Tiktok was made available on the US App Store by Apple and Google on Thursday after President Donald Trump postponed the ban on Chinese-owned social media apps. This ensured that the tech giants would not face fines for distributing or maintaining the app.
The popular short video app, used by nearly half of all Americans, faced a temporary ban last month. However, the ban was scheduled to take effect on January 19th due to national security concerns surrounding its Chinese ownership. The owners were asked to sell the app or risk being banned.
Following this, Trump signed an executive order the next day, delaying the enforcement of the ban by 75 days, allowing Tiktok to continue its operations in the US temporarily.
After receiving Trump’s assurance, Tiktok resumed its service, but Google and Apple continued to remove the app from the US App Store.
Tiktok, the second-most downloaded app in the US last year, announced on Thursday that the latest version of the app was now available for download.
Analysts speculate that there was a delay as Google and Apple were waiting for guarantees that they would not be penalized for hosting or distributing the app.
Trump’s order ensured that companies would not face fines for running the Tiktok app.
According to Market Intelligence Firm Sensor Tower, Tiktok was downloaded over 52 million times in 2024. The majority of downloads came from Apple’s App Store, with the rest from Google Play in the US.
Regulations demanding the sale of Tiktok’s US assets by a deadline, or the possibility of a ban, were put in place in April last year by then-President Joe Biden. This was in response to national security fears and concerns about potential surveillance by China through video sharing apps.
The US has never banned major social media platforms, and the law enacted last year gives the government the authority to ban or require the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.
Trump mentioned on Thursday that the 75-day deadline for Tiktok could be extended.
The uncertainty surrounding Tiktok has attracted interest from potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
Trump indicated that he has been in talks with various parties regarding the purchase of Tiktok and is likely to make a decision on the app’s future in February.
The parents of four teenagers in England have filed a lawsuit against Tiktok following the tragic death of their children.
Isaac Kennevan (13), Archie Buttersby (12), Julian “Juls” Sweeney (14), and 13-year-old Maia Walsh, who rose to fame on social media in 2021, tragically lost their lives in 2022 while attempting a dangerous “challenge,” as stated in the lawsuit.
The Social Media Victims Law Center based in the US lodged a wrongful death lawsuit against Tiktok and its parent company Baitedan on behalf of the grieving parents.
Matthew Bergman, the founding attorney for the Social Media Victims Law Center, revealed, “Three of the four children succumbed to self-stable after being exposed to the hazardous Tiktok Blackout Challenge, all from a similar city and demographic. This does not seem coincidental.”
Bergman further claimed, “Tiktok deliberately targets these vulnerable children with perilous content to boost engagement and profit. The deliberate business decision by Tiktok cost the lives of these four children.”
Tiktok has asserted that searches related to the challenge have been restricted since 2020 and they strive to ban and eliminate harmful content promptly. They also direct users to their safety center if they search for related keywords or videos.
The lawsuit, on behalf of Archie’s mother Holly Dance, Isaac’s mother Lisa Kennevan, Juls’ mother Ellenroom, and Maia’s father Liam Walsh, was filed in the Superior Court of Delaware.
The lawsuit accused Tiktok of marketing itself as a safe and fun platform for children while promoting dangerous and addictive content. Tiktok allegedly engaged children with risky challenges to increase revenue.
Tiktok dismissed claims that they allowed the Blackout Challenge on their platform, asserting that they are actively working to address such issues. However, other perilous challenges involving drugs, hot water, and fire have emerged on Tiktok.
The lawsuit also highlighted that parents believed Tiktok was harmless, catering to children’s entertainment, without anticipating mental health repercussions.
The Social Media Victims Law Center represents families affected by harmful social media content, aiming to prevent the promotion of harmful videos, including those depicting suicide or self-harm, especially among children.
One of the cases involved Tawainna Anderson suing Tiktok in 2022 after her daughter Naira, aged 10, participated in the Blackout Challenge. The appeals court reinstated her case in August 2024.
Archie’s cause of death was determined to be accidental experimentation at his home, with the Blackout Challenge cited as a potential factor among many others.
Juls’ mother is advocating for parents to have legal rights to access their children’s social media accounts following the tragic loss of her son in 2022.
Amendments to the Online Safety Law in the UK aim to compel social media platforms to shield children from dangerous challenges and stunt content while actively eradicating risky material.
MrBeast, a famous YouTube star and the highest-paid creator on the internet, has officially joined the bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations.
Teaming up with technology entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the 26-year-old made an all-cash offer for the social video app’s American division. This move follows President Donald Trump’s statement that US tech billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison were interested in buying TikTok.
Known as Jimmy Donaldson, MrBeast has shown interest in acquiring TikTok through various social media posts. On January 13th, he mentioned in a post, “I’ll buy TikTok to avoid getting banned.” In subsequent TikTok posts, Donaldson revealed discussions with “a bunch of billionaires” regarding the bid.
American law firm Paul Hastings announced the bid for Donaldson in a statement on Tuesday. The statement mentioned Mr. Tinsley leading an investor group consisting of “institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals,” with Mr. Donaldson being the only publicly disclosed member.
While the size of the all-cash bid was not disclosed, Trump valued it at $1 trillion. With 346 million YouTube followers, MrBeast was the world’s top internet creator in the previous year, earning $85 million according to Forbes.
Paul Hastings also noted that Brad Bondi, the lawyer leading the team advising on the bid, is the brother of President Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi.
President Trump mentioned potential agreements with Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, expressing openness to their bids to acquire TikTok. Ellison commented that it sounded like a “good deal.” Trump stated that TikTok would be allowed to operate in the US with 50% American ownership and a valuation of $1 trillion.
Despite TikTok returning online after temporary shutdown, its future in the US remains uncertain. The app faces a deadline of January 19 due to a requirement for the sale of its American division by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
President Trump issued an executive order halting enforcement of the sale requirement, providing assurances for TikTok’s operation. Some lawmakers question the legality of suspending the law, warning of potential consequences for businesses not complying.
TikTok, Google, and Apple have been approached for comments.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending sales of Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, as mandated by a law passed in the United States last year.
Trump’s order was part of a series of actions he took on his first day back in the White House. The order instructed President Trump’s attorney general to hold off on enforcing a law that would require the sale or closure of major social media apps in the U.S. for 75 days.
The moratorium allows for a careful consideration of the next steps in a way that protects national security and avoids an abrupt shutdown of platforms used by millions of Americans.
Additionally, the order directs the Department of Justice to inform other tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle, who have ties to TikTok, that they will not be penalized for any actions during this period.
When asked about the purpose of the TikTok executive order, President Trump stated that it gives the government the option to sell or shut down the platform, but a decision on the course of action has not been made yet.
Critics of the video-sharing platform argue that it poses a security threat because it is owned by ByteDance, a company with ties to the Chinese government. They fear that the personal information of U.S. users could be used for malicious purposes.
During his presidency, Trump had previously criticized TikTok for these reasons and attempted to ban it. However, he has since shifted his stance due to various factors, including his popularity on the platform and the views of TikTok investor Jeff Yass.
Despite Trump’s change in position, Congressional Republicans have remained firm, and under bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden, TikTok was required to sell its assets to a U.S.-based company by January 19, with a possible 90-day extension for the sale process.”
Plans to sell TikTok have not been confirmed, but there is interest from figures like Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary. The U.S. Supreme Court has been involved in the matter, and despite objections from free speech advocates, the law remains in effect.
Trump’s court filing emphasizes his unique ability to negotiate a solution that addresses national security concerns while preserving the platform, but experts question the effectiveness of his approach.
