TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, but its future in the United States is uncertain.
Lawmakers have raised concerns over data privacy and national security, arguing that the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could share user information with the Chinese government.
This has led to efforts to ban the platform or force its sale.
In 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a complete ban in the U.S. As the deadline approaches, speculation over potential buyers has increased.
Far Below TikToks Valuation
MrBeast, the most-subscribed content creator on YouTube, has expressed interest in buying TikTok to prevent its ban.
The 26-year-old influencer, who has 344 million YouTube subscribers, posted on X, "Alright, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned."
Shortly after, he followed up with another post, stating that "numerous billionaires have reached out after I posted this. Let’s see if we can make it happen."
Despite his influence and business success, MrBeast’s estimated net worth of $500 million is far below TikTok’s valuation, which is between $50 billion and $70 billion.
His fortune comes from YouTube, various business ventures, and a successful merchandise brand, according to Ziare.
Reports suggest that Beijing has considered Elon Musk as a possible buyer for the platform. TikTok responded to the rumors by calling them "pure fiction."
The U.S. government has expressed concerns that ByteDance could share American user data with the Chinese government. Officials believe this poses a national security threat, which led to the effort to force a sale.
The legislation requiring TikTok’s sale has been in development for years. It was first introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency and later signed into law by Joe Biden.
If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by the deadline, app stores and hosting services in the U.S. will be required to remove it, effectively shutting down the platform for American users.
