Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Considering Buying TikTok Amid US Ban Threat

Reports suggest that Bobby Kotick, the former head of Activision Blizzard, is exploring the possibility of purchasing TikTok in response to potential bans in the United States. The Wall Street Journal has disclosed that Kotick has engaged in discussions with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, regarding the acquisition of the popular social media app, which could require an investment of hundreds of billions of dollars.

With US lawmakers introducing a bill mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or face removal from US app stores, President Joe Biden has expressed a willingness to endorse the bill if it gains congressional approval. Recent discussions have indicated that Kotick and the head of OpenAI, Sam Altman, contemplated forming an alliance to acquire TikTok at a meeting last week.

Kotick’s newfound interest in TikTok arises following a tumultuous conclusion to his three-decade tenure at Activision Blizzard, ultimately acquired by Microsoft last year. Amid accusations of permitting sexual harassment and discrimination within the company during his leadership, the Wall Street Journal highlighted allegations that Kotick was aware of misconduct and failed to disclose pertinent information to the board. Activision Blizzard denied the harassment allegations, stating that the report was misleading.

Concerns over data privacy and TikTok’s association with China have fueled bipartisan apprehension, prompting initiatives to curtail the app’s operations in the US. While the Trump administration previously advocated for TikTok’s ban, President Biden has supported similar measures, particularly prohibiting the app’s use on government devices. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, TikTok has encouraged American users to advocate on its behalf, urging individuals to contact their representatives.

The bill, recently approved by a committee, is anticipated to secure passage in the House vote scheduled for Wednesday, eventually necessitating Senate approval and presidential endorsement. Kotick’s potential involvement in TikTok’s acquisition underscores the app’s uncertain future in the US amid escalating regulatory scrutiny.