Alan Rosenstein, a former National Security Adviser, dismissed the executive order as merely a symbolic gesture and stated that TikTok would likely remain banned despite Trump’s intentions.
TikTok stated on Sunday that it would resume service in the United States following President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Earlier that day, the video app received a reprieve from its ban in the country.
President Trump has allowed Truth Social additional time to find a buyer, giving the Chinese-owned video app a lifeline before facing a total shutdown. He proposed that a US company acquire 50% of the stake, signaling his intention to sign an executive order in support of this proposal.
“By doing this, we will save TikTok, ensure it remains in good hands, and keep it afloat,” Trump declared. “Without approval from the US, TikTok would not exist. With our approval, its value could reach hundreds of billions, even trillions of dollars.”
Late Saturday, TikTok suspended its services for approximately 170 million users in the US.
In April, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok, now owned by ByteDance, to sell to a non-Chinese entity or face expulsion from the US. The Supreme Court upheld this provision, leading to the app’s decision to shut down temporarily. The law prohibits the distribution, maintenance, or updates of TikTok in the US if a sale is not secured.
A message popped up for US users of the app from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, stating, “A US law has been enacted banning TikTok, hence its current unavailability.” Trump advocated for a ban during his previous presidential campaign but found it challenging to enforce it in the 2024 election. He made a last-minute attempt to intervene on TikTok’s behalf upon realizing its substantial user base.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, expressed gratitude to President Trump for his efforts to maintain the app’s availability in the US. He anticipated attending Trump’s inauguration personally.
In response to Trump’s Sunday message, the company affirmed in a statement its “restoration of services” and assured service providers that there would be no repercussions for enabling TikTok. They thanked President Trump for this action, emphasizing their positive impact on millions of Americans and small businesses, supporting the First Amendment, and opposing arbitrary censorship. They expressed eagerness to work with Trump towards a long-term solution for TikTok in the US.
Several TikTok users reported that the app was fully functional again soon after the announcement.
Concerns about TikTok revolve around the potential access of personal data of US users by the Chinese government and manipulation of the app’s algorithms to control user content. Chu refuted any involvement of the Chinese government in the app, clarifying that ByteDance is not acting as an agent of China or any other country as of 2023.
Reports surfaced last week suggesting that Trump was considering extending the ban through an executive order. The bill allowing the ban on TikTok includes a provision that allows the president to extend the sale deadline by 90 days if sufficient progress is demonstrated, but evidence of substantial progress is required for such an extension to be granted.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced his support for banning TikTok in a NBC press event on Sunday. He interpreted Trump’s call to “save TikTok” as a directive to facilitate a legitimate sale and change of ownership for the app.
Lawmakers are primarily concerned about the Chinese Communist Party rather than the app itself, emphasizing the need for ByteDance to complete the sale of TikTok within 270 days to avert potential national security risks.
Some Republican officials oppose the idea of extending the ban’s timeframe, noting that the law should be enforced as written. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts stated that China must sever all ties with TikTok and agree to a qualified sale for the app to be considered safe for US users.
Several Democratic lawmakers urged President Biden to allow TikTok a grace period before any shutdown, emphasizing the app’s importance to content creators, privacy concerns, and national security.
Investor Kevin O’Leary reportedly offered TikTok’s owners a $20 billion buyout, while other reports suggest a potential merger with TikTok US or a sale to Elon Musk, which TikTok dismissed as untrue.
TikTok suspended its service in the United States late Saturday, just before a federal ban on the Chinese-owned short video app went into effect.
This app is no longer available on Apple’s iOS App Store or Google’s Play Store. In April, the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face complete shutdown. I chose the latter.
TikTok said the sale was “commercially, technically and legally impossible.” The company stuck to that policy until the end.
It took five years for the app to disappear. Donald Trump first proposed banning TikTok by executive order in mid-2020, but was unsuccessful. Various lawmakers proposed similar measures, but only one passed. The Protecting Americans from Controlled Applications by Foreign Adversaries Act was passed, requiring TikTok to be sold or banned.
“A law has been enacted in the United States that bans TikTok. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok at this time.” Luckily, once President Trump takes office, we have a solution to bring TikTok back. has expressed its intention to cooperate with Stay tuned,” a message to users trying to use the app appeared.
TikTok’s lawyers told the Supreme Court that the app will “cease use” on January 19th. After TikTok disappears from the app store and no new downloads or updates are possible, it will gradually become obsolete while the ban continues. Without regular maintenance, your app may fail to function smoothly and become vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Users trying to access TikTok in the United States encountered the message late Saturday. Photo: Blake Montgomery/The Guardian
TikTok fought this action vigorously in court, arguing without success that blocking the much-loved app would violate its right to free speech. It seemed like the bill might die before it became law, as in Montana, where a similar provision became the first state in the U.S. to ban TikTok within its borders in 2023. The state law was overturned before it took effect.
Two days before ByteDance was due to sell the popular app used by 170 million Americans, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the law was constitutional and its provisions should remain. did. Biden said he would leave enforcement of the bill to Trump. The White House said in a statement Friday that TikTok “should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership.”
In response to the ruling, TikTok chief Shou Chiu called on the president-elect to save the app. “On behalf of everyone at TikTok and our users across the United States, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to working with us to find a solution to keep TikTok available in the United States,” he said in a video posted to TikTok. Ta. .
At the 11th hour, Trump tried to intervene on TikTok’s behalf before the Supreme Court, even though Trump himself is the author of the ban. He drew attention to the app after gaining a large audience during the 2024 presidential campaign. He is scheduled to take office on Monday and could order the Justice Department not to implement the bill, but said the Supreme Court’s ruling “should be:”respected”.It is unclear whether he will be able to completely avoid the TikTok ban.
President Trump said Saturday that he would likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban after he takes office on Monday.
“The 90-day extension is appropriate and will most likely be implemented,” he told NBC. “If we decide to do that, we’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
US TikTok users are leaking to Chinese video-sharing app Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) rather than YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels, both of which are likely to gain traction after the ban.
One user said: “Before I look at your Instagram reels, I want to dropship my DNA to the doorstep of the Chinese Communist Party.”
The average TikTok user is approximately 1 hour every day on the app. However, the app is set to be banned in the US, and US users' screen time is about to decline rapidly.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal against a law banning social media platforms, citing national security concerns. TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance had challenged the law, arguing that it violated free speech protections for its more than 170 million users in the United States. But the ruling was upheld by a unanimous vote, requiring the app to find an approved buyer for the U.S. version by Sunday or be blocked. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden has said he has no intention of enforcing the ban, instead deferring to that decision. President-elect Donald Trump's administration. While there are rumors that the ban may still be thwarted, a major U.S. exodus has already begun as users flock to alternative Chinese video-sharing app Red Note.
many Users have been Post a “Farewell TikTok” video. The app was first released in the US in 2016. Some of them satirize or mock national security concerns as users bid farewell to “China's personal spies.” Others are more heartfelt, such as a video montage of a teenager turning 18 or a newborn puppy growing into a white-haired dog. Many comments said, “I grew up with this app.”
But that is“What I learned on TikTok that changed my life” video that is the most attractive. While social media is regularly criticized for spreading fake news and harming mental health, these videos show there is a more positive side, at least for some people.
When life gives you lemons… Photo: TikTok
one video by Brigitte Muller piled up Over 1 million views. Her advantage is to use a yoga mat underneath sofa Use cushions to prevent them from slipping off, spray vodka on vintage clothing, etc. Gets rid of musty odor. Thousands of users flocked to the comments section to learn everything from recognizing the characteristics of neurodivergence to making jammy eggs. Some people describe TikTok as the parent or grandmother they never had.
