TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, must find a buyer for the app or face a ban in the United States. Elon Musk said he has no plans to make a bid.

ByteDance, the Chinese technology giant that owns TikTok, is under increasing pressure to sell the app’s U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. A new law signed by President Biden in April 2024 gives ByteDance until early 2025 to divest TikTok’s U.S. business, citing national security concerns over the app’s ties to China. Lawmakers and intelligence officials argue that the Chinese government could potentially access American user data or influence content on the platform, though TikTok has denied these allegations. If ByteDance does not comply, TikTok could be banned from operating in the U.S., cutting off a massive user base of over 150 million Americans.

As speculation swirls over potential buyers, billionaire Elon Musk has clarified that he has no interest in acquiring TikTok. Responding to online discussions, Musk stated he does not plan to bid for the app, despite his strong presence in the tech and social media industry through companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). His statement suggests that even with its immense popularity, TikTok may struggle to find a willing buyer who can navigate the financial and regulatory hurdles of such a massive acquisition. The sale would likely require a company with deep pockets and experience in social media operations, limiting the pool of potential buyers.

ByteDance has repeatedly pushed back against the forced sale, arguing that it does not pose a national security threat and that divesting TikTok’s U.S. operations would be highly complex, if not impossible. The company has also pursued legal action, challenging the U.S. government’s decision as unconstitutional and an infringement on free speech rights. Meanwhile, TikTok executives have proposed alternative solutions, such as storing U.S. user data within American borders and enhancing transparency to address security concerns. However, these efforts have not convinced U.S. lawmakers, who remain determined to sever TikTok’s ties to China.

With the clock ticking, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. If ByteDance refuses to sell, the Biden administration could enforce a ban, leading to a major disruption for businesses, influencers, and everyday users who rely on the platform. On the other hand, a successful sale could reshape the social media landscape, potentially giving an American company control over one of the world’s most popular apps. The coming months will be critical in determining whether TikTok can survive in the U.S. or if it will become another casualty of escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.