TikTok might not exist without Steve Jobs
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The history of the creation of TikTok shows how far-sighted ideas, like Steve Jobs's, can take unexpected paths that deeply impact global technology and culture.
A recent examination of court documents and business transactions has revealed a complex web of investments and technology pivots that traces back to a little-known Chinese real estate venture.
In 2009, Susquehanna International Group, known for its strategic market placements, invested in a promising Chinese real estate startup called 99Fang, which boasted a sophisticated search algorithm. The venture failed to live up to commercial expectations, but it set the stage for what would later become ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.
During this period of transition, Zhang Yiming, the founder of ByteDance, inspired by the life of Jobs, conceived a new direction that would shift from real estate to entertainment and media. Thus, according to a report by The New York Times, he planted the seed for TikTok.
“Our search, image processing, recommendations, etc. are very efficient,” Mr. Zhang wrote in an email in 2012. “But these things in real estate are very limited.”
Detailed court records, which have come under intense scrutiny, suggest Susquehanna's involvement was instrumental in transforming the technology from its original application in real estate to a platform that could host dynamic, user-driven content. This turnaround reflects Jobs's ability to recognize and use technology in transformative ways that redefine industries.
Current debates and the future of TikTok
While TikTok is warming up Due to its global popularity as one of the most attractive platforms, it is also under scrutiny. US lawmakers are currently engaged in heated debate over the potential national security risks that could arise from TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Some proposals could lead to drastic measures, such as banning the app or forcing it to cease operations in the United States.
The discourse comes amid broader tensions between the US and China, spanning trade, technology and geopolitical rivalry. The results of this debate could not only shape TikTok's future, but also set precedents for international technology governance.
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