Summary
- MrBeast has expressed interest in saving TikTok from a potential US ban, and a group of billionaires is reportedly in discussions to make this a reality.
- The sale of TikTok is complicated by ByteDance's reluctance and potential Chinese government intervention, but discussions continue.
- Concerns over TikTok's data sharing with China prompted the ban, but the feasibility of the app's sale and a US-based takeover remains uncertain.
MrBeast, the popular YouTuber, has reportedly shown interest in preventing TikTok from being banned in the US. A group of billionaires has been in talks with him about turning this idea into reality. As the deadline for TikTok's potential ban approaches, various figures are exploring ways to keep the app operational in the US.
TikTok's immense popularity has not shielded it from scrutiny. Concerns about the app's Chinese origins led to President Biden signing a bill in April 2024, mandating that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, either shut down its US operations or sell them. Despite ByteDance's initial reluctance to sell, the looming deadline has spurred discussions on potential solutions.
On January 14, MrBeast tweeted about buying TikTok to save it from the impending shutdown on January 19. While some might have dismissed this as a jest, MrBeast later revealed that multiple billionaires had contacted him about seriously pursuing the idea. Although he did not name these billionaires, MrBeast indicated that he is now exploring the possibility of making it happen.
Could MrBeast Save TikTok?
In theory, if TikTok's US operations were managed by a US-based entity, the app might be allowed to continue operating in the country. The primary concern driving the ban is the potential for user data, including that of minors, to be shared with the Chinese government or used to spread misinformation. However, the biggest hurdle is whether TikTok is even available for purchase.
Despite ongoing discussions about buying the app, ByteDance's lawyer, Noel Francisco, has stated that TikTok is not for sale and that any sale attempts might be blocked by the Chinese government. Although ByteDance previously considered selling its stake in TikTok to avoid a ban, their stance appears to have shifted. The idea of MrBeast and a group of billionaires pooling their resources to acquire TikTok is intriguing, but it remains uncertain whether ByteDance and the Chinese government will agree to a deal.
