There's no telling yet if Trump's plan can set up a better version of Project Texas or convince China to sign off on a TikTok sale. Analysts have suggested that China may agree to a TikTok sale if Trump backs down on tariff threats.

Whether TikTok stays with Perplexity AI's backing or goes, without that juicy algorithm ByteDance doesn’t seem willing to part with, the app won't ever be the same.

Perplexity AI search startup has a new proposal to merge with TikTok, which would give the US government a stake of up to 50%.

The bankers definitely want in despite this being a heavy lift because the fees on an estimated $20-plus billion deal could be pretty rich.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Perplexity AI has presented a new proposal to TikTok’s parent company that would allow the U.S. government to own up to 50% of a new entity that merges Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. business, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Kevin O’Leary’s $20B TikTok offer is rejected as ByteDance confirms it won’t sell the key technology behind the app’s success.

Perplexity AI has submitted a new proposal that would allow the U.S. government to own up to 50% of a new entity that merges Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. business. The deal was submitted last week and seeks to satisfy one of Trump’s conditions for allowing a stay on TikTok’s ban.

Perplexity AI has revised its merger proposal with ByteDance to create a joint entity, offering the US government up to 50% equity in an IPO valued at $300 billion. ByteDance would sell TikTok US to investors while retaining its recommendation algorithm.

Perplexity AI proposes a deal for the US government to own 50% of a new entity merging with TikTok's US business. The revised proposal allows ByteDance to retain some ties but excludes the algorithm.

However, Musk may be about to swallow poison. TikTok’s killer app does not have a sleek interface or a catchy name. The secret sauce is its algorithm, which is not for sale. The algorithm directs users who have searched for, say, holidays in Bali to performers showcasing that destination. The algorithm feeds the addiction.

A potential deal to restructure TikTok’s ownership could reshape its global operations, minimising Chinese influence while preserving its U.S. presence.

Bill Ford, the CEO of ByteDance shareholder General Atlantic, said Wednesday he was confident that a deal will be reached to ensure TikTok stays online in the US — and suggested there may be