MrBeast and the CEO of Roblox Are Trying to Buy TikTok for Over $20 Billion

MrBeast, the popular YouTuber, is reportedly part of a consortium attempting to acquire TikTok for over $20 billion. Bloomberg reports that this group, including MrBeast, Jesse Tinsley (Employer.com founder), Roblox CEO David Baszucki, and Nathan McCauley (Anchorage Digital head), estimates the purchase price at $25 billion. While TikTok's owner, ByteDance, has declared its U.S. operations are not for sale, and the Tinsley-led group hasn't received a direct response, MrBeast has indicated his involvement.

MrBeast's representatives confirmed ongoing discussions with various parties, suggesting a potential shift in alliances depending on the evolving situation. He tweeted on January 22nd, expressing excitement about the prospect and hinting at significant developments.

Earlier this week, former President Trump mentioned Microsoft's purported negotiations to purchase TikTok, anticipating a bidding war. Microsoft hasn't verified this claim.

Prior to a January 19th deadline mandating a sale or ban due to national security concerns, TikTok experienced a temporary outage for its 170 million U.S. users. This followed the Supreme Court's rejection of TikTok's First Amendment challenge. The court acknowledged standard data practices in the digital age, but emphasized TikTok's scale, vulnerability to foreign influence, and the sensitive data it collects justified exceptional measures to address national security concerns. Service was restored after assurances from President Trump that penalties would be avoided. TikTok stated this was a victory for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, pledging to collaborate with the President on a long-term solution.

Following his inauguration on January 20th, President Biden signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the law by 75 days. Discussions regarding a potential TikTok buyout are ongoing, with Elon Musk also mentioned as a possible contender.