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San Francisco – Perplexity’s Bold Bid for TikTok
San Francisco-based AI startup Perplexity has expressed its intention to acquire TikTok, pledging to transform the app’s recommendation algorithm into an open-source model. This announcement comes as TikTok faces a U.S. ultimatum to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face potential bans within the country.
In a blog post, Perplexity articulated its vision for merging its AI-driven internet search capabilities with TikTok’s vast library of video content. According to the company, "The integration of Perplexity’s answer engine with TikTok’s expansive video library will enable us to create the finest search experience globally."
The company claims it is in a unique position to revamp TikTok’s algorithm without establishing a monopoly, thanks to its robust technical prowess and independence from larger tech conglomerates.
Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump revealed that the U.S. government is currently negotiating with four interested parties regarding the acquisition of TikTok, highlighting the app’s uncertain future in America.
A new U.S. legislation mandates that TikTok must divest from ByteDance or it will face a ban. Trump stated, "We’re discussing with four different groups interested in TikTok. Many are eager to take over, and it ultimately falls on me." He refrained from naming the potential buyers but emphasized that all four parties involved are reputable.
The law prohibiting TikTok was enacted on January 19 due to fears that the Chinese government could misuse the platform to surveil American citizens or subtly sway U.S. public opinion. During his initial term, Trump attempted to ban TikTok over national security concerns. As the deadline approached, TikTok momentarily withdrew from the U.S. market, leaving millions of users disappointed. After suspending the ban’s implementation for a couple of months in search of a resolution with Beijing, the app resumed its services and returned to major app stores in February.
Although TikTok appears reluctant to sell, several potential buyers have emerged, including The People’s Bid for TikTok initiative, backed by Project Liberty, spearheaded by real estate and sports mogul Frank McCourt. Other candidates include tech giants Microsoft and Oracle, along with a consortium led by internet celebrity MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson.
In its blog, Perplexity warned that a consortium of investors acquiring TikTok could effectively keep ByteDance in control of the app’s algorithm. In contrast, a buyout by a competing firm might lead to a monopoly in the realm of short-form video content and information. "Society stands to benefit greatly when content feeds are freed from the influences of foreign governments and monopolistic corporations," Perplexity asserted.
The AI startup pledged to establish facilities for TikTok within U.S. data centers and manage them under American oversight. Moreover, Perplexity promised to reconstruct TikTok’s recommendation algorithm entirely, aiming to make its popular "For You" feed open-source. Additionally, it intends to empower TikTok users to cross-verify information while watching videos for greater accuracy.
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