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

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

TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by ByteDance, continues to face significant challenges in the U.S. due to ongoing concerns surrounding user data privacy and potential government access. Recently, the app experienced a brief outage, leaving millions of users in suspense before returning to both the App Store and Google Play Store. As TikTok navigates its uncertain future, several investors are vying for a chance to acquire the app, with its U.S. operations potentially valued at over $60 billion, according to CFRA Research’s Angelo Zino.

TikTok’s Controversial Journey in the U.S.

Understanding the complexities surrounding TikTok requires a look back at its contentious relationship with the U.S. government. Here’s a timeline of key events:

2020: The Beginning of the Controversy

  • August 2020: Former President Trump signed an executive order aimed at banning transactions with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
  • September 2020: The Trump administration attempted to force a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a domestic company, with Microsoft, Oracle, and Walmart being the primary contenders. A U.S. judge temporarily blocked the executive order, allowing TikTok to continue its operations.

2021: Legislative Developments

With the transition to the Biden administration, the situation escalated:

  • April 2021: The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation targeting TikTok.
  • December 2021: President Biden signed a bill requiring TikTok to either be sold or banned, leading to a lawsuit from the company challenging this decision.

Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok

In a surprising twist, Trump reversed his previous position regarding TikTok:

  • December 2024: Trump filed a court document opposing the TikTok ban, suggesting a possible path to keep the app operational in the U.S.
  • January 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), leading to a brief shutdown of TikTok.
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The Current Status of TikTok

As of January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order that delayed the TikTok ban for 75 days, granting additional time for negotiations. While no definitive sale has occurred yet, potential buyers are emerging in the competitive landscape.

Potential Buyers of TikTok

Several investor groups are rumored to be interested in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations:

  • The People’s Bid for TikTok: Organized by Frank McCourt, this consortium includes high-profile supporters like Kevin O’Leary and Tim Berners-Lee, focusing on user privacy and data control.
  • American Investor Consortium: Led by Jesse Tinsley, this group has made a $30 billion all-cash offer for TikTok, including notable figures like Roblox’s David Baszucki and YouTube creator MrBeast.
  • Other Interested Parties:
    • Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision
    • Steven Mnuchin, former U.S. Treasury Secretary
    • Oracle, Walmart, and Microsoft have all previously shown interest in acquiring the platform.
    • Rumble, a YouTube alternative, and Perplexity AI, an AI search engine startup, have also entered the bidding arena.

As negotiations continue and the landscape evolves, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. For further updates on this topic, visit our news section or check CNBC for breaking news.

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