Who Will Own TikTok? Talks On with Oracle, Microsoft, Other Investors

Who will own TikTok? The question remains unanswered after years the controversy started. But the talks about its potential buyers are still going on. It can be Oracle, Microsoft, billionaire Elon Musk, real estate mogul Frank McCourt, Shark Tank host Kevin O’Leary, or Youtuber Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast. A report by NRP stated that Oracle and a group of investors including Microsoft are in advanced talks with the White House to acquire TikTok’s global operations.

The deal, if takes place, will allow China’s ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) to retain a minority stake in the video sharing platform. The report added that Oracle will look after the app’s data collection, algorithm, and software updates. It is pertinent to note that Oracle already supports TikTok’s infrastructure through its server network.

And the role of Microsoft looks shady in the negotiations but NRP reported that the tech giant participated in the discussions. It is not the first time Microsoft tried to acquire TikTok; it made an attempt in 2020 too, alongside Oracle and Walmart. At that time, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates termed the negotiation talks a “poisoned chalice”. Currently, Walmart has reportedly refused to participate in the talks due to the “high estimated price” of the application.

Also Read | From US to India: Why TikTok is Under Global Scrutiny

TikTok’s Future in Next 30 Days?

US President Donald Trump on January 25 said he would likely have a decision on the app’s future in the next 30 days because he held taks with multiple people over TikTok acquisition deal. “I have spoken to many people about TikTok and there is great interest in TikTok,” Trump told media persons during a flight to Florida.

When asked if he was discussing a plan with Oracle and other investors, Trump said, as quoted by Reuters, “No, not with Oracle. Numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it and I will make that decision probably over the next 30 days. Congress has given 90 days. If we can save TikTok, I think it would be a good thing."

Also Read | US TikTok Ban: Is Elon Musk the Key to Its Survival?

The Supreme Court on Friday (January 17, 2025) upheld a law banning TikTok in the US unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform by 19 January. TikTok has around 170 million US users which generated a revenue of around $7bn for the company in 2024 and was estimated to generate around $9bn in 2025.