OnlyFans Founder Tim Stokely Eyes TikTok's U.S. Operations
In a surprising move within the tech industry, Tim Stokely , best known as the founder of OnlyFans , has shown interest in acquiring the U.S. operations of the widely popular social media platform TikTok . The potential acquisition comes as TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance , faces a deadline of April 5 to divest its U.S. holdings or face the possibility of a ban. This action stems from ongoing concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the platform for data harvesting or to sway the American populace.
Zoop: A New Venture Spearheaded by Stokely
Following his success with OnlyFans, which is primarily a platform for adult content, Stokely is now leading a new project named Zoop . This startup, according to a Reuters report, is endeavoring to purchase TikTok in partnership with a group associated with a cryptocurrency initiative. A proposal detailing their plan has reportedly been submitted to the White House.
A Shift Towards a Family-Friendly Platform
Despite Stokely's background in the adult entertainment industry, he aims to transition with Zoop to a more family-oriented platform. Zoop is designed to be a space where creators can capitalize on user engagement. “This isn’t just about buying TikTok. We want to create something where both creators and users benefit,” said RJ Phillips , a leader at Zoop, in an interview with Reuters.
Uncertain Future for TikTok's U.S. Operations
As the situation unfolds, the future of TikTok’s operations in the U.S. remains uncertain. The outcome of this proposed acquisition could significantly transform the tech ownership landscape, marking a unique shift if the sale is finalized. Presently, details regarding other investor groups who might also be interested in TikTok have not been revealed.
