In a strategic move to prevent a nationwide ban on TikTok, Perplexity AI, a U.S.-based search engine startup, has submitted a proposal to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. This bid was presented to ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, on January 18, 2025.
Background
The U.S. government has raised national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data practices, leading to legislative actions mandating ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing the necessity to mitigate potential risks associated with Chinese government data access.
Perplexity AI’s Proposal
Perplexity AI, backed by prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and New Enterprise Associates, has proposed a merger to form a new entity comprising TikTok U.S., Perplexity AI, and new capital partners. This structure would allow ByteDance’s existing investors to retain their stakes.
TikTok’s Response and Current Status
Facing the impending ban, TikTok initiated a shutdown of its services in the U.S. on January 19, 2025. However, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting a 90-day extension, providing additional time for ByteDance to finalize a sale or merger.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The proposed merger could significantly impact the tech landscape, intensifying competition with established entities like Google. Analysts note that while Perplexity AI’s bid is ambitious, the expected valuation of over $40 billion for TikTok’s U.S. operations presents substantial challenges.
As the situation develops, the tech industry and TikTok’s extensive U.S. user base await further announcements regarding the platform’s future. The proposed merger by Perplexity AI represents a pivotal moment in addressing national security concerns while striving to maintain the app’s presence in the U.S. market.