Perplexity AI Makes a Bid to Merge with TikTok US
TikTok, the app that has us all dancing, lip-syncing, and wondering if we’re too old to be on it. But behind the viral trends and catchy tunes lies a saga of political drama, national security concerns, and now, a surprising twist: Perplexity AI, a U.S.-based search engine company, has thrown its hat into the ring to merge with TikTok US. Yes, you read that right. A search engine company wants to tango with the short-form video giant. Let’s dive into this fascinating development and unpack what it means for the future of TikTok, Perplexity AI, and the tech world at large.
The Context: TikTok’s Rocky Road
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been a lightning rod for controversy in the U.S. The app’s meteoric rise to 170 million American users has been shadowed by concerns over data privacy and national security. The U.S. government, under both former President Trump and now President-elect Trump (yes, it’s like a sequel nobody asked for), has been adamant about reducing Chinese control over TikTok.
In fact, TikTok was briefly shut down in the U.S. due to a law citing national security risks during the weekend. President-elect Trump has vowed to revive the app but with a catch: he wants at least 50% U.S. ownership in any future joint ventures. This sets the stage for Perplexity AI’s audacious proposal.
