For years, people around the world have turned to social media to stay connected with friends and family. It all started with MySpace in 2003, but the real social media revolution began with the launch of Facebook in 2004. Since then, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) have become the primary ways we communicate online.
In 2018, the Chinese app TikTok made its debut in the U.S., offering users the ability to share short videos covering everything from recipes and personal stories to dance routines and musical performances. Though it initially gained traction slowly, TikTok skyrocketed in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, quickly becoming a central hub for social interaction.
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TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been under scrutiny by the U.S. government for years. Concerns center around allegations that the app collects data from American users and could share that information with the Chinese government. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these claims, asserting that user data is stored outside China and is not accessible to Chinese authorities.
However, lawmakers remain unconvinced. A bill signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year requires TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese entity by 2025 or face a nationwide ban. The move follows years of escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over cybersecurity and data privacy. The U.S. Court of Appeals recently sided with the government, arguing that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government present a legitimate risk.
Social media erupted recently when a rumor suggested Disney had purchased TikTok for an astounding $100 billion. Fans of the video-sharing platform momentarily celebrated what seemed like a lifeline for their beloved app, as the U.S. government moves closer to banning TikTok due to national security concerns. But as quickly as the rumor spread, the truth behind the story was revealed—and it’s not what users hoped.
The claim that Disney had acquired TikTok originated from MouseTrap News, a satirical website that describes itself as “The Onion for Disney fans.” The article reported that Disney, a company synonymous with magic and fantasy, had swooped in to save TikTok from being banned in the U.S. The reported price tag of $100 billion would have been Disney’s largest acquisition ever, far surpassing its $71.3 billion purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
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The article’s tone, while clearly comedic to some, fooled others into believing the news. Even the site’s accompanying Instagram post, which declared, “Disney is saving TikTok and it only cost $100 billion! You’re welcome!” sparked debate. Social media buzzed with excitement, confusion, and skepticism, with many users taking the claim at face value.
Despite the buzz, Disney has made no moves to purchase TikTok. The MouseTrap News article was purely satirical, designed to entertain rather than inform. For those unfamiliar with the site’s playful approach, the fake news was convincing enough to stir real discussions about whether Disney would—or should—buy the app.
While the idea of Disney acquiring TikTok might seem far-fetched, it does spark interesting questions about the future of both companies. Disney, known for its family-friendly content and expansive media empire, has dabbled in partnerships with TikTok before. Could a more formal relationship benefit both brands? For now, the answer remains speculative at best.
What do you think about the U.S. government’s plans to ban TikTok? Should Disney — or another company — step in to save the platform? Share your thoughts below!
