AI Startup Vows to Revamp TikTok’s Algorithm Amid US Sale Pressure
Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity has expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, pledging to rebuild its recommendation algorithm from scratch and make it open-source.
In a detailed blog post, Perplexity outlined its vision of integrating AI-powered search capabilities with TikTok’s vast video library, claiming that such a move would create the “best search experience in the world.” The company emphasized that its expertise in artificial intelligence and search technology made it uniquely positioned to modernize TikTok’s recommendation system while maintaining healthy competition in the short-form video market.
TikTok’s Future in the US: A Forced Sale or a Ban?
Perplexity’s interest comes at a time when TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain. Earlier this year, the US government passed a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to either sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban.
Washington has long voiced concerns that ByteDance could be forced to share American user data with the Chinese government or manipulate content to influence public opinion—allegations the company has repeatedly denied.
US President Donald Trump, who is currently serving his second term, confirmed that multiple parties had expressed interest in purchasing TikTok.
“We’re dealing with four different groups. And a lot of people want it, and it’s up to me,” Trump said aboard Air Force One, without naming the interested buyers.
Among the potential bidders are:
- The People’s Bid for TikTok, a consortium backed by real estate and sports tycoon Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative.
- Major tech firms like Microsoft and Oracle.
- A group led by YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast.
Perplexity’s Unique Proposal: Open-Source and Transparency
Unlike traditional corporate buyers, Perplexity is proposing a radical shift in how TikTok operates. The company warned that if TikTok were sold to a group of investors, ByteDance could still retain influence over its core algorithm. On the other hand, if a major competitor like Google or Meta acquired TikTok, it could create a near-monopoly in the short-video space.
“All of society benefits when content feeds are liberated from the manipulations of foreign governments and globalist monopolists,” Perplexity stated in its proposal.
To address concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and content manipulation, Perplexity pledged to:
Establish US-based data infrastructure to comply with American regulations. Make TikTok’s “For You” algorithm publicly available, allowing users to understand how recommendations work. Introduce an AI-powered fact-checking feature, enabling users to verify information while watching videos.
These changes, according to Perplexity, would increase transparency and user trust while ensuring that TikTok’s recommendation system remains free from hidden manipulations.
TikTok’s Uncertain Fate: Will ByteDance Sell?
While Perplexity has put forth a compelling vision, it remains unclear whether ByteDance is willing to sell TikTok. The company has previously fought off similar attempts under Trump’s first presidency, and despite ongoing US regulatory pressure, it has not publicly signaled its intent to sell.
However, with Washington pressing ahead with measures to regulate foreign-owned apps, TikTok’s fate in the US hangs in the balance. If ByteDance refuses to sell, the platform could once again face a shutdown—as it briefly did earlier this year before Trump granted a temporary extension on enforcement.
For now, Perplexity’s proposal adds an intriguing new dimension to the debate over TikTok’s ownership, algorithmic transparency, and the broader future of AI-driven social media platforms.
