Reuters' announcement of Frank McCourt's bid for TikTok's US assets is causing a stir, especially with the involvement of Alexis Ohanian.
A collective ambition for data control
At the heart of this proposal is Project Liberty, an initiative that aims to rebuild the internet by giving users more power over their data. McCourt, who is not only an entrepreneur but also the majority shareholder of Olympique de Marseille, does not see this acquisition as a simple financial operation. He sees it as an opportunity to transform the relationship between Internet users and major platforms.
Alexis Ohanian, by joining the project, brings his experience in democratizing the web. He supports "The People's Bid", a participatory model that offers users the ability to directly influence the management of TikTok. This vision is based on technology that guarantees greater control over data while preserving the app's appeal.
An opportunity in a tense context
This takeover attempt comes as ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is under increasing pressure from Washington. The app is in the sights of US authorities for national security reasons, to the point that a forced sale has already been discussed. In 2023, TikTok was even temporarily suspended in the United States, emphasizing the need to find a local buyer.
McCourt and Ohanian aren't the only ones interested. Other players in the tech and media world are closely monitoring the deal, including the famous YouTuber MrBeast, who is reportedly considering a stake. This excitement illustrates TikTok's strategic importance and the influence it could still gain under a new model.
Crowdfunding for Reinvented Ownership
McCourt's offering stands out for its novel approach: allowing everyone to become a shareholder in TikTok. Far from a simple commercial transaction, the idea is to reshape the ownership of social platforms by directly involving users.
To support this ambition, McCourt announced a $20 billion fund, a sum intended to ensure TikTok's stability and growth while guaranteeing more transparent governance. Ohanian, with his experience at Reddit, plays a key role in this strategy, designing a platform that is more respectful of Internet users' rights and ethical principles.
The thorny issue of the algorithm
Buying TikTok isn't just about changing ownership. The heart of the problem remains the application's algorithm, which determines the promotion of content and maintains user engagement. This major technological asset of ByteDance is also a sensitive element in the negotiations, both for strategic and regulatory reasons.
McCourt and Ohanian will have to reassure on their ability to maintain the attractiveness of the platform while respecting American requirements in terms of security and data protection. The way in which ByteDance chooses to structure the sale will directly influence the chances of success of this initiative.
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