Oracle reportedly in talks to acquire TikTok's operations in Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand

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It looks like Microsoft isn't the only company looking to acquire TikTok from Chinese company ByteDance. New reports claim Oracle is holding preliminary talks with ByteDance to acquire its operations in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is reportedly working with US venture capital firms General Atlantic and Sequoia Capital, which already have a stake in TikTok. TikTok is facing a ban in the US after the country's lawmakers accused it of being a threat to national security. 

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Reports claim TikTok might soon sue White House over ban

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TikTok might be taking legal action against the White House over the ban of its service, and it might do it soon. According to an NPR source, the company plans to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration as early as August 11, contending the executive order to ban "transactions" with TikTok's parent company ByteDance unconstitutional. TikTok argues it violated its due process right to respond, and that the national security rationale used for justifying the order is "pure speculation and conjecture."

According to the unnamed source, the White House didn't have investigators contact the company ahead of an enforcement action, as is the standard process with companies. And so, TikTok's team reportedly believes it's a breach of procedure. The social media company hasn't commented yet on the possibility of an impending lawsuit. Still, it has acknowledged beliefs that the order was issued "without any due process" and "no substantiation" regarding the security allegations.

Source: Engadget

Microsoft reportedly wants to acquire TikTok's global business

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If recent reports are accurate, Microsoft doesn't just want part of TikTok's business. The tech giant supposedly set its sights on a total buyout of TikTok's global business from China-based company ByteDance. The deal, however, wouldn't include ByteDance's sister Chinese app Douyin.

The report surfaces in the same week Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talked to US President Donald Trump about exploring the idea of acquiring TikTok's US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand businesses. Microsoft and ByteDance refused to comment about the rumours, and some reports refute the rumours. For now, we're keeping our eyes peeled for any updates on the popular app's future. 

Source: CNET

The Weeknd will host an AR virtual concert on TikTok on Aug. 7

For the first time, TikTok will be hosting an augmented-reality, live-streamed concert featuring Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer The Weeknd. He will be performing songs from his newest hit album After Hours. "The Weeknd Experience" is brought together by TikTok together with XO, Republic Records and virtual concert startup Wave. It will stream exclusively on the platform over at the @tiktok account on Friday, August 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. Fans can expect to see 3D renderings and picture-in-picture video used to create what's going to be an immersive live stream. And like with other TikTok live streams, viewers can interact in real-time, too.

The event will raise funds for the Equal Justice Initiative, which supports racial equality. Fans can donate directly from the app leading up to and during the show. TikTok said it would match the funds "up to a generous amount." And those who want to remember the experience can buy exclusive merchandise from August 6 until 10 only, with proceeds from the sales going to the Equal Justice Initiative.

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