Observed Signal · Aug 31, 2020 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
China's Export Rules Complicate TikTok Sale
China is imposing export restrictions that could complicate the sale of TikTok, the video app owned by ByteDance. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has introduced rules requiring permission to export IT technologies that personalize based on data analytics, potentially applying to TikTok. TikTok contends that Chinese law would not apply, since the app is not available in China. Meanwhile, the US government, led by President Donald Trump, has sought to force a sale of TikTok's US business and is pursuing legal action. Reportedly, Twitter, Microsoft, and Oracle are considering acquiring TikTok’s US operations, with Triller also showing interest and Centricus named as a potential investor. A rough $20 billion offer has been circulated for the TikTok business in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
Regulatory export controls affecting a major social platform's sale; potential impact on cross-border M&A and data-security policy in adtech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Trump issued an executive order to force TikTok to sell its US business.
- China's export restrictions require government approval for IT technologies with data-analytics-based personalization to be sold abroad, potentially covering TikTok.
- TikTok states Chinese law would not apply since the app is not available in China.
- Twitter, Microsoft and Oracle are reported as potential buyers; Triller is also interested; Centricus is mentioned as an investor.
- A reported $20 billion offer circulated for TikTok's business in the US, Australia, New Zealand and India.
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