So, in honor of TikTok's final hours (at least in the US), I'm sharing nine of my own favorite lessons.
1. Always roll limes and lemons before squeezing them to maximize the amount of juice. I also ditched the glass lemon squeezer and replaced it with a fork.
4. You are tying the dressing gown incorrectly. Remove the tie and rethread it through the loop so that it hangs in front of you. after that Instead of tying it at the back, Pull the ends together at the front and voila! It will not open unexpectedly again.
Let's tie…the correct way to tie a dressing gown. Photo: TikTok
5. A former American POW tells us How to keep a bag of potato chips fresh without using rubber bands or clips. TLift the bag and fold the two corners so that the top forms a triangle. Next, roll the other side under and curl it completely, creating two “pockets” on the other side. Turn it over and keep it in place Clips are never stale again.
6. Instead Do you leave your cosmetics scattered near the sink? I dumped my bag by the front door when I entered the house and now follow this mantra: “Don’t put it down, please put it away.” IIf you use something and then immediately put it back in its original place, No need to organize it later.
7. How to use Turntable – aka Lazy Susan – Storing spices means they don’t have to be rooted deep in the back of your cupboard That particular seasoning seemed like I would never find it.
Say cheese…turn the grater sideways. Photo: TikTok
8. Turn the box mold to make it easier to grate the cheese. put the grater aside. The same goes for can openers. put it on top of the canrather than using it from the side. Stops sharp and jagged edges.
9. Hair dryer helps remove stubborn stains glass and plastic adhesive labels. You can also remove address labels from cardboard boxes. Very useful for reusing after purchasing on eBay or Vinted.
○ On a recent Monday morning, Olivia Shalhoup opened her laptop and braced herself for the day’s meetings. As the founder of marketing and PR agency Amethyst, about 40% of her work focuses on helping musicians take advantage of TikTok. Her client was nervous that day, with a Supreme Court decision looming and the fate of the app in the United States hanging in the balance. “The key thing we talked about on every call was, ‘What are we going to do?'” Shalhoup said. “It’s no exaggeration to say that TikTok is critical to artists’ campaigns at this point. No one is immune to this.”
Since its debut in 2017, TikTok has become a star-making machine, with short-form video content overtaking traditional music promotion formats like TV and radio. This app features up-and-coming artists. A-listers promotes the rise to topof the chart And make Magic FM classics like Running Up That Hill a Generation Alpha hit. With the help of TikTok, Lil Nas Ta. More recently, songs such as Djo’s “End of Beginning” and Artemas’ “I Like the Way You Kiss Me” have become global hits after going viral on the app. The ability to track a song’s tenacity, engagement, and reach is a label executive’s dream, and one that author John Seabrook provides. I called “Real-time global callout data” helps leading companies make smarter trades.
Lil Nas X performs in New Jersey in 2019. The rapper and singer’s career soared after his smash single “Old Town Road” went viral on TikTok. Photo: Scott Ross/Invision/AP
“Right now, most label strategies rely heavily on TikTok,” said Ray Uskata, managing director of the Americas at music marketing agency Round. “It’s not just an entertainment platform, it’s a discovery platform. People go to Instagram to see what their friends are up to, they go to YouTube to see what their favorite creators are up to. I go to TikTok to see something new.”
The key to TikTok’s success is a feed filled with algorithmic recommendations that seem to know you better than you know yourself, and keep you in tune, sometimes unnervingly, with the trends and music you’re obsessed with. We provide you with a stream of carefully selected content.
It was enough to give lawmakers pause. In April, the U.S. Congress ordered TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell the app to a U.S.-based owner, citing national security concerns over possible manipulation of TikTok by the Chinese government and its collections. They passed a law forcing them to do so or face complete closure. Sensitive User Data Signed by Joe Biden. On January 10th, the Supreme Court convened to decide whether to force TikTok to go dark in the US on January 19th. Despite widespread protests from the creators (and the ACLU) slam On January 17, a court upheld a law that threatens to kill the app in the United States (the proposal is unconstitutional).
Music’s new kingmaker
Many marketers say they are at a loss. “I think a lot of people are in denial,” said Meredith Gardner, co-founder of agency Tenth Floor and former senior vice president of digital marketing at Capitol Records. She said that as recently as 10 days ago, potential clients at major labels were still talking about TikTok as a priority. “I think a lot of people are still hopeful that there will be some form of Hail Mary,” Gardner said.
Artists and record labels view TikTok as the closest thing to a kingmaker in today’s fragmented mainstream music industry, making it difficult to imagine a future without it. “If you look at the top 50 in the world, [chart] Compared to the viral charts, on Spotify, most of these songs are currently charting or trending on TikTok,” Uskata says. “These aren’t actually from other platforms.”
Its influence spreads worldwide. Patrick Clifton, a UK-based music and technology strategy consultant, says the power of TikTok’s network effects in the vast US market is such that it influences what people listen to on Spotify, and that TikTok directly connects Spotify to Spotify. It states that you can click through to listen to the song. Post – Around the World.
“TikTok has been a huge catalyst for music trends in the U.S., and the size and distribution of its user population in the U.S. has made it a catalyst for algorithmic trends on platforms like Spotify around the world,” Clifton said. I say. Therefore, the US ban could change what Spotify offers to listeners in regions where TikTok is still available, such as the UK.
Jeff Halliday, vice president of marketing for Downtown Artist & Label Services, said a potential ban “would immediately cause a lot of disruption.” “It’s like every stage of grief. At first it was mostly denial. A lot of people thought, ‘That’s never going to happen.’ And then the negotiation begins where you say, ‘Well, there’s another way.'”
In the face of uncertainty, marketers are advising artists not to put all their eggs in one basket. Gardner said he tells the artists he works with to take a cue from the pre-iTunes era and cultivate a digital Rolodex of fans. She was recently contacted by a singer-songwriter client seeking advice on how to share his rich archive of demos and home recordings with listeners. In another era, a collection like this would seem tailor-made for TikTok, but Gardner took a different view. “We encourage TikTok to launch Substack.”
A demonstrator holds a pro-TikTok sign in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 10, 2025.
Alison Robert/Washington Post/Getty Images
The United States Supreme Court supported A ban on the popular video streaming app TikTok is set to come into effect on January 19th.
of Prohibited Unless ByteDance, the app's Chinese parent company, sells TikTok to a U.S. company by a January 19 deadline, the U.S. company will have to restrict users from accessing and updating TikTok through app stores and internet browsers. You will be required to block it.
TikTok's challenge to the law, which the Supreme Court began hearing on January 10, argues that TikTok violates the U.S. Constitution's free speech protections. On the same day, the court heard arguments in a related case, with lawyers representing TikTok content creators arguing that the ban also violates the constitutional rights of these individuals.
However, U.S. Attorney General Elizabeth Preloger argued that the ban on TikTok was not meant to crack down on free speech, but to prevent foreign espionage. The US government's case is that the Chinese government used TikTok to collect sensitive personal data on hundreds of millions of people in the US, which could later be used against them.
The Supreme Court unanimously agreed with the government's arguments and ruled against TikTok and individual creators in both cases. “There is no question that TikTok provides a unique and far-reaching source of expression, participation, and community for more than 170 million Americans. “We determined that division was necessary to address widely held national security concerns regarding relations with foreign adversaries,” the opinion states.
TikTok plans to shut down its app for U.S. users on January 19, the same day the ban goes into effect. According to Reuters. But this may not be the last twist in the courtroom drama.
