MrBeast Has Had Billionaires Reach Out to Him About Buying TikTok

Summary

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

MrBeast's surprising interest in rescuing TikTok from a US ban has ignited a flurry of activity. A number of billionaires are reportedly in talks with the popular YouTuber about making his ambitious plan a reality, adding another layer of intrigue to TikTok's precarious position in the US.

TikTok's immense popularity has unfortunately been overshadowed by concerns regarding its origins and data security. This led President Biden to sign a bill in April 2024, ultimately giving ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, an ultimatum: either cease US operations or divest its US business. While ByteDance initially seemed resistant to a sale, the looming ban deadline has spurred renewed discussions about preventing TikTok's shutdown.

MrBeast's January 14th tweet, suggesting he would buy TikTok to avert the impending ban on January 19th, initially seemed playful. However, a subsequent tweet revealed that multiple billionaires have contacted him, expressing serious interest in collaborating on this audacious venture. While he hasn't disclosed their identities, MrBeast is now actively exploring the possibility.

Could MrBeast Actually Save TikTok?

Theoretically, transferring TikTok's US operations to a US-based entity could resolve the ban. The core concern revolves around the potential for data shared on the app—intentionally or unintentionally—to be accessed by the Chinese government or used for misinformation campaigns. The Department of Justice also alleges data harvesting from underage users. However, the biggest hurdle remains ByteDance's willingness to sell.

Despite numerous discussions about a potential buyout, the deal's likelihood remains uncertain. ByteDance's lawyer, Noel Francisco, has reportedly reiterated the company's unwillingness to sell, suggesting that any such attempt might be blocked by the Chinese government. While ByteDance previously considered selling to avoid a ban, that stance appears to have shifted. MrBeast's and the billionaires' collective effort presents an intriguing proposition, but the ultimate success hinges on convincing ByteDance—and potentially the Chinese government—to agree to a sale.