Former Activision CEO Kotick Eyes TikTok Takeover Amid US Ban Threat

Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring TikTok as the popular video-sharing app faces a potential ban in the United States.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Kotick has engaged in discussions with ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, regarding a potential acquisition. The deal could potentially be valued at hundreds of billions of dollars.

This development coincides with the introduction of a new bill by US lawmakers that would mandate ByteDance to divest TikTok within six months or face a ban from US app stores. President Joe Biden has indicated his support for the bill, should it pass Congress.

The Wall Street Journal further reports that Kotick and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed the possibility of partnering to acquire TikTok during a dinner meeting last week.

Kotick's interest in TikTok emerges after his departure from Activision Blizzard following a 30-year tenure. Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard last year. During his leadership, the company faced allegations of fostering a culture of sexual harassment and discrimination. The Wall Street Journal also alleged that Kotick was aware of instances of misconduct and did not fully disclose them to the board. Kotick has also been accused of harassment, allegations which Activision Blizzard has refuted as "misleading."

Lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding data privacy and TikTok's ties to China. President Biden's administration has already banned the app on state devices. Former President Donald Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok, has reversed his stance, arguing that a ban would benefit TikTok's competitors, such as Facebook and YouTube.

As the bill targeting TikTok gains traction, the app has urged its American users to advocate on its behalf, prompting them to contact their representatives. The bill, which recently cleared a committee, is anticipated to pass in the House vote. If approved, it will then proceed to the Senate for consideration, and ultimately, to the President for signature.