As TikTok faces a potential ban in the US, the world of social media is witnessing an interesting development. TikTok is set to shut down in the US on January 19. In an attempt to prevent this, billionaires and celebrities, including Elon Musk and YouTube star MrBeast, have staked out a bid to acquire the platform.
Musk Could Reshape TikTok
The Chinese government is reportedly in talks to sell TikTok’s US arm to Musk. If that happens, Musk’s “absolute freedom of expression” approach could fundamentally change the platform’s current content moderation rules. These changes could lead to a rise in misinformation and inflammatory content. Under Musk’s leadership, TikTok’s algorithm, content prioritization, and monetization models could be completely overhauled.
MrBeast: One More Step to Keep TikTok in the US
On the other hand, popular YouTuber and billionaire MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has expressed his desire to buy TikTok to prevent its closure. With over 343 million subscribers, MrBeast has a huge influence in the social media world with the most-watched channel in YouTube history.
He jokingly wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter) that "Okay, I'm buying TikTok so it doesn't get banned." However, this statement is seen as a sign of a serious step that shows his real intentions.
What Could TikTok's Ban Lead to in the US?
If TikTok is completely shut down in the US on January 19, the app will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play. TikTok and ByteDance claim in court that this will cause economic losses and a loss of one-third of daily users in the US.
What Will the Future Hold?
It’s possible that Elon Musk will take over the platform and completely reshape it, or MrBeast will step in to protect TikTok. Either scenario could change many aspects of TikTok, from its content policies to its monetization model.
The US Supreme Court’s decision will determine TikTok’s future in the coming days. In the meantime, the social media world could be on the verge of major changes.
