- Oracle and Microsoft Negotiations: Oracle and Microsoft are in talks to acquire TikTok’s global operations, with Oracle overseeing key aspects like algorithms and data, while ByteDance retains a minority stake.
- U.S. Government Involvement: The White House is shaping the deal amid national security concerns, with President Trump setting a 90-day deadline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok.
- Past and Present Interest: Microsoft, a previous bidder alongside Walmart, re-enters negotiations, while other potential buyers like Elon Musk and Frank McCourt remain on the sidelines.
Oracle and Microsoft are reportedly negotiating a potential acquisition of TikTok’s global operations, marking a significant move in the ongoing saga surrounding the popular video-sharing app. According to reports, the deal would see ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, retaining a minority stake while Oracle oversees key aspects of the platform, including its algorithm, data collection, and software updates. The U.S. government is said to be involved in shaping the deal, though President Trump has denied working directly with Oracle on the matter.
President Trump recently stated that multiple parties have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok but clarified that Oracle was not among those he has personally engaged with. While he acknowledged that discussions are ongoing, he emphasized that a final decision is expected within the next month, with Congress granting a 90-day window for a resolution. Trump has previously expressed support for Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison as a potential buyer of TikTok.
Oracle’s existing infrastructure already supports much of TikTok’s backend operations, positioning it as a natural fit for oversight and monitoring responsibilities under the proposed deal. The acquisition aims to reduce Chinese ownership of TikTok, aligning with U.S. national security concerns. Other prominent figures, including Elon Musk and real estate magnate Frank McCourt, have reportedly considered acquiring the platform in the past, highlighting widespread interest in the app’s massive global user base.
Microsoft’s role in the talks remains less defined, although the tech giant has been involved in previous bids to acquire TikTok. In 2020, Microsoft partnered with Oracle and Walmart in a similar effort, which ultimately fell through. This time, Walmart is reportedly not participating, having been deterred by the app’s substantial valuation.
The discussions come on the heels of an executive order issued by President Trump, giving TikTok additional time to address concerns surrounding its ownership and data practices. The White House has proposed a framework for a potential joint venture with reduced Chinese influence. As negotiations continue, all parties, including Oracle, Microsoft, ByteDance, and the U.S. government, remain tight-lipped on the specifics of the deal.