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to leave office on January 20, the day after the ban goes into effect. Administration officials said Mr. Biden would not enforce the law. According to the Associated Press. Rather, the strength of the ban will depend on the actions of President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.
President Trump initially supported banning TikTok during his first term, but later changed his stance and expressed support for allowing the platform to continue operating in the United States. After taking office on January 20, he could ask MPs to repeal or amend the law, or instruct the government not to enforce it.
President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing the possibility of lifting the TikTok ban in the United States through an executive order once he assumes office on January 20th.
The incoming president is contemplating an executive order to delay the ban, initially set to take effect on January 19th, as per The Washington Post. However, the legality of Trump’s decision to suspend the Congressional law is dubious.
Per the law, TikTok’s U.S. operations must be divested by its Chinese parent company by Sunday. Failure to do so will result in new users being unable to download TikTok from app stores.
In the absence of Supreme Court intervention to block the law, TikTok is gearing up to block access to the app for U.S. users on Sunday, reports tech news site Information.
On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that Trump and his team are mulling over an executive order to temporarily halt law enforcement for 60 to 90 days, citing anonymous sources. The Supreme Court is anticipated to rule on the law’s progression, with recent indications suggesting it is unlikely to be halted.
“I have positive sentiments towards TikTok,” stated President Trump last month, requesting the Supreme Court to delay law enforcement to pursue a “political solution” post-inauguration. Congress voted to ban the app, owned by ByteDance in Beijing, citing fears of potential Chinese state data access for 170 million U.S. users.
“TikTok is a valuable platform,” affirmed Mike Walz, President Trump’s incoming national security advisor, on Fox News. “We will ensure data protection while preserving the app.”
The New York Times disclosed that TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chu, shared plans to attend President Trump’s inauguration in a prestigious setting.
NBC reported that the Biden administration is exploring strategies to prolong social media platform operations post-Sunday to defer President Trump’s decision.
“The American public should not anticipate an abrupt TikTok ban on Sunday,” reassured an administration official to NBC.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments from TikTok and ByteDance, its China-based owner, on Friday. ByteDance is seeking an injunction against a bill signed by President Joe Biden that bans short-form video apps starting January 19 unless they are divested from ByteDance. TikTok argues that the sale would be impossible and is seeking an injunction to suspend the ban pending legal proceedings.
Over 170 million Americans use TikTok, and the company’s lawyers claim that banning the app violates the First Amendment rights of many users. Despite this argument, the federal appeals court upheld the ban in December. The bill received bipartisan support from Congress in April over concerns that China could spread propaganda through the app.
Starting on January 19, new users will be unable to download TikTok, and existing users will not be able to update the app. Lawmakers have instructed major app stores, like Apple Inc. and Google, to be prepared to remove TikTok from their platforms on that date.
TikTok’s 7,000 U.S. employees are uncertain about their future. Some new roles are still being advertised by the company, but there is pessimism among employees following the court’s decision to uphold the anti-sale law in December. Advertisers are also considering their options, with some planning to continue advertising on TikTok even after January 19.
TikTok has insisted that it cannot be sold, but potential buyers, like Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in acquiring the app. McCourt has secured commitments from investors for a bid and hopes to negotiate a sale with ByteDance.
State-level bans, like the one planned in Montana, have faced legal challenges. In China, a forced sale of TikTok may require approval from Beijing authorities, which could prove to be a significant hurdle.
Days before popular US social media app TikTok is proposed to be banned, Chinese social media app Red Note is seeing a flood of new users as the little-known company eases English language restrictions while strategically taking advantage of the sudden influx.
More than 50,000 users from the United States and China participated in a live chat dubbed “TikTok Refugees” on RedNote on Monday. Veteran Chinese users welcomed the American users, with some trepidation, and exchanged notes on topics such as food and youth unemployment, although at times the conversation delved into more sensitive subjects.
Such impromptu cultural exchanges were happening across Red Note, also known as “Xiaohongshu” in China, as it rose to the top of the US download rankings this week. Its popularity was boosted by social media users in the U.S. who had been searching for alternatives to ByteDance Inc.’s TikTok in the days before its impending ban.
RedNote, a venture capital-backed startup valued at $17 billion, allows users to curate photos, videos, and text to document their lives. With more than 300 million users relying on it for travel tips, anti-aging creams, and restaurant recommendations, the company is considered an IPO candidate in China.
In just two days, over 700,000 new users have joined Xiaohonshu, and Red Note downloads in the U.S. have increased significantly, according to estimates from app data research firm Sensor Tower.
The surge in U.S. users comes ahead of a Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a U.S. ban on national security grounds. TikTok is currently used by about 170 million Americans, about half of the U.S. population, and is overwhelmingly popular with young people and advertisers.
Stella Kittrell, a 29-year-old content creator based in Baltimore, Maryland, expressed her support for Americans using Red Note as a response to concerns over business and privacy issues with the U.S. government. She joined RedNote in hopes of collaborating with Chinese companies and finding an alternative to other social media platforms.
Brian Atavansi, a 29-year-old business analyst and content creator from San Diego, California, noted that apps like Instagram and Facebook are not able to recreate the sense of community found on TikTok due to its organic nature.
Reports suggest that Chinese authorities have initiated discussions regarding the potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk if the app cannot avoid a ban. Authorities prefer TikTok to remain under the control of Chinese parent company ByteDance but are exploring other options, including a sale to Musk.
A TikTok spokesperson dismissed the report as “pure fiction” and reiterated the company’s stance of not selling its U.S. operations. TikTok has become one of the largest social networks globally, surpassing other popular platforms in app downloads and user numbers.
Concerns over potential Chinese influence led to U.S. lawmakers passing a bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s platform or face a ban. The Supreme Court has also mandated a decision on TikTok in the U.S. by January 19th.
The report suggests that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be sold through a competitive process or a government deal, indicating ByteDance may no longer have sole control over TikTok’s future. Chinese government involvement in ByteDance gives rise to regulatory concerns.
One scenario proposes Musk’s social media platform X taking control of TikTok US jointly, although no final agreement has been reached yet. Details regarding ByteDance’s awareness of discussions and Musk’s involvement remain unclear.
A sale to Musk would grant him greater influence over the U.S. information ecosystem, following his acquisition of Twitter and subsequent rebranding. Concerns over regulatory scrutiny and big tech censorship have also been raised.
If TikTok faces a ban, users may express concerns, as seen in jest from popular influencer Mr.Beast. TikTok has clarified government investment does not impact its global operations outside of China.
There has been no immediate response from Musk, Mr. X, Chinese authorities, or Commerce Ministry to requests for comments.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on Friday regarding the future of TikTok. This marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over whether to ban the immensely popular social media platform in the U.S. The judges will consider the balance between national security concerns and the preservation of free speech.
TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance have appealed to the Supreme Court after a lower court upheld a law banning the app in the U.S. The ban is scheduled to take effect on January 19th, unless ByteDance sells TikTok’s assets to a non-Chinese entity. ByteDance has argued that a sale is not feasible from commercial, technical, and legal standpoints.
The oral arguments are expected to last for two hours, with each side given the opportunity to present their case. The court has outlined that the discussion will focus on whether the ban infringes on the First Amendment.
TikTok boasts 170 million users, approximately half of the U.S. population, making the potential ban a contentious issue. While some believe the app could be exploited by the Chinese government, there is a coalition of influencers, civil rights groups, and even President Donald Trump advocating against the ban, citing concerns about free speech violations.
ByteDance has faced legal challenges from federal and state authorities, with legislation to ban TikTok passing in Congress last year. The company maintains that it operates independently from Chinese influence and handles U.S. user data through Oracle.
