Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft Show Interest in Acquiring TikTok's U.S. Operations

Major Tech Giants Explore the Potential Acquisition Amidst Complex Negotiations / Reuters

Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft, three of the world's leading technology companies, have expressed interest in acquiring the U.S. operations of the Chinese social media platform TikTok. This marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions surrounding TikTok's future in the United States, following concerns over national security and data privacy.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on February 8, 2025, sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft are unofficially exploring the possibility of acquiring TikTok's U.S. business. These tech giants are reportedly weighing the strategic benefits of controlling a major digital platform like TikTok, which has become a social media phenomenon worldwide.

The U.S. government has raised concerns about TikTok's ties to China, primarily related to the potential access to user data by the Chinese government. As a result, the Trump administration initiated discussions on the forced divestment of TikTok’s U.S. operations. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has been actively involved in talks with U.S. officials, proposing a new joint venture between American investors and TikTok to oversee data security and operations within the U.S. The plan suggests that the new entity would be based in the U.S., with an American-majority board controlling the company’s operations and data practices.

While discussions are ongoing, the involvement of the U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund in the acquisition process remains uncertain. Recently, President Trump signed an executive order to establish a national sovereign wealth fund, with the potential to take part in the acquisition of TikTok. However, experts argue that the timeline for the fund’s creation makes it unlikely to participate in the ongoing acquisition discussions.

In contrast to the optimism surrounding Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has officially announced that he will not be pursuing a bid for TikTok’s U.S. business. Speaking at an event hosted by German media group Axel Springer, Musk stated that he is not interested in acquiring TikTok, which has drawn significant attention from the media and tech industry due to its immense user base and influence.

The situation remains fluid, and the future of TikTok’s U.S. operations is still uncertain as these major technology players assess the risks and benefits of a potential acquisition. For now, it is clear that the issue of data privacy and national security will continue to play a pivotal role in the negotiations and any potential deals.