Exploring Alternatives: Top Apps to Try as TikTok Faces Possible US Shutdown

Navigating TikTok’s Uncertain Future in the US: Key Insights and Potential Buyers

Over the past four years, TikTok, owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been embroiled in controversy in the United States over concerns regarding user data privacy and potential access by the Chinese government. Recently, a temporary outage left millions of TikTok users in suspense, but the app has since been restored to both the App Store and Google Play Store.

The Future of TikTok: Uncertain but Valuable

Despite its return, the future of TikTok remains uncertain as various investors vie for the opportunity to acquire the app. According to CFRA Research senior vice president Angelo Zino, TikTok’s U.S. operations could be valued at over $60 billion.

Timeline of TikTok’s Legal Challenges in the U.S.

To understand the complexities surrounding TikTok, it is essential to look back at its tumultuous relationship with the U.S. government:

  1. August 2020: Former President Trump signed an executive order to restrict transactions with ByteDance.
  2. September 2020: The Trump administration attempted to force a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, with Microsoft and Oracle among the leading contenders.
  3. 2021: Under the Biden administration, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation against TikTok with a 360-58 vote.
  4. April 2024: The Senate followed suit, passing a bill that led to further legal battles.

Legal Battles and the TikTok Ban

In April 2024, President Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. In response, TikTok filed a lawsuit, arguing that banning the app would violate the First Amendment rights of its users.

Trump’s Changing Stance

In a surprising turn, former President Trump expressed opposition to banning TikTok in December 2024, suggesting a way for the app to remain operational in the U.S. In January, however, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), leading TikTok to announce a brief shutdown on January 19, 2025.

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Current Status of TikTok

As of January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order extending the TikTok ban deadline by 75 days, allowing time for negotiations regarding a potential sale. Several investor groups have emerged as potential buyers:

Potential Buyers for TikTok’s U.S. Operations

  • The People’s Bid: Led by Frank McCourt, this consortium aims to prioritize user privacy and data control.
  • American Investor Consortium: Led by Jesse Tinsley, this group has proposed a $30 billion cash offer.
  • Other Interested Parties:
    • Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision
    • Steven Mnuchin, former U.S. Treasury Secretary
    • Oracle, which has shown ongoing interest since 2020
    • Walmart, aiming to enhance e-commerce capabilities
    • Microsoft, which has re-entered bidding discussions
    • Rumble, looking to partner as a cloud technology provider
    • Perplexity AI, an emerging startup in the AI search engine space

As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome for TikTok remains to be seen. For more insights into tech and social media trends, visit our Tech News section.

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