Tech
ByteDance Calls TikTok Sale to Musk Fake News
Singapore’s DyteDance CEO TikTok Shou Zi Chew has dismissed claims that China might approve selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk as “Fake News.” A Bloomberg News report suggested Chinese officials were considering selling TikTok’s U.S. arm to Elon Musk.
The Supreme Court must rule on a law requiring TikTok to sell its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban.
TikTok has consistently stated it will not sell its U.S. business. “We can’t comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News.
Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported that one option under consideration involves Musk’s social platform X taking over TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Musk, known for his ties to President-elect Donald Trump, may benefit if the decision aligns with Trump’s return to the White House on January 20. Last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay its ruling until he assumes office, hinting at a “political resolution.”
Trump’s lawyers argued that banning TikTok is unnecessary and that he plans to address the issue diplomatically after taking office. Trump previously met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers Edward Markey and Ro Khanna have called for extending the January 19 deadline, urging President Biden and Congress to act.
During a recent Supreme Court session, justices appeared inclined to uphold the law, citing national security threats as a key concern.
The Biden administration insists that TikTok poses risks of surveillance and political influence if controlled by China, which the company denies. TikTok claims the ban violates its users’ First Amendment rights.
TikTok Users Flee to Red Note
As uncertainty looms, many TikTok users, calling themselves “TikTok refugees,” are turning to alternative platforms. A new trend, “Goodbye to my Chinese spy,” mocks claims of security threats.
The Chinese app Xiaohongshu, branded as RedNote in the U.S., has become a top choice for those leaving TikTok. On January 13, it topped the U.S. Apple App Store, gaining 700,000 new users.
This shift symbolizes growing tension between the U.S. and China in tech and social media. However, whether RedNote or other platforms can serve as a lasting alternative remains.
RedNote, owned by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, combines features of Instagram and Pinterest. It boasts 300 million monthly active users, most of whom are in China. It stores data in compliance with China’s regulations, raising potential privacy concerns.
Another option that gained traction was Lemon8, owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. It allows users to migrate account details from TikTok and has quickly climbed app store rankings.
RedNote is particularly attractive due to its content style and perceived immunity from U.S. government control. The hashtag “TikTok refugee” has racked up 250 million views and millions of comments on RedNote.
Whether RedNote or similar platforms will remain viable for former TikTok users depends largely on the outcome of the looming ban and its broader implications.