Federal law at the center of the case
The law in question, known as the Protecting Americans from Regulatory Applications by Foreign Adversaries Act, was enacted by President Joe Biden. It follows a previous ban on TikTok in federal devices and underscores concerns about national security risks associated with the app.
U.S. lawmakers have expressed apprehensions about China’s potential control over TikTok’s content and user data, citing security threats and propaganda dissemination. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to show that China or ByteDance have manipulated the app for espionage purposes.
Shortly after Biden signed the law, TikTok filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that the ban violates the Constitution and impinges on free speech rights. The company emphasized the importance of preserving communication and expression for its vast user base.
Supreme Court review and President Trump’s opinion
Following a recent ruling by a federal appeals court, TikTok sought an emergency motion from the Supreme Court to halt the ban. The court agreed to expedite oral arguments and has received numerous briefs from both sides of the debate.
Notably, former President Trump submitted an amicus brief requesting the court to suspend the ban to allow for negotiation. This stance contrasts with his previous efforts to ban TikTok over national security concerns.
President Trump’s involvement in the case underscores the complexity of the issue, with diverging viewpoints within the political landscape. The upcoming Supreme Court decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of TikTok in the U.S.
TikTok has been aware for a long time that its video livestream feature was being misused to harm children, as revealed in a lawsuit filed by the state of Utah against the social media company. The harms include child sexual exploitation and what Utah describes as an “open door policy that allows predators and criminals to exploit users.”
The state’s attorney general stated that TikTok conducted an internal investigation in which adults allegedly used the TikTok Live feature to engage in provocative behavior with teenagers. It was found that some of them were paid for this. Another internal investigation found that criminals used TikTok Live to launder money, sell drugs, and fund terrorist groups.
Utah was the first to file a lawsuit against TikTok last June, alleging that the company was profiting from child exploitation. The lawsuit was based on internal documents obtained through subpoenas from TikTok. On Friday, an unredacted version of the lawsuit was released by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, despite TikTok’s efforts to keep the information confidential.
“Online exploitation of minors is on the rise, leading to tragic consequences such as depression, isolation, suicide, addiction, and human trafficking,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes in a statement on Friday. He criticized TikTok for knowingly putting minors at risk for profit.
A spokesperson for TikTok responded to the Utah lawsuit by stating that the company has taken proactive steps to address safety concerns. The spokesperson mentioned that users must be 18 or older to use the Live feature and that TikTok provides safety tools for users.
The lawsuit against TikTok is part of a trend of U.S. attorney generals filing lawsuits over child exploitation on various apps. In December 2023, New Mexico sued Meta for similar reasons. Other states have also filed lawsuits against TikTok over similar allegations.
Following a report by Forbes in 2022, TikTok launched an internal investigation called Project Meramec to look into teens making money from TikTok Lives. The investigation found that underage users were engaging in inappropriate behavior for digital currency.
The complaint also mentions that TikTok captures a share of digital gifts from live streams, with lawmakers arguing that the algorithm encourages streams with sexual content as they are more profitable. Another internal investigation called Project Jupiter looked into organized crime using Live for money laundering purposes.
VLogs by Nigerian content creators Tayo Aina feature anything from Nigeria Japan (immigration) wave and voodoo festival. Performing with Afrobeats stars in Benin david or last hunter-gatherer tribe. In Tanzania, you can get millions of views on YouTube.
Aina, 31, who started the channel in 2017 while working as an Uber driver, says it has allowed her to see parts of Nigeria that she had never had the chance to visit before. Using his iPhone, he began a mini-travel adventure, taking breaks to record the places he visited and tell stories not covered in mainstream media.
“I want to inspire the next generation of Africans to have no limits,” says Nigerian content creator Tayo Aina. Photo: Handout
Aina learned how to film and edit through YouTube tutorials, saved up to buy better equipment, and soon began traveling beyond Nigeria to countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Namibia, learning about the continent’s culture and social life. He created a travel video that introduces Africa through the lens of photography. African traveler.
“Most of the online media was negative, and I realized that I was trying to change the narrative about Africa by presenting it more clearly. It’s light,” says Aina, who now travels around the world.
Africa’s Creator Industry 2024 Report Research by publisher Communiqué and media technology company TM Global values the sector at £2.4bn and predicts it will grow five times by 2030, reflecting trends in the global creator economy. Its growth is being driven by a wave of creators between the ages of 18 and 34, a surge in internet connectivity and social media usage across the continent, and the explosion of African culture on the world stage.
Growing interest in African culture – from Afrobeats and Amapiano Music and dance to an international fashion collection made from African textiles such as Ankara and Kikyoy. African movies – This is part of an international aspiration for authentic cultural storytelling outside the Arctic Circle, reflected in global cultural movements such as Hallyu, says David Adeleke, Founder of Communiqué.
This year, TikTok recognized More than a dozen African creators including Nigerian lifestyle creators @__iremide, a person who makes videos that satirize everyday life, and a South African Sachiko-sama. The 22-year-old is known for cosplaying characters from anime, video games, and pop culture. Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of international affairs, recently said: held a meeting Other social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok are increasing their presence and Heva I’m getting involved.
The report says the industry is gaining momentum but is still young. Most content creators are in their third year of work, have fewer than 10,000 followers, and are faced with the challenge of turning social capital into income. The report adds that discussions about the monetization and standardization of the creator business ecosystem continue to take place primarily in Western countries.
But that is gradually changing.
As Aina’s channel grew and attracted a more international audience, he discovered what he was capable of. more and more It cost him money when his content was viewed by Western audiences rather than Africa. YouTube’s advertising model relies on ad spend, which is lower in many African markets than in North America and Europe.
“Part of the reason is economic. Generally speaking, Western creators and audiences have more resources, but that alone is not enough to justify the disparity in opportunity. ” says Adeleke.
As Aina began diversifying her content and audience to generate more income, there were other issues to worry about. He shares a video about the barriers and prejudice he faced during his travels, including being detained in Ethiopia on suspicion of drug possession, being arrested in South Africa on suspicion of being a “fraudster” and being refused entry to Dubai. I’ve posted it on my blog. The 2022 incident in Dubai was the “last straw” for Aina. Aina invested her savings in St. Kitts and Nevis and eventually secured a passport from St. Kitts and Nevis, becoming a citizen of the Caribbean nation.
He currently runs the Creator Academy on YouTube, where he has trained nearly 2,000 mostly African creators. “I want the next generation of Africans to grow their brands globally without limitations,” he says.
Chiamaka “Amaka” Amaku A 30-year-old Nigerian travel and lifestyle innovator who works as a social media manager and creates content as a personal project, believes digital infrastructure issues, including the challenges of sending and receiving international money, are a challenge for Nigerian creators. It says it can limit growth. Some global payment platforms have imposed restrictions on certain countries, including Nigeria, due to concerns about fraud and money laundering.
“Payment is one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s creator economy,” Amaku said, adding that payment barriers deter global brands from working with Nigerian creators.
In recent years, fintech companies such as flutter wave and salary stack While supporting international payments has reduced the barriers creators face in accepting digital payments, many restrictions remain, including local bank policies. For travel creators like Amaku, that means it’s harder to book flights or take Uber abroad.
Amaku, who charges between £250 and £500 for posts on his Instagram page, which has around 20,000 followers, says it is difficult to make a living from creating content and there is a “culture of secrecy” around fees in the industry in Nigeria. He says that many people have died because of this. Creators quickly changed.
