BY: Sultan Usman
Claim:
Reports have surfaced suggesting that TikTok is considering selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk.
Verdict:
False. TikTok has categorically denied these claims, labeling them as “pure fiction.”
Full Text:
Reports have recently emerged suggesting that TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is contemplating selling its U.S. operations to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. These claims have gained widespread attention, particularly in light of ongoing concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers regarding TikTok’s potential risks to national security and user data privacy.
The rumors come at a time when TikTok remains under intense scrutiny in the U.S., with legislators and regulatory bodies calling for more transparency regarding its data practices.
Some officials have even suggested banning the app outright or requiring it to be sold to a U.S.-based company to alleviate fears about its ties to the Chinese government. This environment has fueled speculation about potential buyers, with Elon Musk—a high-profile figure known for acquiring major businesses like Twitter—being named in recent unverified reports.
In response to these rumors, TikTok has firmly denied the claims, calling them “pure fiction.” The company issued a statement to clarify that it has no intentions of selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk or any other entity. Instead, TikTok reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to address regulatory concerns through constructive dialogue with lawmakers, increased transparency, and the implementation of strict data protection measures. This includes initiatives like “Project Texas,” which is designed to localize U.S. user data and mitigate security concerns.
The denial highlights TikTok’s strategic focus on sustaining its global presence while addressing challenges posed by political and regulatory pressures. The company has consistently argued that divesting its U.S. operations is not necessary to ensure user data security, and it remains committed to maintaining its independence while continuing to innovate for its users worldwide.
While the rumors about Elon Musk buying TikTok have captivated the public’s imagination, they appear to be baseless. Analysts suggest that such reports often arise from speculative chatter, particularly when high-profile figures like Musk are involved. For now, TikTok’s official stance puts to rest any notion of a sale, indicating that the company remains committed to resolving issues through cooperation rather than divestment.
Although speculative reports, such as those by Bloomberg and The Sun, suggested China might consider selling TikTok’s U.S. operations as one of several options to prevent a potential U.S. ban, these claims remain unverified and appear to have no grounding in TikTok’s current strategy. As of now, TikTok’s official position directly contradicts these rumors, and no credible evidence supports the claim of a sale being planned or in negotiation
Verification:
TikTok has directly denied claims of selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk, calling the reports “pure fiction” in a public statement. The company remains committed to addressing regulatory concerns through transparency.
Also using myaifactcheker, it confirmed that TikTok has refuted the claim of selling its US operation citing 1 top source and 19 other sources.
Conclusion:
The claim that TikTok is considering selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk is entirely unfounded. TikTok has strongly denied the reports, emphasizing that they are without merit and inconsistent with its current strategy. The company continues to prioritize addressing regulatory concerns while maintaining its ownership and operational structure.
