Summary

• MrBeast has expressed interest in preventing TikTok from being banned in the US, and a group of billionaires is reportedly discussing this possibility with him.
• The potential sale of TikTok faces hurdles due to ByteDance's reluctance and possible Chinese government intervention, but discussions continue.
• The ban on TikTok stems from concerns over data sharing with China, though the feasibility of selling the app and establishing US-based ownership remains uncertain.

MrBeast, the popular YouTuber, has voiced his interest in saving TikTok from a looming ban in the United States. He has been approached by several billionaires who are seriously considering turning this idea into a reality. As the deadline for TikTok's potential shutdown approaches, various stakeholders are exploring options to keep the app operational in the US.

TikTok's immense popularity is undeniable, but its Chinese origins have raised significant concerns among US lawmakers. In April 2024, President Biden signed a bill that compels TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to either cease operations in the US or sell the American segment of its business. While ByteDance has shown little interest in selling recently, the urgency of the situation has reignited discussions about potential solutions.

On January 14, MrBeast tweeted about the possibility of purchasing TikTok to prevent its shutdown, initially perceived by some as a light-hearted comment. However, his subsequent tweet revealed that multiple billionaires have reached out to him, indicating serious interest in making this happen. Although he did not disclose their identities, MrBeast confirmed that he is now actively exploring the feasibility of this venture.

Could MrBeast Save TikTok?

Theoretically, transferring TikTok's US operations to a US-based entity could resolve the concerns leading to the ban. The primary issue driving the ban is the fear that data collected by TikTok could be shared with the Chinese government, including sensitive information from minors, as alleged by the Department of Justice. This could also facilitate the spread of misinformation.

Despite ongoing discussions about purchasing TikTok, the actual sale remains uncertain. ByteDance's legal representative, Noel Francisco, has stated that the app is not for sale and that any attempt to sell it might be blocked by the Chinese government. Although ByteDance was previously open to 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 hinges on ByteDance and potentially the Chinese government agreeing to a deal.