Sharon Makira A 31-year-old Kenyan luxury travel creator who describes her audience as “Afropolitan champagne nomads” agrees. He said competition for brand sponsorships is fierce because many companies still rely on traditional advertising, so negotiating rates can become a race to the bottom.
With around 20,000 followers on Instagram and 7,000 followers on YouTube, she gets around five brand deals a year, and is paid around £600 to £1,000 per campaign. When she became a full-time content creator last year, after nearly a decade in media and PR, she realized she couldn’t make a living relying on a few unpredictable brand deals, so companies started creating content. We have opened a PR studio that allows you to tailor your business to suit your needs. Cooperate with viewers, travel agencies and other businesses nomad And luxury lodges in Rwanda Singita Kwitonda.
According to her, building a business around a social media brand can earn you several times more per project than a brand deal. “I think there’s real promise there.” [African] Creators: Leverage your social capital, network, credibility, and personal brand to launch your business,” she says.
Britain’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reached out to video-sharing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, urging them to prioritize the promotion of high-quality educational content for children.
Recent data indicates a substantial shift in children’s viewing habits, with a significant decrease in TV consumption over the past decade. Instead, children, aged between 4 and 8, are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube and TikTok for entertainment, according to Nandy.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Nandy mentioned the government’s intention to engage in dialogue with these platforms initially, but warned of potential interventions if they do not respond positively.
She emphasized the importance of the high-quality educational content produced in the UK, which plays a crucial role in informing children about the world, supporting their mental well-being and development, and providing entertainment. However, she expressed concerns about the lack of similar quality in content on video-sharing platforms compared to traditional broadcasters.
Former BBC presenter Floella Benjamin, acting as a guest editor on the show, described these platforms as a “wild west” filled with inappropriate content.
Nandy highlighted the government’s efforts to remove harmful content for children and stressed the need to address deeper issues related to the quality of content children consume.
She acknowledged the democratic nature of platforms like YouTube, where individuals can build careers from home, but also emphasized the responsibility to ensure the content is appropriate for young viewers.
Regarding the decrease in funding for children’s television, Nandy mentioned the Young Audiences Content Fund as a positive initiative to boost production. She believed that increasing investment might not be the solution, as the focus should be on reaching all children, including those who do not watch traditional TV.
Despite concerns raised by Benjamin about a crisis in children’s television, Nandy praised the sector as a valuable asset for Britain, from networks like CBeebies to beloved shows like Peppa Pig. She emphasized the government’s role in supporting and nurturing this content, even if it may not be highly profitable.
Nandy admitted the challenges of monitoring her own son’s online activities but commended the platform’s filtering mechanisms and highlighted the positive influence of educational content like news programs.
Nandy confirmed contacting Ofcom to elevate the importance of children’s television in their regulatory considerations and urged a review of public broadcasting, anticipated in the summer.
She stressed the necessity of balancing the influx of investment from platforms like Netflix and Disney with preserving and promoting uniquely British content without overshadowing it.
This involves forming partnerships with public broadcasters to expand online content availability and ensure adequate recognition and support for their contributions, as per Nandy’s statements.
This was supposed to be the year of Gen Z’s “summer of the kids,” inspired by Charli XCX’s hit album. The trend was chaotic and scrappy, embodying the messy essence of modern youth.
However, TikTok, the preferred social media platform for teenagers, is now seeing a shift towards a more sepia-toned music trend. Users are delving into classic artists’ back catalogs like Bronski Beat and Sade instead of the latest music.
The use of older songs in UK TikTok posts hit a new record this year, with 19 of the top 50 songs being over five years old. This global trend is exemplified by songs like Alphaville’s 80s hit “Forever Young.”
TikTok’s head of music partnerships in the UK and Ireland, Toyin Mustafa, believes the platform has created a level playing field for music acts, giving both old and new releases an equal chance to shine.
Challenges on TikTok have fueled the popularity of songs like Bronski Beat’s “Small Town Boy” and Alphaville’s “Forever Young.” Even lesser-known tracks like Pavement’s “Harness Your Hopes” have garnered attention on the platform.
TikTok’s influence on the music industry is significant, with both classic and modern tracks making waves. The platform has played a role in boosting artists like Blood Orange and Tinashe, while also impacting global music trends.
The trend of rediscovering back catalog songs resonates with a younger generation seeking unique music experiences. The accessibility of older tracks online allows users to explore a variety of music beyond the mainstream.
TikTok’s top back catalog tracks this year include hits like Blood Orange’s “Champagne Coast” and Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” showcasing the platform’s impact on music discovery and appreciation.
The platform’s future in the US music industry faces uncertainty, but its influence on music trends and artist exposure remains undeniable.
Overall, the resurgence of classic songs on TikTok reflects the timeless quality of good music and the evolving tastes of a new generation of music enthusiasts.
Here are TikTok’s top back catalog tracks this year. To be eligible, your song must be at least 5 years old.
On TikTok, people claim that pouring castor oil on their belly buttons can cure endometriosis, aid in weight loss, improve complexion, and promote healthy hair. However, it’s important to question the scientific basis behind this viral trend. Castor oil is known for its stimulant and laxative effects, which can be beneficial for treating constipation and inducing labor, although there are more commonly used medications for these purposes.
In addition to its medicinal uses, castor oil is also utilized in cosmetics like lip balms and moisturizers due to its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research supporting or refuting the health benefits of applying castor oil to the belly button.
This practice may not make sense from a physiological standpoint, as the belly button served as a connection to the placenta during fetal development, providing oxygen and removing waste products. However, this connection is severed at birth, and oil does not enter the body through the belly button.
While massaging castor oil into the skin may offer temporary relief for certain conditions, such as menstrual cramps, it is not proven to be effective for weight loss or pain relief when taken orally or applied topically. Essential oils have shown to be more effective for aromatherapy purposes compared to unscented oils like castor oil.
Overall, while abdominal massage with castor oil may provide some relief for symptoms like constipation, it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. It’s important to approach health trends with caution and rely on scientifically proven methods for healthcare.
LIna Nielsen recalls the moment when inspiration struck. While lounging around the Olympic Village in Paris with her sprinting comrades, she felt bored. “I turned to Yemi Mary John and said, ‘Let’s transform this into TikTok,'” Nielsen recounted. She retreated to her room, grabbed the flip phone assigned to each player, and entered the following into an Excel sheet: “Come on, come at me.”
Shortly after, she swiftly created a five-second parody of Kelly Rowland’s music video text message blunder. “It’s amusing how a video that’s both simple and effortless can be so impactful,” Nielsen remarked with a chuckle. She still finds it hard to believe that her TikTok channel was the most popular among all British athletes at the Olympics, surpassing even the second-place finisher Tom Daley. By the end of the two-week Olympic event, her channel had more views than the Australian and German teams combined.
Nielsen, along with her twin sister Raviai, who also participated in the Paris Games, joined countless athletes in sharing glimpses of village life, ranging from chocolate muffins to cardboard beds. “It served as a good distraction because too much focus on competition can lead to intensity. Social media helped to take my mind off things,” she stated. While Nielsen was defeated in the 400m hurdles semi-finals, she later aided the British relay team in clinching a bronze medal in the 4x400m event.
The “TikTok Olympics” of 2024 uncovered surprising trends, revealing that female athletes outnumbered their male counterparts on social media platforms. Research conducted by the Women in Sport Trust disclosed that female athletes constituted 69% of TeamGB’s total TikTok content and 67% of its views. Globally, women’s voices dominated the discourse in Paris, spanning from Australian water polo ace Tilly Kearns to Dutch skateboarder Keet Oldenbubing.
