk impose his vision, as he did with X? Would we see a rapprochement, or even a merger of the two platforms? What would be the consequences in terms of content moderation and of data protection ?
Contacted, TikTok did not wish to comment on this information. But an internal source assures that guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of users “remains the top priority” of the company, regardless of its owner.
An uncertain future
If discussions are only in their early stages, a takeover of TikTok by Elon Musk would have a major impact on the digital industry. This would strengthen the control of a few tech giants over our digital lives. And would ask more than ever the question of their regulation a you control that States can still exercise.
A file to follow closely, as the clock ticks for young people’s favorite application. TikTok has been in Washington’s sights for years, amid geopolitical tensions with Beijing. The arrival of Elon Musk could reshuffle the cards, but in what direction? The future will tell us.
