Microsoft in Talks to Acquire TikTok, confirms Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Microsoft is engaged in discussions to acquire the popular video-sharing app TikTok. This revelation comes as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign against Chinese-owned applications, citing national security concerns.

Trump stated that his administration is scrutinizing TikTok’s operations in the United States, expressing worries that the app, owned by China’s ByteDance, could potentially hand over user data to the Chinese government. This claim is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to address perceived risks posed by Chinese technology companies.

According to Trump, he has given Microsoft and ByteDance a specific deadline to finalize negotiations. If no agreement is reached, he reiterated his intention to ban TikTok altogether in the U.S. market. This threat has created urgency for both parties to reach a deal that could satisfy U.S. regulators and allay fears about data privacy and national security.

Microsoft, one of the largest tech companies in the world, has expressed its interest in acquiring TikTok’s operations in several key markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A successful acquisition would not only help TikTok comply with U.S. regulations but also provide Microsoft with an opportunity to expand its presence in the social media landscape, a sector it has struggled to penetrate in the past.

The proposed deal raises questions about the future of TikTok in the U.S. and the broader implications for international technology markets. With a firm deadline set by the U.S. government, all eyes are on Microsoft and ByteDance as they navigate complex regulatory and geopolitical challenges to finalize the acquisition.

If successful, this deal could serve as a precedent for how governments and companies address national security concerns in the tech industry.