After X, Elon Musk is reportedly set to buy TikTok

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The news had the effect of a bomb in the world of tech. Elon Musk, already owner of X (ex-Twitter), could put the hand on TikTok US. A prospect that would completely redraw the landscape of American social networks. The billionaire, known for his spectacular acquisitions, finds himself once again at the heart of a potential historic transaction estimated at between 40 and 50 billion dollars.

A backup option that suits everyone

The Chinese authorities prefer that TikTok remains under the control of ByteDance. But faced with the threat of an imminent ban in the United States, they are exploring alternatives. The sale to Elon Musk represents an attractive diplomatic solution. The Tesla boss maintains privileged relations with China, where its largest electric vehicle factory is located. His influence with Donald Trump, who returned to the White House on January 20, also makes him a choice interlocutor.

The Chinese company could thus avoid an outright ban on TikTok in the United States, while selling its activities to a major tech player. For Musk, the acquisition would represent a golden opportunity to expand his media empire. TikTok has more than 170 million American users and generates considerable advertising revenue. An integration with X would create a strong competitor to Meta.

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Major technical and financial challenges

The complexity of such an operation should not be underestimated. TikTok’s lawyers have already highlighted the extraordinary difficulty of separating the American activities from the rest of the company. The recommendation system, the beating heart of the application, uses algorithms developed in China. Their export is subject to strict restrictions by Beijing.

The financial structure also raises questions. Even for the richest man in the world, paying out up to $50 billion is a challenge. Musk is still repaying the loans taken out for the acquisition of Twitter, which he bought for $44 billion. A new transaction of this magnitude would probably require the sale of other assets or the involvement of external investors.

Tight timing and geopolitical stakes

The pressure is on. The January 19 deadline is fast approaching. If the Supreme Court upholds the TikTok ban, ByteDance will either have to sell or close its U.S. operations. Donald Trump has asked for more time to negotiate a solution, but nothing is guaranteed.

The case goes far beyond the commercial sphere. It is part of the technological and diplomatic tensions between China and the United States. A sale to Musk could serve as a bridge between the two superpowers. The billionaire has already spoken out against the TikTok ban, deeming it contrary to American values ​​of free speech.

TikTok officially denies these reports, calling them “pure fiction.” Yet Bloomberg’s sources suggest that the discussions in China are real, if preliminary. ByteDance itself may not be fully informed of these government deliberations.

• China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk as last resort
• The deal, estimated at $40-50 billion, would save TikTok in the United States
• A decision will have to be made before January 19, the potential date for the app to be banned

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