Amazon's last-minute bid to acquire TikTok in the U.S.
Amazon's bid comes at a critical moment, with the U.S. government preparing to enforce the sale.
Amazon has made a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok in the United States, just as the app faces a looming deadline to separate from its Chinese parent company to avoid a potential ban.
This sudden move comes after escalating national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Despite the urgency, many observers believe Amazon's bid may not be taken seriously.
Amazon’s Bid for TikTok Amid U.S. Pressure
As TikTok's deadline grows closer (April 5), the U.S. is still scrutinizing the app's Chinese ties. It looks like Amazon's bid, although last minute, it is still an attempt to acquire control of the app.
TikTok has been in a very precarious position since last year, when then-President Joe Biden signed a legislation that would force its Chinese-based owner ByteDance to sell the app to a non-Chinese buyer or to face a ban in the U.S.
However, the deadline was extended until Saturday, April 5, to try and find a solution agreeable for both parts and TikTok could stay available in the U.S.
National security is the main reason why the U.S. is forcing TikTok to sell. Photo: CNN
Though, ByteDance, has previously said it wasn't on their plans to sell; they still have not confirmed whether they are now willing to sell or if they have talked with any potential buyers.
Why does the U.S. wants TikTok to sell?
According to the United States, there are many national security concerns over TikTok's Chinese ownership, which have prompted lawmakers on both sides to push for the sale of the app.
Because of this, last year, the U.S. government passed a law which demanded the sale of the app. This decision was then supported by the Supreme Court.
Who could buy TikTok?
On March 30, President Trump mentioned that there is significant interest from various potential buyers, noting that there are "a lot of potential buyers" for TikTok. These are the one who have tossed their names in the hat.
- Larry Ellison: Oracle co-founder, one of the suggested buyers.
- Elon Musk: The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been mentioned as a potential buyer.
- Frank McCourt: The billionaire businessman, who has previously been linked to buying TikTok.
- Kevin O'Leary: The Canadian businessman and Shark Tank celebrity investor has also shown interest.
- Alexis Ohanian: Reddit co-founder, who has joined McCourt’s bid.
- MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): The world’s most popular YouTuber with over 300 million subscribers has expressed interest, claiming investors contacted him following his tweet signaling his intent to buy TikTok.
- Microsoft: The tech giant is reportedly involved in discussions to acquire TikTok.
- Perplexity AI: A U.S.-based search engine company that is said to have offered to merge with TikTok.