Amazon Made Last-Minute Bid to US Officials to Acquire TikTok
Amazon reportedly submitted a late offer to U.S. officials in an attempt to purchase TikTok ahead of a critical deadline. The bid comes as the popular social media platform faces increasing pressure from the U.S. government over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.
In addition to Amazon, a separate investor group led by the founder of OnlyFans also presented a proposal to buy TikTok. The competing bids highlight the high-stakes battle for control of the app, which boasts over 150 million active users in the U.S. alone.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has until April 5 to either finalize a sale to an approved buyer or risk a nationwide ban. The deadline stems from longstanding bipartisan concerns about data privacy and potential foreign influence.
The U.S. government has not yet publicly commented on the bids, leaving TikTok’s future uncertain as the clock ticks down.
As TikTok’s Deadline Nears, Amazon and OnlyFans Founder Join Bidding War
With the April 5 deadline fast approaching, TikTok faces mounting pressure to secure a non-Chinese buyer or risk a U.S. ban. The latest bidders include Amazon (AMZN.O) and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, both submitting last-minute offers for the popular short-video social media platform.
Security Concerns and Government Scrutiny
U.S. officials have repeatedly raised security concerns over TikTok’s ties to China, allegations that ByteDance and TikTok deny. The Trump administration held meetings Wednesday to evaluate options, including a forced sale.
Amazon’s Late Bid and Social Media Ambitions
Amazon reportedly sent a proposal to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, though the company declined to comment. News of Amazon’s interest sent its shares up 2%, reflecting investor optimism about its push into social media.
Amazon has long sought a foothold in the space, acquiring Twitch in 2014 and Goodreads in 2013. It even tested a TikTok-like feature called Inspire before shutting it down earlier this year.
OnlyFans Founder’s Surprise Bid
Meanwhile, Tim Stokely’s startup Zoop, in partnership with a cryptocurrency foundation, submitted a competing offer. Stokely, who revolutionized adult content with OnlyFans, now aims to take on TikTok’s massive U.S. user base.
Private Equity and Alternative Proposals
Other players in the mix include:
- Blackstone (BX.N), in talks to join ByteDance’s non-Chinese shareholders (Susquehanna, General Atlantic) in a funding bid.
- Andreessen Horowitz, reportedly in discussions to back Oracle (ORCL.N)-led efforts to buy out TikTok’s Chinese investors.
White House Push for U.S. Ownership
Under proposed plans, TikTok would be spun off into a U.S.-controlled entity, with Chinese ownership diluted below 20% to comply with American regulations.
Will TikTok Be Sold or Banned?
Despite the flurry of bids, some insiders doubt Amazon’s offer will gain traction. The app’s fate remains uncertain as the January 19 divestment deadline (extended to April 5) looms. With nearly half of all Americans using TikTok, its future hangs in the balance.
