The latest twist in the TikTok saga is an especially strange turn in a tale filled with strange turns. Suddenly, Microsoft - known primarily for work software like Windows and Office - is in talks to buy the popular Chinese-owned video app, which has raised national-security concerns for U.S. officials.
The U.S. government is effectively forcing ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to sell so it can salvage the app in the U.S., a huge and valuable market. President Donald Trump has threatened a “ban” on TikTok and other administration officials and U.S. lawmakers of both parties have said the app's Chinese ownership is a concern.
It’s unclear what shape such a ban would take or whether the sale will go through. TikTok’s users are posting videos saying they are upset and angry.
AirTalk dives into theTikTok saga and provides a primer for those unfamiliar with COVID-19’s most popular social media app.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Mike Isaac, technology correspondent for the New York Times; he is the author of “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber”; he tweets
Wendy Lee, digital media reporter for the L.A. Times covering the growing influence of tech giants; she tweets