Amazon has submitted a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok in the United States, according to three sources familiar with the negotiations. The company aims to take over the portion of the app that the government intends to separate from its Chinese parent company.
TikTok has until Saturday to modify its ownership structure if it wants to avoid being banned in the country. However, according to information leaked by The New York Times, several parties involved in the discussions do not seem to be taking Amazon’s offer seriously. Reports indicate that the proposal was sent via a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership and its security implications have been a topic of debate in U.S. politics for years, with both major parties taking strong stances on the issue. In 2023, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok’s sale, originally set to take effect in January. At that time, there was speculation that Elon Musk might be a potential buyer. However, then-President Donald Trump decided to postpone the enforcement of the law until April 5.
When the January deadline for the ban passed, the courts upheld the measure, and American users woke up to the news that TikTok was no longer available. The next day, through his Truth Social account, Trump—who had just returned to the presidency—announced that he would sign an executive order granting TikTok an additional 90 days to sell its U.S. operations. During this period, the parent company was urged to find a viable solution, such as transferring at least 50% ownership to a U.S.-based company.
With 170 million users in the United States, TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment but also a significant hub for retail commerce. Through its recommendation system, content creators promote products to their audiences. This is a crucial factor for Amazon, whose core business is online sales. The New York Times points out that while TikTok Shop exists, many creators direct users to purchase products on Amazon, earning a commission on each transaction. Additionally, Jeff Bezos’ company has provided some technical infrastructure to the social network.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is required to sell its U.S. operations by April 5 or face a ban in the country. The final decision on the platform’s future will have a significant impact on its millions of American users.
Throughout this process, several potential buyers have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok. Meanwhile, Trump has voiced his desire to facilitate the deal to ensure the platform remains operational. According to CNN, the president has stated that he would like the app to continue running. Moreover, leaders of major tech companies have backed his stance, showing their support during his inauguration.
