Big names are eyeing TikTok, the popular social media app. Political concerns and security fears have put TikTok’s future at risk, and now potential buyers are stepping up.
MrBeast Wants to Be CEO
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has shown interest in buying TikTok. He told his fans, “I might become your new CEO! I’m super excited!” The announcement came while he was on a private jet. He even promised to give $10,000 to five new followers.
His post has already gained 73 million views. While he kept most details a secret, he said, “Just know, it’s gonna be crazy.”
MrBeast’s bid comes as TikTok faces trouble in the U.S. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law forcing TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app by January 19. If they don’t, TikTok could be banned. U.S. officials worry that the app may share user data with the Chinese government.
Elon Musk and Other Big Names
Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, is also in the running. Reports say China may sell TikTok to Musk. He called the situation unfair, tweeting, “TikTok operates in America, but X can’t operate in China. This must change.”
Former President Donald Trump supports Musk’s interest. “If he wants to buy it, yes,” Trump said. He also named Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, as another great option. “I’d like Larry to buy it, too,” Trump added.
Oracle is already a key player in TikTok’s operations. It manages many of TikTok’s data centers. In 2020, Oracle was a top contender to buy TikTok when Trump tried to ban it.
Billionaire Frank McCourt has also joined the race. He plans to run TikTok through the Project Liberty Institute, which he started. McCourt is against how social media companies collect user data. His bid would leave out TikTok’s algorithm, which makes the app less valuable.
Politics at Play
Politics will play a big role in who buys TikTok. Trump has suggested a 50-50 split between the U.S. and private buyers. But experts doubt this plan is legal.
Law professor Anupam Chander says the buyer will likely share Trump’s views. “The law doesn’t allow a 50-50 model,” Chander explained. He thinks Trump might push Congress to change the rules.
Chander also criticized the Biden administration. “It was a mistake to let politics decide the future of such a big platform,” he said.
For now, TikTok’s future remains uncertain. Both politics and big business are fighting over what happens next.