TikTok’s fate in the U.S. hangs in the balance as the April 5 deadline approaches. The Biden administration has ordered ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a ban—but will a deal actually happen?
From tech giants to unexpected bidders, here’s what we know about the potential buyers and why this sale is so complicated.
Why TikTok Must Sell (Or Face a Ban)
- The U.S. government sees TikTok’s ties to China as a national security risk.
- ByteDance denies sharing data with Beijing, but lawmakers remain unconvinced.
- The biggest hurdle? TikTok’s algorithm—its secret sauce for keeping users hooked.
- Without it, the app loses its competitive edge.
Who Wants to Buy TikTok?
- Tech Giants & Investors
- Amazon reportedly expressed interest (but won’t confirm).
- Oracle (already handles TikTok’s U.S. data) is part of a consortium bid.
- Perplexity AI (backed by Jeff Bezos) has a “vision” for a U.S.-run TikTok.
- The Wildcard Bidders
- OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely (yes, that OnlyFans).
- Frank McCourt (wants to scrap TikTok’s algorithm for a more open model).
- MrBeast (rumored to be approached as a potential “face” of a bid).
- Trump’s Picks
- Donald Trump has name-dropped Elon Musk and Microsoft (which failed to buy TikTok in 2020).
Will ByteDance Actually Sell?
- TikTok insists it won’t shut down—expect a deal or deadline extension.
- ByteDance may refuse, forcing a legal battle over a U.S. ban.
- Vice President Vance is optimistic, hinting a deal is close.
What Happens Next?
User impact—170 million U.S. users could lose access unless a deal is struck.
April 5 deadline—if no sale, TikTok could be blocked in app stores.
Legal challenges—TikTok may sue to delay or overturn the ban.
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