American gymnasts’ feeds showcased Mykayla Skinner criticizing her former teammate’s work ethic before seizing the gold medal, and Simone Biles celebrating post-victory with the caption, “Champions. Lack of talent, lazy, Olympians.” The subsequent attention on this post evolved into its narrative.
However, the standout star of the competition was American rugby luminary Ilona Maher. Her signature lipstick and unfiltered demeanor in the fake Love Island video from the Olympic Village captured hearts. The 28-year-old, who bagged a bronze medal for the United States in Paris and was a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars, soared to fame upon joining the Bristol Bears team recently.
“I won’t even earn six figures in rugby, that’s the harsh reality,” Maher shared in a recent interview. “Some might perceive that I’m not serious about my career, with TikTok-ing and all, but it’s necessary for me. That’s where I generate most of my income.”
Her candidness plays a vital role in her appeal. “She stays true to herself,” remarked rugby sevens player Ellie Boatman, who scored in the quarter-final clash between Great Britain and the United States. “Her authenticity resonates with audiences. She candidly shares about her journey. Initially hesitant, she now takes pride in it, something that many women can relate to.”
Boatman has amassed a substantial following of her own, with her kit rundown being Team GB’s most-viewed video. Her online presence has grown through open discussions about overcoming eating disorders, advocating social media as a platform for sportswomen to exhibit vulnerability and authenticity.
“Previously, athletes merely kept their focus on performing and diligent work,” Boatman reflected. “Now, people are more intrigued by the person behind the athlete. It’s wonderful to witness more narratives about personal journeys unfold recently.”
In an era where highly-paid male athletes appear disconnected from reality, empathy becomes a unique selling point in the sports industry.
Jenny Mitton, managing partner and head of women’s sport at M&C Saatchi Agency, noted that sportswomen naturally possess effective social communication skills due to the historical need for them to advocate for themselves. “When they are passionate about an issue, be it excelling in the sport or combating discrimination, their sincerity shines through, resonating with audiences,” Mitton added. She pointed out that authenticity is what flourishes on social media platforms.
This newfound power of female athletes in addressing important issues on social media is seen as a positive development by Lina Nielsen, who, living with multiple sclerosis, aspires to advocate for those with disabilities. “Using my voice to raise awareness about MS is something I strive for,” Nielsen expressed, highlighting the impact social media has in driving change and creating a platform for important conversations.
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Jorge Rivera Herrans unveils some aspects of the Epic: Musical. Last Christmas, he managed to dethrone Taylor Swift from the number one spot on the US iTunes album chart. The stakes are high as the final installment of his musical rendition of the Odyssey is set to release on Christmas Day.
Rivera Herrans’ project has already seen remarkable success, boasting 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, surpassing industry stalwarts like Morrissey, Liam Gallagher, and the Sex Pistols. In the last 28 days alone on the platform, he garnered 119 million views.
“I craved sword fights, the sea, gods, monsters, spells, love, lust, and revenge,” he expressed to the observer. “I want people to experience wonder and feel like kids again when they engage with it.”
Amazing is not just a musical but a 40-song concept album where Rivera Herrans takes on the role of Odysseus during his decade-long journey back to Ithaca post-Troy’s siege, with each step portrayed on TikTok.
Amazing caters to the fascinations of teen pioneers of Generation Alpha, blending Greek mythology and fan interaction.
Rivera-Herrans initiated the writing and recording process in his bedroom studio, later constructing a soundproof vocal booth with his father. While most artists guard their creative processes zealously, Rivera-Herrans takes the opposite approach, openly sharing everything from song motifs to orchestration choices and audition procedures.
“It was daunting initially,” he confessed. “The first time I shared a video on TikTok, I was so nervous that sleep eluded me that night. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Sharing the process online is fantastic because it’s a collective adventure. We can witness real-time feedback on what works and what doesn’t.”
The debut song was a solo effort, but Rivera Herrans later held auditions on TikTok, where interested candidates showcased their singing talents. “We were anticipating around 30 auditions initially, but by month’s end, we had received 1,000 video submissions,” he revealed.
Jorge Rivera-Herrans, the mastermind behind Epic: The Musical. “I craved sword fights, the sea, gods, monsters, spells, love, lust, and revenge,” he remarked.
Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to animate and breathe life into their interpretations of Amazing‘s songs, a prospect that Rivera Herrans relishes. “If I subtly hint at forthcoming events in earlier songs and embed numerous clues through musical motifs, will the audience catch on? When they do, it’s immensely gratifying.”
One of the most enigmatic leitmotifs fans have deciphered is a trumpet melody signifying Poseidon’s involvement in the storm that detained Odysseus and his crew at sea for years, without any deity visibly intervening. The theme resurfaces later, sung by a god.
“It’s truly astonishing how fans pieced this together,” Rivera Herrans stated. “We’re devising captivating storytelling techniques along the way. It’s truly invigorating.”
Claire Chandler, a senior lecturer in musical theater at the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts, noted that fan engagement with musical theater has surged since composers began showcasing their work on YouTube circa 2015.
The pandemic has fostered the emergence of two other TikTok musicals. Firstly, Remy’s Delicious Restaurant originated from the online meme culture that sprouted around Pixar movies. Various TikTok users crafted songs, ultimately leading to a Broadway performance of Ratatouille for a charitable event.
Then Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear crafted an unofficial bridgerton musical after Barlow shared a snippet of her singing the piece. While they secured a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, they faced a lawsuit from Netflix for their attempts to stage the show.
Fans of Amazing inquire about the possibility of a stage adaptation.
Following the conclusion of the narrative on Christmas Day, they might receive an answer when Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca. Rivera Herrans and his team are in discussions with a “prestigious company” to produce an animated film and another entity for a live-action stage presentation. Three video games are in the works, with two already in development. The team acknowledges fans’ eagerness to participate in bringing these projects to fruition.
“What’s the next iteration of Amazing? What have we bequeathed to the world? I am receptive to all possibilities since each rendition can illuminate a distinct facet of the story,” Rivera-Herrans affirmed.
A US law banning popular video-sharing app TikTok is expected to take effect in early 2025, but the US Supreme Court has ruled agreed To hear TikTok’s legal challenge to this. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he may take action against the law, raising new questions about whether it will survive.
What does a TikTok ban actually do?
From January 19, 2025, “Act to protect Americans from regulatory applications by foreign adversaries' will prevent US companies such as Google and Apple from allowing users to access or update TikTok through their own app stores unless TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance sells the app to US companies. It turns out. It would also require internet service providers to block the platform on US internet browsers. The bill was approved by the House and Senate with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024.
If the ban were implemented, it would be virtually impossible for new users in the US to download the TikTok app. Kate Ruan At the Center for Democracy & Technology, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. For the 170 million existing TikTok users in the United States, the app may remain on their phones. However, not having access to updates will reduce functionality over time.
People in the United States may still access TikTok using virtual private network (VPN) services that disguise the user's location. But the experience of using the app could still deteriorate, Ruan said. TikTok content will no longer be stored on nearby U.S. servers, so it will load more slowly.
These restrictions stem from privacy and security concerns. US lawmakers fear that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over TikTok users' data, pressure the app to change its algorithm, and present content that could manipulate public opinion. , said TikTok is a “national security threat.” However, no solid evidence has been provided to support these claims. TikTok said We are investing heavily to keep U.S. data safe. From outside influences and manipulation.
“It is deeply concerning that a country like the United States, which has always led the world stage in championing a free, open, and interoperable internet, is taking steps to ban access to entire platforms within its borders. 'This is unusual and should be done,' says Luan.
Will the Supreme Court block TikTok's ban?
