On Friday, artificial intelligence company Perplexity announced its intention to acquire TikTok, as the platform has been given a ultimatum to separate from its Chinese parent entity or face prohibition within the United States.
In a blog post, Perplexity outlined a plan to incorporate its AI-driven web search features into the widely-used video clip-sharing application.
"The combination of Perplexity’s answer engine with TikTok’s vast video library could enable us to create the most superior search experience globally," the company based in San Francisco concluded.
Perplexity stands uniquely poised to revamp the TikTok algorithm without forming a monopoly, merging top-tier technical skills with independent Small Tech influence.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump mentioned that the United States was negotiating with four different entities regarding the potential acquisition of TikTok. The fate of the Chinese-owned platform within the U.S. remains unclear.
A U.S. law has mandated that TikTok must sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban within the country.
"Four distinct groups are involved here, and many individuals desire this. The decision ultimately rests with me," Trump stated while on board Air Force One.
"Each of the four is excellent," he remarked, refraining from identifying them.
The ban on TikTok came into force on January 19 due to worries that the Chinese government might use the video-sharing app to surveil Americans or subtly manipulate U.S. public sentiment.
In his initial term at the White House, Trump also tried to prohibit TikTok in the U.S. due to worries about national security.
TikTok was briefly taken offline in the U.S. and removed from app stores as the deadline for the legislation loomed, causing disappointment among millions of users.
After starting his second term in January, Trump postponed its implementation for two-and-a-half months in search of a resolution with Beijing.
Later, TikTok resumed operations in the United States and was reinstated in both the Apple and Google app stores in February.
Even though TikTok doesn't seem particularly eager about selling the app, possible purchasers include an effort known as "The People's Bid for TikTok." This initiative was started by Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty venture, which spans real estate and sports industries.
Other contenders include Microsoft, Oracle, and a consortium that features internet celebrity MrBeast, known professionally as Jimmy Donaldson.
"As per Perplexity’s statement, a group of investors acquiring TikTok could potentially allow ByteDance to retain control over the algorithm. Conversely, an acquisition by a rival company might lead to a monopoly in the realm of short-form videos and information sharing," he argued in the blog post.
Everyone in society gains when content feeds are freed from the influence of foreign governments and global conglomerates.
Perplexity mentioned it will construct the framework for TikTok within data centers located in the United States and ensure its upkeep under U.S. supervision.
The AI startup suggested developing an entirely new version of TikTok’s successful algorithm from scratch and opening up the app's "For You" recommendation feed as open source.
Perplexity also committed to allowing TikTok users to fact-check information while watching videos by enabling them to cross-reference data.
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