There is much discussion in media regarding the future of TikTok within the United States. A potential ban is on the horizon if it’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance does not divest. As conversations develop various ideas and plans are brought up, one including well-known public figures looking to purchase it, namely the question that has been asked by the public, “Is Mr Beast Buying TikTok?".
Potential TikTok Ban
A potential ban of TikTok in the US was set for January 19th due to its Chinese ownership creating security issues for user data. It became unlawful for Apple and Google to host the app while ByteDance controlled the technology with the US needing a method to either allow or restrict use.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA)
Signed by President Biden in April 2024 this act targets foreign owned apps. It prohibits app stores, internet hosting sites and cloud based services. As well many saw this as a way to halt use within the US without ByteDance choosing to sell. However at time there are ways around the technology ban though it will become increasingly difficult.
MrBeast's Involvement With TikTok Rumors
The internet has asked many questions about what this means for the platform and will well known public figure step up to purchase the rights for this popular platform. While at this time there is not clear evidence stating a direct approach by “Mr. Beast” there have been other notable names looking into these new options.
Kevin O'Leary and Frank McCourt
The “Shark Tank” star Kevin O'Leary along with Frank McCourt have publicly shown their intent to purchase the TikTok platform without purchasing access to the algorithm and work to keep users safe. They hope to regain the 170 million user's trust and develop ways to use their data and monetize their presence on the app .
The People's Bid for TikTok
A team spearheaded by McCourt seeks to address security and data use of this popular social platform. The group hopes to migrate Tik Tok to an open source platform and prioritize users’ control. Many experts believe removing the algorithm from a purchase would not make a valuable product, O'Leary disagrees saying they would make a great option for the consumer.
Financial and Logistical backing
They are being backed by Guggenheim Securities and the law firm Kirkland & Ellis to support their financial and legal actions for all future developments as they seek to be the company behind TikTok.
Potential Future for the Platform
The series of events will likely go before the Supreme Court on this fast tracked deadline to address how it will or will not be used inside the United States. They will have three options to chose from all of which pose certain challenges moving forward for all entities that use and make TikTok. While waiting for final decisions those hoping to see a change in ownership must prepare.
Possible Outcomes
There are a variety of outcomes that can take place for TikTok's future. ByteDance may chose to sell and if they do so a new governing entity must come together . Another action by President-Elect Trump will be to simply declare the law no longer applies or for TikTok and ByteDance to show they are within all legal guidelines. It’s hard to know exactly how the court will side until they meet at the time of which that date is coming soon.
Challenges with Implementation
There are concerns among app store giants and cloud services providers about having to abide by this act. Apple, Google and Oracle face massive risks due to huge amounts of people involved in this tech infrastructure and they must comply with potential new leadership.
The Idea of a VPN
While a ban has a few loopholes a very prominent one for users would be using a VPN which encrypts locations giving a user a location somewhere other than the United States making access available if needed. Other methods such as “jailbreaking” are also in question by experts.
Looking Forward
The timeline to a final decision is fast approaching which is what many are seeking an answer for as they see a favorite past time change. Will Mr Beast come along to change it or someone else?. The future of TikTok is very unstable with it's existence very well on the line while all decisions are decided.
Key Takeaways
- A TikTok ban could go into effect if ByteDance does not divest in a new direction and timeline has yet to be decided as a clear understanding.
- Mr. Beast himself has not made a claim towards the bid for TikTok however O'Leary has partnered with a group to buy the US rights.
- The open source version proposed seeks to have user data controlled by individuals which shifts much of how the tech currently operates.
- Potential solutions for the ban exist with VPN access, but the major issue is if the company can or cannot sell their property under their new timeline.
- The government has many new responsibilities in finding the final path on TikTok's journey both for consumer well being and data protection.