### The Ongoing Fight for TikTok’s Future
The push to prohibit TikTok in the United States is still active.
The debate began in 2019 when U.S. legislators began banning the app on official devices. However, it intensified in 2024 when then-President Joe Biden enacted a law that would restrict TikTok unless it divested from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The apprehension arises from concerns that TikTok could pose a national security threat, given that Chinese intelligence legislation might compel ByteDance to disclose user information to the Chinese authorities.
The matter ultimately ascended to the Supreme Court, where advocates for free speech challenged the ban, contending that Americans possess a First Amendment right to access foreign information, even if it may include propaganda. The Supreme Court concluded by upholding the ban in a unanimous ruling, which was temporarily enacted for about 12 hours. Nonetheless, President Donald Trump subsequently prolong the deadline before the ban could be applied. Consequently, TikTok continues to be accessible on app stores—at least until Trump’s extension lapses on April 5.
### Is a TikTok Sale Imminent?
TikTok has suggested that a sale is improbable, but the only means of averting a U.S. ban now is for another entity to acquire it. While negotiations are mostly confidential, speculation persists regarding potential buyers. Here are some of the significant players reportedly engaged in discussions:
#### **Oracle**
Recently, it was reported that Oracle, along with additional investors, was in talks to acquire TikTok. NPR indicated that the arrangement, purportedly mediated by Trump’s White House, would permit ByteDance to keep a minority share while Oracle would manage TikTok’s algorithm, data gathering, and software enhancements. However, Trump later refuted claims of negotiating with Oracle, although he did show inclination towards Oracle chairman Larry Ellison buying the app.
#### **MrBeast**
YouTube and TikTok sensation Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has also shown interest in acquiring TikTok. In January, he humorously posted on X, “Okay fine, I’ll buy Tik Tok so it doesn’t get banned.” Despite the typo, his legal team later confirmed to CNN that he was indeed serious about the offer.
#### **Project Liberty and Kevin O’Leary**
Investor and *Shark Tank* personality Kevin O’Leary has also expressed a desire to acquire TikTok. He mentioned that he would “love to collaborate with Trump” on a transaction and joined forces with Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt to propose a $20 billion cash offer for the app, referred to as “The People’s Bid for TikTok.”
#### **Steven Mnuchin**
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin disclosed in March 2023 that he had put together an investor group to buy TikTok, although he shared few specifics. Mnuchin previously facilitated a 2020 deal where Oracle and Walmart were set to obtain a substantial stake in TikTok, but that arrangement ultimately fell apart.
#### **Perplexity AI and the U.S. Government**
The U.S.-based search engine Perplexity AI suggested forming a new holding entity, “NewCo,” which would merge with TikTok. Reuters reported that this setup could provide the U.S. government with up to a 50% interest in the company, raising concerns about First Amendment ramifications.
#### **Microsoft**
As per Reuters, Microsoft is also in talks to acquire TikTok, though specifics remain under wraps.
#### **Bobby Kotick**
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick was reportedly interested in purchasing TikTok, as indicated by IGN in March 2024. However, it’s not clear whether his interest has sparked any tangible negotiations.
#### **Rumble**
The video platform Rumble, a competitor to Twitch, has also signaled interest in acquiring TikTok. In March 2024, the company publicly declared that it had made an offer.
#### **Amazon**
Forbes reported in 2024 that Amazon was negotiating to buy TikTok, citing insights from a former TikTok employee. However, no additional details have been disclosed.
#### **U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund**
Trump has suggested that a U.S. sovereign wealth fund could acquire TikTok, according to the BBC. This proposal raises concerns about governmental involvement in content management, which could lead to significant First Amendment issues.
### What Comes Next?
With the deadline for TikTok’s possible ban nearing, the app’s future remains unpredictable. Unless a buyer emerges, TikTok may face exclusion from the U.S. marketplace. However, with numerous entities reportedly interested in acquiring the platform, the struggle over TikTok is far from concluded.