President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he was in active discussions with China over the future of TikTok, as the US seeks to broker a sale of the popular app. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that talks were ongoing, underscoring the US government’s desire to address national security concerns tied to the app’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over TikTok’s data security practices and potential links to the Chinese government.
The Trump administration has expressed concerns that TikTok could be used to collect sensitive data on US users, raising fears about national security risks. As a result, the US has been pushing for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company. This would be part of an effort to reduce any potential influence from the Chinese government over the app’s data and operations. However, the process has faced complexities, with discussions involving multiple stakeholders, including potential buyers.
While the negotiations continue, the future of TikTok remains uncertain. If a sale is not agreed upon, the US has indicated that it could pursue further actions, including a potential ban of the app. As these talks unfold, the outcome could have significant implications for TikTok’s millions of American users and its business operations in the US, with both sides working to find a solution that addresses the security concerns while allowing the app to continue its success.
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A growing number of young Europeans are turning to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as their primary news source, surpassing traditional outlets such as TV and print media. According to the latest European Parliament Youth Survey, 42% of people aged 16 to 30 rely on social media for news about politics and social issues. This shift highlights changing preferences toward fast-paced, accessible content but also raises concerns about the growing risk of disinformation among younger generations.
Younger users, especially those aged 16 to 18, are more likely to trust platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while those aged 25 to 30 tend to rely more on Facebook, online press, and radio for their news. However, the rise of social media as a news source has also led to increased exposure to fake news. A report from the Reuters Institute revealed that 27% of TikTok users struggle to identify misleading content, while Instagram has faced criticism for relaxing its fact-checking systems.
Despite being aware of the risks, young Europeans continue to engage with social media for news. A significant 76% of respondents reported encountering fake news in the past week, yet platforms like Instagram remain the most popular news sources. This trend is impacting trust in political institutions, with many young people expressing scepticism toward the EU and skipping elections due to a lack of information.
The reliance on social media for news has shifted political discourse, as fake news and AI-generated content have been used to manipulate public opinion. The constant exposure to sensationalised false information is also having psychological effects, increasing anxiety and confusion among young people and pushing some to avoid news altogether.
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TikTok has returned to US app stores after President Donald Trump temporarily delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform. The app, which briefly went offline last month due to a new law requiring its parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a ban, is now available for download again.
Despite TikTok resuming service, Google and Apple had initially removed it from their stores while awaiting assurances that they would not be penalised for hosting the app. Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for TikTok’s sale by 75 days, allowing the platform to operate in the US without immediate repercussions.
The delay has sparked interest from potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, as analysts estimate TikTok’s US business could be worth up to $50 billion. The app, which had over 52 million downloads in 2024, remains one of the most popular in the country.
The law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets was signed last April by then-President Joe Biden, driven by national security concerns over potential Chinese government influence. That move marks an unprecedented step in US policy, granting the government broad authority to ban or force the sale of foreign-owned apps. Trump has stated that he is discussing TikTok’s future with multiple parties and expects to make a final decision by February.
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Elon Musk has confirmed he has no intention of purchasing TikTok, despite speculation and suggestions from former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a summit hosted by The WELT Group, Musk stated he had not made a bid for the app and had no plans for its future. He also noted that he does not use TikTok personally and is unfamiliar with its format.
The billionaire emphasised that acquiring companies is rare for him, with his high-profile purchase of Twitter, now X, being an exception. He reiterated his preference for building businesses from the ground up rather than taking over existing ones.
ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has been under pressure to sell its US assets due to concerns about data security and potential government influence.
Apple and Google have yet to reinstate TikTok in their app stores since new US legislation took effect. In response, TikTok has enabled Android users to download the app directly from its website.
Trump has suggested that multiple parties are in discussions over the platform’s future, with a final decision expected soon.
ByteDance has consistently denied any plans to sell TikTok, despite mounting political scrutiny. Trump, who once sought to ban the app, has recently expressed support for it, citing its role in his popularity among young voters.
No official response has been provided by ByteDance or TikTok regarding the ongoing situation.
TikTok has introduced a new method for US Android users to download the app directly from its website, bypassing restrictions imposed by app stores.
The move follows a US law that took effect on 19 January, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Apple and Google have yet to reinstate the app in their stores.
President Donald Trump, who took office the day after the law was enacted, signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days. Discussions over TikTok’s future are ongoing, with Trump stating a decision is expected this month.
