Billionaires Contact MrBeast to Buy TikTok

Summary

• MrBeast has expressed interest in saving TikTok from a potential US ban, with discussions involving a group of billionaires to make it happen.
• TikTok's sale is complicated by ByteDance's reluctance and potential Chinese government intervention, but efforts continue.
• The ban stems from concerns over TikTok's data sharing with China, though the feasibility of a sale and US-based takeover remains uncertain.

MrBeast has reportedly voiced his interest in preventing TikTok from being banned in the US, and a group of billionaires has been in talks with him to explore this possibility. With the looming deadline for TikTok's operations in the US, various influential figures are actively seeking ways to avert the ban.

TikTok's immense popularity has sparked concerns among US lawmakers, leading President Biden to sign a bill in April 2024. This legislation forces TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to either cease operations in the US or sell its US business. Although ByteDance has shown little recent interest in selling, the approaching deadline has spurred renewed discussions on how to keep the app operational.

On January 14, MrBeast tweeted about potentially buying TikTok to prevent its shutdown by the January 19 deadline. Initially perceived as a jest by some fans, MrBeast later revealed that several billionaires have reached out to him, expressing serious interest in turning this idea into reality. While he has not named these individuals, the popular YouTuber is now actively exploring the possibility.

Could MrBeast Save TikTok?

In theory, transferring TikTok's US operations to a US-based entity could allow the app to continue functioning in the country. The primary concern driving the ban is the fear that data shared on the app could be accessed by the Chinese government or used to spread misinformation, including information from underage users, according to the DOJ. However, the critical question remains 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 would likely 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 acquire the app is intriguing, but it is uncertain whether ByteDance and the Chinese government will agree to a deal.