Kevin O’Leary’s Intriguing Strategy To Transform TikTok’s Future In The U.S.

Kevin O’Leary, the well-known “Shark Tank” investor, is spearheading a plan to buy TikTok, restructure its ownership, and revamp its algorithm to prevent a potential U.S. ban due to ties with the Chinese government.

At a Glance

O’Leary is devising a plan to purchase TikTok amid U.S. governmental concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity.
The initiative involves altering the app’s algorithm and relocating servers to address national security issues.
A crowdfunding website has been launched to explore collective investment possibilities.
Skepticism persists regarding the financial viability of O’Leary’s proposal.

Restructuring for National Security

Kevin O’Leary has proposed acquiring TikTok if a U.S. ban becomes inevitable. The plan aims to eliminate cybersecurity concerns by transforming TikTok into an American company, removing potential “Chinese back doors,” and relocating servers stateside. Amid legislative efforts to address TikTok’s ties with ByteDance, O’Leary is looking to satisfy lawmakers by revamping the platform’s ownership and algorithm to safeguard user data against foreign adversaries.

The potential acquisition comes as TikTok’s data handling practices face scrutiny from U.S. officials, with claims of leaks to the Chinese Communist Party. O’Leary emphasizes the need for an overhaul, citing privacy concerns for millions of American users and the security implications of foreign ownership.

Whoever buys TikTok will have to rewrite the algorithm. That’s the big risk because if it doesn’t work the way it does now, it’s not worth anywhere near $100 Billion. All you’re buying is 170 million names and a brand called TikTok. pic.twitter.com/iFTaALfgYg

— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) March 30, 2024

Financial Challenges and Strategic Moves

A key component of O’Leary’s strategy involves crowdfunding to gauge interest in this potential acquisition. While a website allows users to reserve investment spots, it does not currently accept payments, adhering to U.S. regulations. Critics question the feasibility of O’Leary’s financial capacity given TikTok’s high valuation and the complexity of the proposed changes.

“I’d like to democratize TikTok and turn it into a platform where the user data is protected from the prying eyes of foreign adversaries,” O’Leary said.

Efforts to alter TikTok’s algorithm are central to addressing concerns of espionage, requiring potential buyers to comply with Department of Defense standards. O’Leary’s proposal aims to appeal to a growing congressional consensus favoring an ownership transition to ensure data transparency.

‘Shark Tank’ Star Kevin O’Leary Says He’s Near Deal to Buy TikTok: ‘We’re Doing This’ https://t.co/PHRyF1wCRo

— TheWrap (@TheWrap) January 6, 2025

Political Landscape and Future Prospects

The discourse surrounding the TikTok ban highlights broader concerns about digital sovereignty and foreign influence. O’Leary criticized ByteDance’s appeal to the Supreme Court over the ban, arguing the court will uphold American interests against potential spyware. With bipartisan support evident, the legislative drive to secure user data reflects a significant geopolitical stance.

“This company is living in a dreamland, thinking the Supreme Court of the United States is going to uphold spyware against its American people. Ain’t going to happen!” O’Leary also said.

As O’Leary presses forward, TikTok’s future, including its influence on U.S. culture and economy, hinges on the evolving dialogue between technological innovation, privacy, and national security.