Perplexity, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence start-up, announced its intention to purchase TikTok, which faces a US deadline to divest from its Chinese owner ByteDance or be banned.
In a blog post, Perplexity outlined plans to combine its AI-powered search technology with TikTok’s video-sharing features and make the app’s recommendation algorithm open-source.
The company asserted that melding Perplexity’s “answer engine” with TikTok’s library of short video clips would produce “the best search experience in the world.” It claimed it is “singularly positioned to rebuild the TikTok algorithm without creating a monopoly,” citing its technical prowess and independence.
National security concerns have surrounded TikTok. A US law effective January 19 compels it to separate from ByteDance or face a ban, with officials wary of foreign espionage or influence. TikTok critics worry that Beijing could harvest data from American users or manipulate trending content behind the scenes.
Various other bidders are trying to acquire TikTok
President Donald Trump, in his second term, said earlier in March that four groups are considering a purchase. “We’re dealing with four different groups. A lot of people want it, and it’s up to me. All four are good,” he said. He did not disclose specific bidders, though Microsoft, Oracle, Perplexity, and a consortium tied to influencers have been mentioned.
In his first stint in the White House, Trump tried to outlaw TikTok on similar grounds, causing the app to shut down briefly in the United States and vanish from app stores. He suspended the ban for 2½ months from January, searching for a solution with Beijing. TikTok resumed US service in February and reappeared in app stores, restoring access for millions.
Potential buyers include Microsoft, Oracle, a group involving MrBeast, and “The People’s Bid for TikTok” from real estate magnate Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty. TikTok, however, does not appear motivated to sell but remains under US pressure.
Perplexity says its acquisition will benefit all of society
Perplexity contends its involvement would keep the app’s algorithm from any single party’s control. “Any acquisition by a consortium could keep ByteDance in control, while a competitor’s buy would likely create a monopoly in the short-form video and information space,” the firm wrote. “All of society benefits when content feeds are liberated from the manipulations of foreign governments and globalist monopolists.”
It proposes hosting TikTok data at US-based centers under domestic oversight. Perplexity says it would rebuild the “For You” feed “from the ground up,” making underlying code accessible. By allowing users to cross-reference claims in videos, the company aims to foster more informed viewing and reduce misinformation.
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