Observed Signal · Aug 4, 2020 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
China denounces TikTok sale as 'theft' amid ban
China responded to a potential US ban on TikTok by publishing a foreword in the state-backed China Daily labeling the proposed sale of TikTok by ByteDance to Microsoft as theft, and vowing that China will not accept such actions. The piece frames the negotiations and looming prohibition as part of an "America first" stance, arguing Washington would pressure foreign companies until they sold to a US firm. It notes that while the article does not detail concrete countermeasures, China has multiple avenues to respond if the ban proceeds. Separately, Microsoft confirmed it was in negotiations with ByteDance to acquire TikTok, prompted by the contemplated ban, and the White House reportedly set a 45-day deadline to finish a sale; failure to do so could result in a nationwide US ban or a sale to another company. The outcome remains uncertain as talks continue.
Regulatory tensions around TikTok and cross-border sale; potential impact on the adtech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- China Daily op-ed calls the proposed ByteDance sale of TikTok to Microsoft 'theft'.
- China states it will not accept the 'theft' and has many ways to respond to a US ban.
- Microsoft confirmed negotiations with ByteDance to acquire TikTok.
- Trump set a 45-day deadline to complete the sale.
- If the sale is not completed within 45 days, TikTok could be banned nationwide in the US or sold to another company.
Connected Companies & Entities
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