Perplexity, an American artificial intelligence company, has reportedly made a new offer to merge with TikTok, the popular video-sharing app. This news follows President Trump’s decision to postpone a ban on TikTok in the United States for 75 days. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, Perplexity’s updated plan proposes that the U.S. government gain a substantial stake in the merged company. This stake could be as high as 50%, giving the government a significant level of control. This development marks a major shift in the ongoing discussion about TikTok’s operations in the United States.
The proposed merger arrives at a critical moment for TikTok. The short-form video app has been under scrutiny by U.S. officials who are concerned about its Chinese ownership. These concerns include potential national security risks. Perplexity’s earlier proposal suggested the creation of a completely new company. However, this revised offer presents a more direct approach, with direct government involvement in the company. This new strategy has gained significant attention, particularly due to the potential for the U.S. government to have influence over a platform that is used by many Americans. Therefore, this move underscores Perplexity’s commitment to secure a merger, even with the considerable political hurdles.
“This arrangement would provide the US government significant ownership,” said a source from the TechCrunch report. While the specifics of the deal are still being discussed, Perplexity seems to be positioning itself as the main solution to the current regulatory issues surrounding TikTok. The ultimate decision regarding this potential merger remains uncertain. However, it could have a significant impact on the future of social media and international tech partnerships. The outcome of this deal has the potential to reshape how global technology companies operate and how governments interact with them.