Larry Ellison, the billionaire known for his close ties with former President Trump, has expanded his influence in the digital world through a landmark acquisition deal. TikTok has agreed to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors spearheaded by Ellison, a move that significantly bolsters the Ellison entertainment empire.
The Acquisition of TikTok's U.S. Business
According to an internal memo from TikTok CEO Shou Chew, a new U.S. company will be formed to oversee the app’s American data operations. This initiative aims to address concerns about data privacy and security, particularly related to the app's ties with its parent company, ByteDance in Beijing, which will retain a minority share. Key investors, including Silver Lake and the United Arab Emirates-backed fund MGX, are collaborating with Oracle, Ellison’s company, to manage these operations.
Larry Ellison's Strategic Move
Ellison's interest in TikTok reportedly began when U.S. lawmakers expressed apprehension about the app's Chinese ownership. Recognizing an opportunity, Ellison proposed relocating Americans' TikTok data to Oracle's servers, a gesture symbolized by "Project Texas," highlighting Oracle's role in separating Chinese and American data operations. This strategic move aligns with Ellison's broader political affiliations, including his active support for Trump.
An 81-Year-Old's Vision
At 81, Ellison is seemingly undeterred by age as he steers his family’s expansive media and entertainment portfolio into the digital realm. His son, David Ellison, oversees Paramount Skydance, which controls major media outlets like CBS News and Paramount Pictures. Recently, they made headlines with a bid to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, indicative of their ambitions.
Implications for TikTok Users
A critical aspect of this acquisition is the control over TikTok’s content moderation policies. With Ellison and his partners at the helm, changes in what users can post and view are anticipated. This shift raises questions among free-speech advocates about potential censorship, echoing earlier concerns about Chinese control. As the Ellisons enforce their vision, the future of TikTok’s content guidelines remains a topic of scrutiny.
Ellison Family's Media Empire
Larry Ellison's influence stretches beyond just TikTok. The Ellisons have a significant stake in the media through Paramount Skydance, which not only includes major film and television operations but also extends to politically-leaning platforms. Paramount's recent acquisition of The Free Press, a right-wing outlet known for its anti-woke stance, reflects their specific ideological tilt.
The transaction, while primarily a business maneuver, also holds political implications. As Ellison commands greater control over influential media and entertainment channels, including this latest
