The initiative, which is led by Frank McCourt, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Project Liberty, aims to transform TikTok with blockchain technology to give users greater control over their data.
According to Reuters, Ohanian, who will serve as a strategic advisor, said he was drawn to the initiative because of its mission to reshape social media.
“I’ve spent my entire career building tech that puts power back in people’s hands – that’s what got me excited about The People’s Bid. This isn’t just about TikTok, it’s about fundamentally rewiring how the internet works,” he said.
McCourt, who submitted the bid in January, described Ohanian as an ideal partner for the project.
“Alexis Ohanian’s role as Strategic Advisor for Project Liberty and The People’s Bid for TikTok brings invaluable expertise to our initiative,” he said.
“His unique vision and deep personal commitment to user empowerment through social media platforms align perfectly with our transformative approach.”
The push to sell TikTok’s US assets comes amid mounting pressure from lawmakers, who have raised concerns over the platform’s ties to the Chinese government.
On January 19, the app briefly shut down in the US before President Donald Trump intervened, delaying enforcement of a potential ban by 75 days and appointing JD Vance, US vice president, to oversee the sale process.
McCourt is not the only high-profile figure vying for control of TikTok.
Other bidders include Jesse Tinsley, a tech entrepreneur; MrBeast, a YouTube personality; and Reid Rasner, a Wyoming investor.
