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OnlyFans Founder Joins Forces With Crypto Foundation for TikTok Takeover Bid

In a bold move to disrupt the social media landscape, Tim Stokely, the founder of OnlyFans, has partnered with the Hbar Foundation—a key player behind the Hedera cryptocurrency network—to submit a late-stage bid to acquire TikTok. The proposal, submitted this week to the White House, marks a significant attempt to shift the ownership of the popular video-sharing app from Chinese owner ByteDance.

Zoop, Stokely’s new startup, aims to redefine the digital content space by offering a platform where creators are the primary beneficiaries. Unlike OnlyFans, which has been associated with adult content, Zoop is designed to be mainstream and family-friendly, returning the majority of its revenues to creators based on user engagement. According to Zoop co-founder RJ Phillips, the bid for TikTok is not just about taking control but about creating a “new paradigm” where both creators and their communities directly benefit from the value they generate.

The partners behind the bid have been quietly working with a group of investors, though details on the financial backing remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, Amazon has also entered the race with a last-minute offer to acquire the app, intensifying the competition.

TikTok’s fate remains uncertain as U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a critical decision on April 5 regarding the app’s future in the United States. ByteDance faces a deadline to either divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a potential national security ban under a law passed in January. This legislation, with bipartisan support, raises concerns about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and its potential to be used for influence operations in the U.S.

While TikTok advocates argue that such a ban would violate First Amendment rights, the Trump administration’s intervention could lead to a sale that alters the app’s ownership structure significantly. Current talks suggest that the largest non-Chinese investors in ByteDance may take the reins of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

As the clock ticks toward the April 5 deadline, the White House is managing the sale process, with Vice President JD Vance overseeing what is quickly becoming a high-stakes auction. With multiple players vying for control, the next few days could determine the future of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms.

Cyprus President Champions Domestic Defence Industry For National Security And Economic Growth

Government Commitment To Strengthen National Defence

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, reaffirmed the government’s intention to enhance the country’s deterrence capabilities while expanding the potential of the domestic defense industry. Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace with members of the Cyprus Defence Industry Council, he outlined a strategy that connects national security priorities with long-term economic development.

Performance Assessment And Strategic Objectives

In the presence of Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, the meeting focused on evaluating the achievements of the council one year following its establishment and delineating the path ahead. The President recalled, “Last year, we decided to institutionalize the Cyprus Defence Industry Council. Today, we review our targets and assess what has been achieved and what remains pending. We discussed the need for a registry of Cypriot companies. It is crucial to amplify the international presence of our enterprises. I remain deeply confident in your capabilities,” emphasizing a performance-driven approach aimed at enhanced operational transparency and market expansion.

Positioning The Industry As A New Economic Pillar

President Christodoulidis expressed his firm belief that the Cypriot defence industry could emerge as a significant economic driver. He described it as a “promising new pillar” for the nation’s economy, bolstered by European initiatives such as the SAFE framework, supplementary equipment procurement plans from third countries, and participation in international trade exhibitions. Such strategies, he noted, open up further opportunities for local businesses to integrate into the global arms market.

International Outreach And Future Economic Impact

The President also pledged active support at an international level, citing his positive response to an invitation to Athens to engage in initiatives aimed at enhanced exposure and collaboration. He was confident that the industry’s contribution could realistically reach a double-digit share of Cyprus’ GDP in the coming years, a target he described as not only ambitious but entirely attainable given current capabilities.

Clear Vision For Measurable Progress

Concluding the meeting, President Christodoulidis reaffirmed his commitment: “I am fully aware of your potential. This is an emerging sector critical to both our economic future and our national security. Today, I expect us to review our concrete achievements, address the areas requiring improvement, and steer this initiative toward even greater success.” This decisive call for accountability and action underscores a broader strategic agenda that intertwines national defence imperatives with forward-looking industrial and economic policies.

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