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A consortium linked to the Hedera blockchain and the founder of OnlyFans has reportedly entered the bidding war for TikTok’s U.S. operations, adding an unexpected twist to the high-stakes acquisition race. The late entry introduces new potential buyers into a contest that already includes major tech and investment firms vying for control of the popular social media platform.
Who’s Behind the Bid?
According to sources, the group includes entities connected to the Hedera network, a blockchain platform known for its enterprise-grade distributed ledger technology. Additionally, OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely has joined the effort, signaling interest from both the blockchain and digital content industries in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets.
The bid’s emergence comes amid ongoing scrutiny from U.S. regulators, who have raised concerns about TikTok’s ownership by China-based ByteDance. Lawmakers and officials have pushed for a sale, citing national security risks tied to data privacy and foreign influence.
Why This Matters
The participation of a blockchain-linked group could hint at potential plans to integrate decentralized technology into TikTok’s infrastructure. This could involve blockchain-based monetization, enhanced security measures, or new creator-focused revenue models. Meanwhile, Stokely’s involvement suggests interest in leveraging TikTok’s massive creator economy, possibly aligning it with OnlyFans’ model of direct-to-fan content monetization.
The bid also faces stiff competition from major tech firms, private equity groups, and even government pressure that could complicate any potential deal. Regulatory approval remains a significant hurdle for any buyer, especially one involving emerging technologies like blockchain.
With the bidding war intensifying, all eyes are on ByteDance’s response and whether U.S. lawmakers will approve any potential deal. The unexpected entry of the Hedera-linked consortium and OnlyFans founder adds complexity to an already high-profile sale, potentially reshaping the future of TikTok’s U.S. operations.
