President Donald Trump announced Monday that Microsoft was in talks to acquire TikTok. This came shortly after the app briefly went dark last week. Trump also suggested he’d like to see a bidding war for the popular platform.
Previously, Trump said he had been in discussions with multiple parties regarding TikTok’s future. The app, with around 170 million American users, remains in the spotlight. A decision on its fate is expected within 30 days, according to Reuters.
TikTok was briefly taken offline just before a key law took effect on Jan. 19. That law required ByteDance, the app’s parent company, to sell it or face a ban.
However, Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20, delaying the law’s enforcement by 75 days. This decision pushed back the immediate threat to the app’s operations.
The law was driven by rising concerns over TikTok’s handling of user data. Questions about how data was being used sparked calls for stricter control.
Trump’s focus on TikTok has highlighted ongoing debates about privacy and security. “It’s about protecting American interests,” Trump stated earlier.
As the situation develops, the app’s future remains uncertain. Talks between Microsoft and ByteDance continue, but time is running out.
With millions of U.S. users, TikTok’s next chapter will likely have widespread implications. Many are now watching closely for what happens next.