Highlights

• Amazon has made a surprise offer to buy TikTok.
• The offer came as the US deadline for ByteDance to sell its operations or face a ban approaches.
• President Trump is reviewing proposals from buyers like Oracle and Blackstone.
• The April 5 deadline looms with TikTok’s future in the US uncertain.

Caption – April 5 is the US deadline for TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell its operations or face a ban. (Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash)

Amazon has made a surprise bid to buy the platform with the deadline for TikTok’s US ban fast approaching. According to reports, the tech giant sent its offer in a letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as pressure mounts on TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell its US operations or shut them down.

Amazon’s Interest in TikTok

The US law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved buyer or face a ban, citing national security concerns. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, paused the enforcement of the ban on his first day back.

While he has hinted at extending the deadline again, he also expects a deal to be finalised by Saturday, April 5, according to Bloomberg.

Even if Amazon’s bid doesn’t succeed, its involvement could influence negotiations. Competing buyers might be forced to offer more money, and Amazon could gain valuable insight into TikTok’s financials, especially TikTok Shop, which is becoming a serious rival to Amazon’s e-commerce business.

Trump to Review TikTok Sale Proposals

Trump is set to meet with key officials on Wednesday to review proposals from potential buyers, including Oracle Corp. and Blackstone Inc., along with other investors interested in a joint venture.

The deadline for a deal was originally set for January 19 but was extended once before. If Trump approves a sale, ByteDance and the Chinese government would still need to sign off on it, though their level of involvement in discussions remains unclear.

Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok

Trump, who has millions of followers on TikTok, has acknowledged the platform’s role in boosting his popularity among young voters. However, he took a much stricter stance during his first term issuing executive orders to ban transactions with ByteDance and WeChat over security concerns.

With the April 5 deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether Amazon, Oracle, or another company will strike a deal or if TikTok will face a ban in the US.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Amazon interested in buying TikTok

Answer. Amazon’s surprise bid for TikTok aims to capitalize on the deadline requiring ByteDance to sell its US operations or face a ban, citing national security concerns. Additionally, Amazon could gain insights into TikTok’s financials and TikTok Shop, which rivals its e-commerce business.

Q2. What is the deadline for TikTok’s US sale, and what happens if no deal is made?

Answer. The current deadline is April 5, 2025. If no approved sale occurs, TikTok may face a ban in the US due to national security concerns about its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

Q3. Who are the other potential buyers of TikTok besides Amazon?

Answer. Other potential buyers include Oracle Corp., Blackstone Inc., and several investors interested in a joint venture. Former President Trump is reviewing their proposals.

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