MEF Mobile News Weekly

TikTok's Tipping Point: U.S. Takeover Could Redefine Mobile Privacy and Global App Governance

By Monday, we could know TikTok’s destiny: Donald Trump suggested he could reduce tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing allows ByteDance, the app’s parent company, to sell it to U.S. entities to avoid a ban.

A new U.S.-based TikTok with fresh American investment, which would reduce Chinese ownership below 20% would reshape the mobile ecosystem, from impact on Data Sovereignty and Privacy Standards, on the global app market, in investments and regulation.

Oracle and major U.S. investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Blackstone could own about half of the company, with ByteDance retaining a minority stake, according to Bloomberg.

A key sticking point is the app’s algorithm, which drives its success.

The Chinese government wants ByteDance to retain control, but U.S. officials argue that for security reasons, the algorithm should be operated by the new U.S. entity.

One potential compromise is licensing the algorithm to the U.S. entity, ensuring TikTok complies with U.S. regulations and alleviating privacy concerns.

The move could set a precedent for how foreign-owned apps handle data and operations in the U.S. market.

The deal could also impact the competitive landscape of social media apps and shape future regulatory frameworks for global tech companies.

Last-Minute Twist: AppLovin and Amazon Throw Down Bids for TikTok’s U.S. Future

Meanwhile AppLovin has confirmed its last-minute interest in acquiring TikTok outside of China.

The mobile advertising company disclosed this in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing.

While Amazon has also made a last-minute offer.

EU Targets Musk’s X with $1B Fine in Landmark Case Under Digital Services Act — NYT

The EU plans to fine Elon Musk’s X over $1B for violating the Digital Services Act, with penalties likely including both a fine and product changes, the New York Times reported citing four people with knowledge of the plans.

The case—centered on harmful content moderation—could reshape app governance in Europe, marking the first major enforcement of the DSA and setting a precedent for mobile platforms distributing user-generated content.

Musk Buys Twitter—Again: xAI Acquires X in $33B Deal to Build the First AI Super App

At the beginning of the week, Elon Musk made headlines again by acquiring Twitter for the second time in three years — this time through his AI company, xAI, in a $33 billion deal

The new entity, XAI Holdings, is valued at over $100 billion.

The acquisition strengthens X’s role in the mobile ecosystem, integrating AI features like Musk’s chatbot, Grok, directly into the platform.

The move hints at X becoming a super app, blending social networking with AI-powered tools, and signalling a shift in how mobile platforms could evolve in the future.

Italy’s Telecom Giant TIM Returns to State Control After 28 Years, Poste Acquires 25% Stake

Breaking news on Monday was also about Italy’s former Telecom Italia—now TIM—returning to state control after 28 years, with Poste Italiane acquiring a nearly 25% stake, marking the end of the privatization era that began in 1997.”

Initially sold to reduce public debt, Telecom’s low debt and strong cash flow made it a target for international investors, leading to a series of ownership changes.

In 2001, it was taken over by Pirelli and the Benetton family, later passing through Telefonica and Vivendi.

Despite efforts to stabilize the company, Telecom struggled with debt and leadership instability, eventually selling its infrastructure to the U.S. fund KKR in 2021.

The recent acquisition by Poste, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, ensures continued state influence in Italy’s telecom sector, safeguarding it from foreign control.

Meta's Antitrust Showdown: FTC to Challenge WhatsApp and Instagram Acquisitions in Historic Trial

The upcoming Meta antitrust trial, set for April 14, could force the company to undo its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, according to the Financial Times.

This case marks the most serious antitrust challenge in Meta’s history and the first major test for the Federal Trade Commission under new chair Andrew Ferguson, appointed by Trump, who has pledged a tough stance on Big Tech.

Meta is accused of stifling competition through these acquisitions, and a potential win for the FTC could deter similar strategies by other tech giants.

The outcome could reshape how antitrust laws are applied to tech mergers and acquisitions, especially in the mobile ecosystem.

Amazon’s Satellite Ambitions Take Off: 27 LEO Satellites to Launch for Project Kuiper

Amazon is preparing to launch 27 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for its delayed Project Kuiper internet service, with the launch set for April 9, 2025.

This follows the successful deployment of two prototype satellites in October 2023. These new satellites feature upgraded systems, including better antennas, processors, solar arrays, and propulsion systems.

The launch will take place on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in Florida, marking the first step in the planned 3,200-satellite constellation for the project.

Amazon aims to provide global high-speed, low-latency internet, with services expected to begin in late 2025. The company has secured over 80 additional launches for the full constellation.

Amazon joins competitors like SpaceX.