TikTok’s Fate Sealed? Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon Vying for Mega Deal！
TikTok Close to U.S. Sale: Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon in Final Talks.
In a significant development that could reshape the social media landscape in the United States, TikTok is reportedly nearing the completion of negotiations for its U.S. operations sale with tech giants Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon. As discussions approach the final stages, the outcome could have profound implications for TikTok’s future and its millions of American users.
Here are some of the potential U.S. TikTok deals in discussion:
- The main name that continues to come up is Oracle, with Oracle already facilitating the local operations of the app. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has an established relationship with Trump, which likely gives the company an in, if it wants it, though Trump noted late last month that he has not personally spoken to Ellison about a TikTok deal. Even so, Oracle has reportedly been involved in various discussions with the Trump Administration about taking a stake in the app.
- Amazon is also looking at a possible TikTok deal, with a view to using TikTok’s reach to promote Amazon products. Amazon is already working with TikTok on similar in-app listings.
- Microsoft has also reportedly been in discussions about the app, though Microsoft hasn’t publicly discussed any such details as yet. There was no mention of TikTok in Microsoft’s recent earning call.
- Various investor consortiums led by YouTuber MrBeast and Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley, among others, are reportedly inquiring about the app, but it’s not clear whether they’re realistic bidders in the race.
- X owner Elon Musk is reportedly not interested in buying the app.
The talks, which have been ongoing amid growing scrutiny over data privacy concerns, are centered on finding a safe harbor for TikTok’s U.S. data handling to comply with stringent U.S. regulations. Each potential buyer brings distinct capabilities to the table, promising different strategic benefits for TikTok. Oracle offers a strong cloud infrastructure platform, Microsoft has vast experience in software and technology management, and Amazon boasts unparalleled data handling and e-commerce expertise.
But time is short. Trump granted TikTok a 75-day extension from its original January 19th deadline, which means that they now have only 52 days left to negotiate a new arrangement.
This potential sale is part of TikTok’s efforts to address the U.S. government’s concerns about the security and privacy of its user data, which have escalated amidst geopolitical tensions. The final decision could not only secure TikTok’s operations in the U.S. but also set a precedent for how foreign-owned social media platforms manage American user data in the future.
