Summary
- MrBeast has expressed a keen interest in preventing TikTok from being banned in the US, and he's engaged in discussions with a group of billionaires to explore this possibility.
- The potential sale of TikTok is complicated by ByteDance's current reluctance and the potential for Chinese government intervention, though talks continue.
- The ban on TikTok stems from concerns over data sharing with China, but the feasibility of the app's sale and a US-based takeover remains uncertain.
MrBeast, the renowned YouTuber, has reportedly taken an interest in saving TikTok from a potential ban in the United States. Amidst ongoing discussions, a group of billionaires has been in talks with him to explore the possibility of making this a reality. With the deadline for TikTok's fate in the US looming, various influential figures are actively seeking ways to prevent the app's ban.
TikTok's immense popularity has not gone unnoticed, but its origins have sparked concerns among US lawmakers, leading to President Biden signing a bill in April 2024 that forces TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to either shut down its US operations or sell the American portion of its business. Although ByteDance has not recently shown interest in selling, as the deadline approaches, there's heightened urgency to find a solution.
On January 14, MrBeast took to Twitter to casually suggest that he would buy TikTok to prevent its shutdown by the January 19 deadline. While some may have dismissed this as a jest, MrBeast later revealed that multiple billionaires have contacted him about turning this idea into a reality. Although he did not name these individuals, the popular content creator is now seriously exploring the possibility.
Could MrBeast Save TikTok?
In theory, if TikTok's US operations were managed by a US-based entity, the app could potentially continue operating in the country. The primary concern leading to the ban is the fear that data shared on the app could be accessed by the Chinese government, including data from underage users, according to the Department of Justice. However, the critical question remains whether TikTok is even available for purchase.
Despite numerous discussions about acquiring the app, it's unclear if a deal would materialize, even with substantial financial offers. ByteDance's lawyer, Noel Francisco, has reportedly stated that the app is not for sale, and any sale attempts might face opposition from the Chinese government. While 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 buy TikTok is intriguing, but it's uncertain whether ByteDance—and potentially the Chinese government—will agree to a deal.
