TikTok is under fire from countries across the world. The latest development is that Donald Trump administration is all set to ban TikTok in the US. The primary issue is about the way in which data is collected by Bytedance, which owns TikTok. However, China is under fire from the US due to the negligence in handling COVID-19 by Chinese administration. India had banned TikTok citing privacy and national security issues after the deadly clash with Chinese army in Galwan Valley.
Commenting on the development, Trump revealed that they are banning TikTok from the US just before Air Force One landed in Washington. However, he declined the reveal the exact date but he said that it could happen tomorrow.
Trump used the word “immediately” several times among the reporters. Trump disclosed that he has the required authority to ban TikTok, which is operated by ByteDance based in China. Trump is gearing up to sign the order either via executive order or under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
If Trump signs an executive order banning TikTok, then Microsoft will look ahead for a potential purchase of TikTok in the US. We have to wait and watch whether Microsoft will only buy US operations or the entire global operations. China has been begging hard with India ever since the ban of TikTok. If the US also throws open a ban, then it would be difficult for the company to survive and selling is the only option left.
According to reliable sources, the Redmond-based Microsoft is currently exploring an acquisition of TikTok and the talks are in final stages. The Windows manufacturer has declined to comment on the developments.
With over 165 million user base in the US, TikTok can’t afford to lose this much user base. It would be a considerable loss of revenue and the company could close down. The main reason for the TikTok ban in the US is to put an end the monopoly and China’s power in Global technology.
ByteDance acquired Musical.ly in 2017 and merged with TikTok. Both Musical.ly and TikTok are based in the US with substantial investments in the US. Trump was critical about the manner in which China handled the COVID-19 pandemic. His contention was that China colluded with WHO to create an unholy partnership to create havoc and fear among the global community. It is to be noted that the US had walked out of the WHO recently and slashed all the fundings to the organization.
