The artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has submitted a proposal to merge with TikTok in the United States, in order to avoid the blocking of the popular social network in the United States. This movement comes as a response to the growing pressure from the US government, which has pointed out concerns about the National security related to the influence of ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, based in China. US law requires TikTok to disassociate itself from any Chinese control before the final block.
Perplexity's proposal includes the creation of a new organizational structure, in which TikTok's US assets would be combined with Perplexity's technological and financial resources. This model would include a 50% stake by the US government, albeit without voting rights, in order to ensure proper oversight and allay cybersecurity concerns. According to people familiar with the matter, this structure would allow ByteDance to maintain a minority stake without completely divesting its investment in TikTok.
A strategic merger rather than an acquisition
Unlike a direct sale, Perplexity's proposal seeks to establish a merger that combines the best of both companies. PerplexityTikTok, known for its advanced AI-powered search system, sees the move as an opportunity to expand its reach by tapping into TikTok's massive user base. TikTok, meanwhile, would gain a way to continue operating in the U.S. market without violating government regulations.
El TikTok value, estimated at more than $50.000 billion, makes this operation one of the most challenging in the technology sector. More than half of the 330 million of US users of the platform would be affected if the block is implemented. In addition, the complexity of the operation is intensified by Chinese regulations, which Special permits are required to export technology developed in the country, including the algorithm that powers TikTok.
Legal and political obstacles
What makes this proposal interesting is that faces several legal and political obstacles, both in the United States and in China. While the US administration led by Donald Trump seeks to ensure that TikTok is no longer under Chinese influence, Chinese domestic law requires that any sale of advanced technology must have the explicit approval of the Beijing government. This protocol ensures that China maintains strategic control over key technological assets.
On the other hand, though The Trump administration has offered a 90-day extension to find solutions before the full lockdown, the situation remains uncertain. ByteDance has shown reluctance to divest from TikTok, considering its commercial success and the impact that its loss would have on international markets.
An ambitious bet that redefines the market
If Perplexity AI's proposal goes ahead, could redefine the current technological landscape. By combining its artificial intelligence with TikTok's infrastructure and massive user base, This merger could position Perplexity as a serious competitor to industry giants such as Google and Amazon.. Furthermore, experts believe that the model proposed by Perplexity could serve as a precedent for future collaborations between American and foreign companies under strict regulations.
Despite the doubts that persist on how to solve TikTok's algorithm control, Considered the differential core In terms of the platform, Perplexity's proposal is presented as a viable alternative to a full sale. However, it remains to be seen whether Beijing will give the green light to the operation and whether the US authorities will consider this solution sufficient to protect their interests.
The story of TikTok and its possible merger with Perplexity shows how Technology and politics are increasingly intertwined in a globalized worldWith the clock ticking, TikTok’s future in the US is far from clear, but Perplexity’s proposal marks an interesting path toward a potential deal.
