'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQI/8QAIRAAAgEDAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQREiJBBSExMpH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/EABoRAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMRBEH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AM/qtZt6Pc3CVbVkS1hniJyPXk5NQB1oQDKbdXOwHv8AaUp7KVVVYey5et804Z//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Tesla CEO, Elon Musk has shared his thoughts regarding the uncertain fate of TikTok in the US. As per the latest updates, after seeing a temporary halt in services on January 19, 2025, the app has restored functioning following Donald Trump's announcement that the app needed to be saved.
Musk shared an X post on April 19, 2024, where he said the app must not be banned even though such a restriction would benefit X. He reshared the same post on January 19, 2025, with the caption:
“I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech. That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but 𝕏 is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change.”
Social media users criticized Elon Musk for turning the situation to his advantage. Others noted that his statement about free speech was not sincere. One X user reacted:
“Everything is about him omg.”
Social media users shared similar sentiments as others accused Elon Musk of initiating the ban fiasco in the first place.
“How he gonna make a tiktok ban about him,” a netizen commented.
“mind you he’s the one who started with this tiktok ban nonsense,” a person opined.
“now he cares about free speech,” a social media user wrote.
Netizens appeared hopeful about the app’s restoration in the US after Trump came to power.
“I'm sure Trump is going to fix that in his first 100 days !!!!” an internet user mentioned.
“freedom of speech is key, but things need to be more balanced globally,” an online user suggested.
“He's against it because TikTok is most profitable than X and Meta together,” a netizen remarked.
Previous reports suggested that Elon Musk could buy TikTok’s US operations
Nearly a week ago, reports floated on the internet suggesting that the app's parent company might have considered selling the video hosting platform to Elon Musk, though this hasn't been officially confirmed. App officials dismissed the rumors as "pure fiction."
Elon Musk has neither commented on nor shown interest in purchasing the app so far. After the US ban went into place on January 19, 2025, the app went dark for nearly 170 million users. Following the temporary ban, a #farewelltiktok trend gained traction. The app also displayed the message:
“We regret that a US. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable We're working to restore our service in the US. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned.”
Trending
The confusion surrounding the app’s operations stemmed after US officials cited concerns about the potential misuse of Americans' data by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. According to Reuters, Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the US to provide a fair business environment.
Donald Trump suggested extending the ban deadline to negotiate a deal ensuring national security and proposed a 50% US ownership stake in a joint venture.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
