Perplexity AI Outlines Vision for TikTok as Oracle Leads Acquisition Race

With an April 5 divestment deadline looming, Oracle is seen as the frontrunner, while Perplexity AI proposes a transparency-focused overhaul of TikTok's algorithm.

Perplexity AI has reiterated its bid to acquire TikTok, proposing to rebuild the app's algorithm as open-source and transparent, hosted in U.S. data centers.
The AI startup plans to integrate its search capabilities with TikTok, including citation features and multilingual support, to enhance personalization and content reliability.
Oracle is currently regarded as the leading contender for the TikTok acquisition, with ByteDance reportedly favoring an arrangement involving Oracle and U.S. investors.
ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to divest TikTok's U.S. operations, as mandated by U.S. law due to national security concerns over potential Chinese government influence.
Perplexity AI's financial capacity to acquire TikTok has been questioned, as it seeks funding at an $18 billion valuation, while TikTok's U.S. operations are valued significantly higher.