The buyback of TikTok is causing a stir in the United States. Find out who are the investors ready to save the app and what this means for its future.
Visit buyout of TikTok has become one of the hottest topics of the moment. While the application continues to captivate millions of users in the U.S., its future hangs on the threat of a ban imposed by the American government. Between political pressure and colossal financial stakes, several investors and companies are ready to position themselves to take over one of the world's most influential social networks. But who are these players and what are their intentions?
Why does TikTok need to be sold?
Visit buyout of TikTok follows growing concerns about the security of US users' data. Since 2020, tensions between the United States and ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, have continued to grow. The Trump administration had previously attempted to ban the app, citing risks of cyber espionage and political influence.
Under the Biden administration, the pressure intensified. In April 2024, a law was signed requiring TikTok to be sold to an American company or face a ban. This decision created a tidal wave in the tech world, attracting the attention of major investors.
The main candidates for the TikTok takeover
With a valuation in excess of $60 billion, the buyout of TikTok is attracting a great deal of interest. Several groups and influential personalities are positioning themselves to acquire the application and thus guarantee its presence on American soil.
The People's Bid: A project to bring TikTok back to users
The most ambitious offers include The People's Bida consortium headed by Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and founder of Project Liberty. Its aim is to transform TikTok into a more transparent platform that respects user privacy, by adopting an open-source business model.
A number of tech figures have joined forces for this project, including :
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Alexis Ohanianco-founder of Reddit, as strategic advisor.
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Kevin O'Learyfamous investor and Shark Tank contestant.
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Tim Berners-Leethe inventor of the World Wide Web, who advocates greater control of data by users.
This offer stands out for its determination to reinvent TikTok while guaranteeing its independence from the major technology companies.
A consortium of American investors
Led by Employer.com CEO Jesse Tinsley, this group has proposed a $30 billion cash buyout for TikTok. Key investors include:
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David Baszuckico-founder and CEO of Roblox.
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Nathan McCauleyfounder of crypto platform Anchorage Digital.
This project aims to keep TikTok in the hands of purely American interests, with a focus on entertainment and innovation.
Oracle and Walmart: a comeback
Oracle and Walmart are two players that had already expressed an interest in the buyout of TikTok in 2020. Today, they're back in the race. Oracle, headed by Larry Ellison, is banking on its expertise in cloud computing to ensure the security of user data. For its part, Walmart sees TikTok as a unique opportunity to integrate a direct sales channel into social commerce.
Other interested parties in the running
In addition to these behemoths, other figures from the business world are also looking to position themselves:
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Bobby Kotickformer CEO of Activision, who sees TikTok as a future interactive medium.
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Steven Mnuchinformer U.S. Treasury Secretary, who wants to set up a group of investors for the purchase.
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Microsoftwho expressed renewed interest in the application.
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Rumblean alternative to YouTube, which aims to transform TikTok into a space for free expression.
What are the consequences for users?
Visit buyout of TikTok could mean major changes for millions of American users. Several scenarios are possible:
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An overhaul of the algorithm systemaccording to the buyer, for better data protection.
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A change in the business modelwith the potential for increased advertising or the addition of paid services.
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Data migration to the United StatesByteDance will no longer have access to American users' information.
What you need to remember
Visit buyout of TikTok is much more than a simple financial transaction. It reflects major geopolitical, economic and technological issues. Between groups of American investors, major corporations and open-source projects, TikTok's future remains uncertain. One thing is certain: the app's fate will be decided in the coming months.
The ValueYourNetworkan expert in influence marketing since 2016, has been closely following this evolution and supporting brands in their strategy on TikTok and other platforms. Stay tuned to find out more about the future of social networks and their impact on business. digital marketing !