TikTok calls report of possible sale to Musk ‘pure fantasy’

TikTok has slammed as “pure fiction” a report that China is considering allowing the sale of the social media company’s US operations to Elon Musk.

The company’s comments come in response to a Bloomberg report that Chinese officials are considering an option under which its business in the US could be shut down by the world’s richest man if the US Supreme Court upholds the ban on the app. can be sold.

Supreme Court judges are due to rule on a law that would set a January 19 deadline for TikTok to either sell its US operations or face a ban in the country.

TikTok has repeatedly said it will not sell its US operations.

“We can’t be expected to comment on pure speculation,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News.

One possible scenario being considered by Chinese authorities would see Musk’s ex taking control of the US operations of social media platform TikTok, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Musk is a close aide of US President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to return to the White House on January 20.

Last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay its decision until he takes office so he can find a “political solution.”

His lawyer filed a legal brief with the court stating that Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and “wants the ability to resolve issues through political means after taking office”.

It came a week after Trump met with TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi-Chi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The Biden administration has argued that without the sale, TikTok could be used by China as a tool for espionage and political manipulation.

The company has repeatedly denied any influence from the Chinese Communist Party and said the U.S. law to ban it violates its users’ First Amendment free speech rights.