What's going on?

Oracle � the world�s second-biggest software maker � has reportedly joined the chase to buy TikTok�s operations in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

What does this mean?

Oracle � which focuses on selling cloud computing software to corporate customers � doesn�t seem like it has the background for a consumer-facing social media app. In fact, analysts reckon it�ll have to build an entirely new arm just to accommodate the platform. But that might not matter: Oracle�s reportedly spoken to venture capital firms about partnering up in hopes that their expertise might plug the gaps in its knowledge.


Oracle�s rival-apparent seems like a more natural fit: Microsoft already owns professional social networking platform LinkedIn and search engine Bing (yep, Bing�s still around), and has experience with both their advertising businesses. Social media firm Twitter has expressed interest too, though there are some concerns it can�t actually pay for the deal�

Why should I care?

For markets: Where�s your competitive spirit?

As of May, Oracle had around $43 billion worth of cash lying around, so it could in theory buy TikTok � valued by analysts at between $20-50 billion � on its own. Microsoft has plenty in the bank too � over $136 billion, in fact � but it might be worried that suitors like Oracle could push up the price it has to pay (tweet this). Even if Microsoft eventually wins out, then, it�ll be under more pressure to turn TikTok into an advertising powerhouse to justify its likely-higher cost.

For you personally: Blind data.

A major concern the US government has with TikTok is that users� data is exported to China � something a US buyer would aim to undo. But if you�re already worried about where your data is ending up, it�s worth keeping track of which tech giant is running your favorite platforms. That way, you can always get it wiped altogether � though that�s admittedly easier to do in Europe than elsewhere in the world.