MrBeast Has Had Billionaires Reach Out to Him About Buying TikTok

Summary

• MrBeast's interest in saving TikTok from a US ban has sparked discussions among a group of billionaires about a potential acquisition.
• TikTok's sale is complicated by ByteDance's reluctance and potential Chinese government intervention, despite ongoing negotiations.
• Data sharing concerns with China fueled the US ban, but the feasibility of a sale and subsequent US-based ownership remains uncertain.

MrBeast's public interest in rescuing TikTok from a US ban has ignited conversations with several billionaires exploring the possibility. With a looming deadline, various parties are actively seeking solutions to prevent TikTok's shutdown.

TikTok's immense popularity hasn't shielded it from scrutiny. Concerns regarding its origins and data handling practices led President Biden to sign a bill in April 2024, mandating either a US shutdown or the sale of its US operations by parent company ByteDance. While ByteDance initially showed reluctance towards a sale, the approaching ban deadline has spurred renewed discussions on preventing the app's demise.

MrBeast's January 14th tweet suggesting a personal purchase to avert the January 19th deadline initially seemed playful. However, a subsequent tweet revealed contact from multiple billionaires, indicating a serious exploration of this unconventional rescue plan. While names remain undisclosed, MrBeast is actively investigating the feasibility of this ambitious undertaking.

Could MrBeast Save TikTok?

Theoretically, US-based ownership could allow TikTok to continue operating domestically. The ban stems from concerns about potential data sharing with the Chinese government, including allegations of data harvesting from minors (per the DOJ), and the spread of misinformation. However, the biggest hurdle remains TikTok's availability for sale.

Despite numerous discussions, a sale isn't guaranteed. ByteDance's lawyer, Noel Francisco, reportedly affirmed the app's non-sale status, hinting at potential Chinese government blockage. While ByteDance previously considered a sale to avoid a ban, that stance appears to have shifted. The prospect of MrBeast and a consortium of billionaires acquiring TikTok is intriguing, but ByteDance's—and potentially the Chinese government's—cooperation remains crucial for a successful outcome.