Perplexity AI Advocates for TikTok Takeover as Company Eyes $18 Billion Valuation
Perplexity AI has proposed to take over TikTok amid talks of raising funds at an $18 billion valuation. The company asserts it is uniquely qualified to rebuild TikTok's algorithm without monopolizing the market, contrasting itself with foreign ownership. With the potential U.S. presidential order to ban TikTok looming, Perplexity highlights its American origins and technical expertise in AI. Co-founder Aravind Srinivas emphasized the platform's goal of aiding users in finding information, rather than just providing an alternative to existing chatbots. This proposition aligns with a broader push by U.S. companies, including Oracle and Microsoft, to acquire TikTok due to national security concerns. As Perplexity explores raising between $500 million and $1 billion for the funding round, they propose that their rebuilt TikTok could enhance user experience and transparency in content delivery. The company also aims to launch AI-driven tools beyond search, which could improve recommendation algorithms and reduce misinformation.
Source š