Microsoft is currently in discussions with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, regarding the acquisition of this popular video-sharing service and intends to make some sort of decision by September 15 at the latest, the company announced on Sunday. The decision depends on how related discussions with White House officials, including U.S. President Donald Trump, proceed.

Microsoft's interest in TikTok was confirmed after President Trump threatened to ban the service in the U.S. TikTok is one of several Chinese apps that could be banned in the near future, and President Trump's Chief of Staff Mark Meadows The official recently told reporters that "there are a number of administration officials who are considering the national security risks associated with TikTok and other apps."

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok is the latest in a series of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China in the tech sector. Huawei, for example, once aspired to sell its smartphones and other devices in U.S. stores like Best Buy, but essentially abandoned the idea when the vendor balked amid government pressure.

In this case, TikTok responded to a possible ban by stating that it employs 1,500 people in the US and plans to add another 10,000 jobs over the next three years.

"We are thrilled about the Creators Fund in the U.S., which just announced a $1 billion fund to support creators. So we thank you for your support, and we're here for the long term, and we'll continue to share your voices here and stand up for TikTok," US General Manager Vanessa Pappas said in a statement.

TikTok's best bet, however, may be to reach a deal with Microsoft. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has already spoken with Trump, and a deal appears to be close to becoming a reality. Microsoft's proposed acquisition would cover the app's operations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

"Microsoft fully understands the importance of addressing the President's concerns. Microsoft is committed to acquiring TikTok, conducting a full security review, and providing appropriate economic benefits to the United States, including the U.S. Treasury."

One possible deal contingency is that the personal data of TikTok's U.S. users will be transferred to and remain in the United States. In some way, Microsoft believes it can ensure that such data is "deleted from servers outside the country after it has been transferred."

It will be interesting to see what Microsoft does with TikTok. Microsoft, for all its size, is no stranger to acquisitions and has a blind spot for social media; LinkedIn has done well so far, but Skype has lost its status as the de facto video chat client, despite years of preparation. The sudden closure of Microsoft's Mixer took the streaming community by surprise. Perhaps TikTok will prove to be Microsoft's latest fad among kids.