Tech Desk 
Jan 15, 2025
An undated image of TikTok logo on a mobile screen. — Freepik
In a startling development which has caused immense buzz among netizens, the short-video platform has downplayed the authenticity of rumours suggesting TikTok US' acquisition by Elon Musk.
“We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” said a TikTok spokesperson while responding to reports claiming the likelihood of Musk purchasing the platform's US-based operations.
As the China-based social media platform fast approaches January 19, the deadline set by Congress to impose a ban or force its divestiture, speculations surfaced on the internet that China is mulling over TikTok's sale to tech titan billionaire Musk, who possesses one of the biggest social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter).
Renowned news outlets including Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday reported that TikTok's representatives in China deliberated over the platform's sale to Musk ahead of the ban.
One of the possibilities, as reported by Bloomberg, is for TikTok operations in the US to merge into those of X.
However, the publication equally kept in view the uncertainty around how Musk, whose net worth is over $400 billion, would commit to such a massive transaction, or whether he would have to sell other assets to acquire TikTok.
