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 interference, despite ongoing negotiations.
• Data-sharing concerns with China fueled the ban, but the feasibility of a US-based takeover remains uncertain.

MrBeast's public interest in saving TikTok from a US ban has ignited a conversation among several billionaires, exploring the possibility of a collaborative acquisition. With a looming deadline for TikTok's US operations, various parties are actively seeking solutions to prevent a ban.

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 shutdown of US operations or a sale of the US business to ByteDance. While ByteDance initially showed reluctance to sell, the approaching ban deadline has spurred renewed discussions about preventing the app's closure.

MrBeast's January 14th tweet suggesting a personal purchase to prevent the January 19th deadline sparked initial speculation. While potentially tongue-in-cheek, subsequent tweets confirmed contact from multiple billionaires exploring the feasibility of this ambitious plan. Although names remain undisclosed, MrBeast is reportedly actively investigating the possibility.

Could MrBeast Save TikTok?

A US-based entity controlling TikTok's US operations could potentially circumvent the ban. The primary concern driving the ban is the potential for data shared on the app to be accessed by the Chinese government, raising concerns about national security and the potential for misinformation campaigns, including the alleged harvesting of data from underage minors, according to the DOJ. However, the biggest hurdle remains ByteDance's willingness to sell.

Despite discussions surrounding a potential buyout, the actual sale remains uncertain. ByteDance's lawyer, Noel Francisco, reportedly affirmed the app's non-sale status and the potential for Chinese government intervention. While ByteDance previously considered selling to avoid a ban, this stance appears to have shifted. The prospect of MrBeast and a group of billionaires forming a consortium to purchase TikTok is intriguing, but the ultimate success hinges on securing ByteDance's—and potentially the Chinese government's—agreement.