As a potential ban on TikTok in the US looms, Perplexity AI emerges as the latest contender aiming to provide the video-sharing platform with a new corporate haven.

Perplexity’s interest in TikTok was first highlighted by CNBC. An insider knowledgeable about the proposal confirmed to TechCrunch that Perplexity, under the leadership of CEO Aravind Srinivas, has made an offer to consolidate with TikTok US.

The insider also verified key details of the proposal – it envisions a fresh entity comprising Perplexity, TikTok US, and new equity associates; it allows most investors of TikTok’s parent firm ByteDance to hold onto their equity; and through this consolidation, Perplexity aims to enhance its AI search engine with more video content.

A law obliging ByteDance to either divest TikTok or face its ban in the US is due to come into effect on Sunday, January 19. This will coincide with the last day of President Joe Biden’s tenure, and his administration officials have indicated that the actual implementation of the ban will be the responsibility of the subsequent administration.

On the other hand, President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on the following Monday, expressed a likelihood of extending a 90-day reprieve to TikTok. In response, TikTok’s CEO shared a video expressing gratitude towards Trump for his efforts.

Nevertheless, TikTok has voiced concerns that unless it receives more definite assurances from the Biden administration against enforcement of the ban, it will be compelled to “go offline” on Sunday.

While numerous suitors have shown interest in TikTok, ByteDance has consistently maintained that it has no plans to sell. ByteDance even dismissed a report suggesting that the Chinese government is open to an acquisition by Elon Musk as utterly baseless. CNBC suggests that Perplexity may be planning to circumvent these challenges by proposing a merger rather than an outright sale.

TechCrunch has approached both TikTok and Perplexity AI for their comments on the matter.