Sources: Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner proposed joining a bid for TikTok's European business over lunch with Charles Kushner, the US ambassador to France (Financial Times)

Axel Springer, the media group behind Politico and The Telegraph, approached the possibility of acquiring a stake in TikTok's European division, according to reports. The proposal was made by chief executive Mathias Dopfner, who has long advocated for a shift in the platform's ownership. The idea was reportedly discussed during a January lunch with Charles Kushner, the US ambassador to France and Jared Kushner's father.

While Axel Springer confirmed its interest in finding a European solution for TikTok, the plan did not gain significant traction. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, firmly denied any formal acquisition discussions had taken place. Dopfner's stance on the matter is rooted in a desire to move TikTok to democratic shareholders, suggesting it could serve as a platform for propaganda rather than merely limiting access for European users.

The proposal mirrors the restructuring of TikTok's US operations, which aimed to address national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. Interestingly, the involvement of a US ambassador in the initial conversation may have drawn attention, though it is unclear whether Washington supported the idea.