This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Published on August 5, 2020, Microsoft has confirmed ongoing talks with ByteDance to acquire TikTok's US operations, amidst growing concerns over user data sharing with the Chinese government.
The US government has been scrutinizing TikTok's ties to China, with President Trump set to ban the app from operating in America unless it is purchased by Microsoft or another company by September 15, 2020.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that the companies will be in discussions for the next few weeks, with the aim of completing them before the deadline.
Should the acquisition go through, Microsoft plans to boost the app's security, improve users' privacy and safety, and ensure that American users' data remains in the US.
Microsoft has also promised users more transparency and appropriate security oversight by governments, in a bid to alleviate concerns over data sharing.
The sale of TikTok could further stoke tensions between China and the US, which have imposed economic sanctions and closed consulates in several cities.
