Oracle and a group of investors including Microsoft are in talks to take over Tiktok’s global operations, information NPR. The deal, which the White House is negotiating, would reportedly see Bytedance maintain a minority stake in Tiktok, while “the app’s algorithm, data collection and software updates will be overseen by Oracle.” .
Oracle’s server network already provides most of Tiktok’s backbone, and under the deal, the company would “effectively monitor and provide oversight of what is happening with Tiktok,” according to one of NPR’s anonymous sources, He added that the objective of the agreement is to have “Minimize Chinese ownership.”
Microsoft’s reported involvement is unclear beyond that it is “engaged in the talks.” The company was also in the mix with Oracle and Walmart in a 2020 attempt to take over Tiktok that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had called “a poison.”[ed] chalice.” According to reports, Walmart is not involved this time in “after calming down to the estimated price” of the application.
News of the talks comes after President Trump issued an executive order that gave Tiktok and others a 75-day reprieve from any enforcement action related to the United States’ requirement that the divestment of the bytes of Tiktok. Trump had previously floated the possibility of a “joint venture” in which the United States owns 50 percent of the company.
We have reached out to Oracle, Microsoft, Tiktok and the White House for comment.