TikTok faces multiple potential buyers as the social media platform remains banned from major app stores following President Biden's federal ban in April 2024. The Supreme Court recently upheld this decision, leaving tech companies facing $5,000 fines per download if they reinstate the app after January 19.

Notable bidders include:

• Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast): Expressed interest via Twitter and has been approached by several billionaires, though no formal bid has been submitted yet
• Jesse Tinsley's investor group: Preparing an all-cash offer for TikTok's U.S. operations
• Frank McCourt's Project Liberty consortium: Willing to share ownership if TikTok adopts their Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP)

ByteDance, TikTok's current owner, is exploring alternatives to an outright sale. Board member Bill Ford stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that they're seeking solutions that might involve "a change of control of some kind" while maintaining ByteDance's ownership stake.

The situation remains critical as Apple and Google continue to block TikTok from their app stores, significantly impacting the platform's U.S. presence and forcing a resolution in the near term.

Industrial Implications:

• Major tech platforms face substantial financial risks for non-compliance
• The outcome could reshape social media ownership structures
• Potential for new decentralized social media protocols to emerge

The final resolution will likely set precedents for future foreign-owned social media platforms operating in the United States.

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