The president also ordered the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, which could potentially acquire TikTok.
Concerns over data security have driven US officials to push for ByteDance to divest from TikTok. Critics argue that the ban threatens free speech, with advocates questioning claims about the company’s ties to China.
TikTok maintains that US user data is stored on Oracle-operated servers and that moderation decisions affecting American users are made domestically.
Donald Trump has said there is significant interest in purchasing TikTok, as his administration looks to broker a sale of the Chinese-owned app. The former president posted on Truth Social, stating that such a deal would benefit China and all involved parties.
The fate of TikTok remains uncertain following a US law that requires ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The law came into effect on 19 January, raising concerns over national security and data privacy.
After taking office, Trump signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the law by 75 days, allowing more time for negotiations. The move has reignited debate over foreign ownership of technology platforms and their impact on US security.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the creation of a US sovereign wealth fund within a year. The order tasks the Treasury and Commerce Departments with presenting a detailed plan within 90 days, outlining funding sources, investment strategies, and governance. The US, which operates at a deficit, would need congressional approval to establish such a fund.
Trump has long supported the idea of a government investment vehicle, suggesting it could finance major infrastructure projects and other national initiatives. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the fund would be structured to monetise US assets for public benefit. One proposal involves repurposing the US International Development Finance Corp (DFC) to function similarly to sovereign wealth funds found in other nations.
Congressional approval is likely necessary, as such a fund typically relies on surplus revenue. Experts have questioned its viability, given the country’s financial position. Investors expressed surprise, noting that sovereign wealth funds usually stem from accumulated savings rather than deficits. Despite this, Trump remains confident in the initiative.
A surprising element of Trump’s announcement was the suggestion that the sovereign wealth fund could purchase TikTok. The app, which faces regulatory pressure over national security concerns, has been in limbo as its Chinese owner, ByteDance, explores potential sales. Trump stated that a decision on TikTok’s future could be reached in February.
TikTok has announced a $3.8 billion investment in a data hosting centre in Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its digital infrastructure in the region. The project, managed through the company’s Singapore-based unit, is expected to support affiliated businesses and begin operations in 2026, according to Thailand’s Board of Investment.
The move comes amid a wave of tech investment in Thailand, with companies such as Google, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft all committing billions to establish data centres in the country. The Thai government hopes these developments will strengthen its digital economy and push the nation closer to becoming a regional technology hub.
TikTok’s decision to invest follows increased scrutiny over data privacy and security worldwide. As governments tighten regulations on tech firms, establishing regional data centres has become a strategic move for companies looking to maintain compliance and expand their presence in key markets.
US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, expressing a desire for a bidding war over the popular app. While Microsoft declined to comment, TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, did not immediately respond to media inquiries. TikTok, which has around 170 million US users, faced a brief shutdown just before a law that could force ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban took effect in January.
Trump mentioned last week that he was in talks with various parties regarding TikTok’s future, promising a decision within 30 days. The president also indicated that he would be open to Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, although the Tesla CEO has yet to comment. In addition to Microsoft, AI startup Perplexity AI proposed merging with TikTok, suggesting a potential deal where the US government could hold up to half of the new company.
This marks the second time Microsoft has been involved in potential talks to acquire TikTok. Back in 2020, Microsoft emerged as a frontrunner in buying the app, but those discussions eventually collapsed. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later described the situation as “the strangest thing” he had ever worked on, noting how the deal abruptly disappeared after the Trump administration pushed for a divestment.
Discussions surrounding TikTok’s ownership and future in the US are intensifying, with President Trump indicating a decision could come within 30 days. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he confirmed conversations with multiple parties interested in acquiring the app. Trump emphasised substantial interest in TikTok, which boasts 170 million American users.
The White House is reportedly pursuing a plan involving Oracle and external investors to address national security concerns. The proposal under consideration would allow ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to retain a minority stake, while Oracle would oversee data management and software updates. These arrangements aim to allay fears of Chinese government interference.
Oracle’s involvement builds on its existing role in hosting TikTok’s US user data. However, Trump clarified he had not directly discussed the matter with Oracle’s Larry Ellison. Reports suggest ByteDance’s US investors, including Susquehanna International Group and Sequoia Capital, may also participate in the deal.
The situation remains fluid, with details of the potential agreement subject to change. While Trump has suggested US ownership in a joint venture, finalising a deal will require balancing Congressional scrutiny, national security considerations, and free speech concerns raised by TikTok’s advocates.