Previously, he was a judge on the D.C. Lower Circuit Court of Appeals. allowed With U.S. law in effect, the Supreme Court agreed to hear TikTok's appeal. TikTok position That is, the ban amounts to censorship that violates Americans' right to free speech under the First Amendment.
“We hope courts will seriously address how this law violates these rights and how governments should account for the rights of social media users when seeking to regulate these speech platforms. I think so,” Luan said. “Despite the fact that some users have filed lawsuits claiming that this law violates their First Amendment rights, which are different from TikTok, the court did so in the process of considering this particular law.” have not done so.”
The most likely short-term impact, Ruan said, is that the U.S. Supreme Court will temporarily halt enforcement of the law while the justices consider the case. This could delay implementation of the law for months, no matter how long it takes for the Supreme Court to rule in 2025. TikTok specifically seeks such a suspension in its court filing.
Ruane said the ban violates First Amendment rights and that the government would be justified in such an outright ban if the Supreme Court found that the U.S. government had less restrictive options at its disposal. It is possible that an injunction could be issued that would make it virtually impossible to do so. The Supreme Court could also ask the lower D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its analysis of the case. Such a decision could force governments to find more tightly tailored options for regulating TikTok.
How can Trump stop banning TikTok?
President-elect Trump supported plans to ban TikTok during his first term, but has since changed his mind. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he promised:Save TikTok'' he urged American voters to support him in a post on his social media platform “Truth Social.'' On December 16th, President Trump met TikTok's CEO later said in a press conference that the administration would “consider” the ban. Even if the Supreme Court ultimately agrees to keep the ban in place, President Trump could change the law's impact.
For example, the president could meet with U.S. lawmakers and ask for changes, such as repealing or amending domestic laws, Ruane said. She also described a possible scenario in which President Trump could instruct his administration's attorney general not to enforce the law, but warned that it would be outside the norm for how the U.S. government normally operates.
Even if President Trump's attorney general announces that the US government will not enforce the ban, US companies such as Google and Apple remain reluctant to allow people to access apps through their platforms. There is a possibility. “If I were in charge of legal risk at one of these companies, I don't know if I would be able to say, 'We believe in it.' [decision]It’s okay to allow access to this app, which is prohibited,” Ruane said.
What does the US ban on TikTok mean for the rest of the world?
If passed, the U.S. ban could have significant ramifications around the world. First, people in other countries will not be able to access new content from US-based TikTok creators and influencers. But more importantly, the U.S. government's actions could prompt other countries to consider similar restrictions.
The US is not the first country to take action against TikTok, with the Indian government blocking the app since 2020, but Luan said the US ban would lead to “authoritarian regimes” They expressed concern that this could prompt the banning of all apps, including those that are Similar national security justification.
“This will no doubt be used as a justification to ban TikTok elsewhere, and to ban access to other applications that have served as important speech platforms in countries where the internet is less open. will also be used,” Luan said.
Will banning TikTok protect privacy?
The ostensible purpose of the ban is to protect the privacy of U.S. TikTok users and prevent their data from falling into the hands of other countries, as well as to prevent the Chinese government from potentially manipulating the content presented to U.S. app users. It is to address the concerns that there are. But Ruane says there are many alternative steps U.S. lawmakers could take before blocking TikTok completely.
For example, governments could require TikTok to be more transparent about how it collects and shares individual user data and what steps it takes to protect privacy. There is sex. Lawmakers could require platforms to share how their algorithms filter and control the content users see to alleviate concerns about tampering, Ruan said.
The U.S. government may also consider enacting consumer privacy laws that would provide better legal protections for how social media platforms share personal data with other companies and the government. “These consumer privacy and transparency choices are not as extreme as banning the entire platform,” Ruan said.
TikTok made a last-ditch effort to continue operating in the U.S. on Monday, as it passed a temporary law requiring its China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the popular app by January 19. The U.S. Supreme Court was asked to intervene and prevent a ban from taking effect.
Both TikTok and ByteDance have filed emergency requests with a judge to block the impending ban on the social media app, which is used by approximately 170 million Americans. They are appealing a lower court ruling that upheld the law. Additionally, a group of U.S. users of the app filed a similar request on Monday.
The law, passed by Congress in April, was based on concerns raised by the Justice Department regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. The department alleges that as a Chinese company, TikTok could access and manipulate vast amounts of data on U.S. users, endangering national security. The ban is aimed at addressing these security threats.
TikTok and ByteDance argued in their Supreme Court filing that Americans should have the freedom to choose whether or not to use the app, without government interference. They criticized the law’s potential impact on freedom of speech and expressed concerns about the future implications if the law is upheld.
If TikTok is shut down even for a month, the companies estimate that they would lose a significant portion of their U.S. user base, affecting their ability to attract advertisers and content creators. The companies stress TikTok’s importance as a speech platform in the U.S. and argue that delaying enforcement of the ban would allow for further legal review.
Despite previous attempts to ban TikTok, President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in his stance and expressed interest in saving the app. He met with TikTok’s CEO and has indicated that his administration will evaluate the law’s legality. The companies emphasize the abrupt impact the ban would have, particularly on the eve of the presidential inauguration.
The companies urged the Supreme Court for a ruling that would allow them to manage the shutdown of TikTok in the U.S. if necessary, and to coordinate with service providers within a set deadline under the law. The escalating tensions between China and the U.S. add further complexity to the dispute.
TikTok has vehemently denied any sharing of U.S. user data and accused U.S. lawmakers of creating unfounded concerns. The company emphasizes the importance of protecting free speech and the potential implications of restricting access to the platform.
In a statement following the lawsuit, TikTok’s spokesman Michael Hughes reiterated the need for the courts to closely scrutinize any restrictions on speech, particularly in cases involving foreign ownership. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of balancing national security concerns with free speech rights.
BOf them, the Australian online personality who took to the stage at the annual TikTok Awards on Wednesday has more than 100 million followers. But if you're over 30, you've probably never heard of them.
This year's TikTok Awards received approximately 3.4 million public votes and recognized top creators in categories such as beauty, fitness, food, comedy, and music. Almost everyone who attended the invite-only event achieved fame in a particular field. Among the online stars in attendance were: quartet of brothers People who perform highly choreographed dances in public (160,000 followers); gay couple A woman who constantly redecorates her home (3.4 million followers) and a woman who is growing her following. About having very long hair (Australian Rapunzel, 1.3 million followers). Another woman posted a video that garnered 1.5 million followers. Ask a stranger if they're on their period. These are people who are regularly stopped on the street by fans and have large enough followings that they can make a living doing business with brands.
American singer JoJo Siwa greeted fans outside the TikTok Awards on Wednesday. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage
The ceremony, held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, was a safe space for hyper-online people. The brand activation encouraged guests to pose in elaborate photo settings. Creators in the audience brought portable ring lights and live-streamed TikTok from their seats throughout the night. That meant crowds were often uncomfortably quiet during awards ceremonies, as it was difficult to clap and hold a cell phone at the same time. It was impossible to use the bathroom without accidentally crashing a TikTok being filmed in the mirror.
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“The main advice I have to give is to stay true to yourself and hit the posts,” TikToker Leah Hulton said at the venue while accepting the award for 12-second video of the year. . lip sync video It has been viewed 939 million times. “I don't know where they're taking me.”
Throughout the night, entertainment ranged from the flamboyant to the absurd. american pop star jojo siwaperformed her song “Karma” and presented her with the Music Artist of the Year award (which went to Loyle Otis, who was absent). Beatmaker Cyril Riley has tapped Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Knoll for a song. Host Robert Irwin brought out a live snake. Branded T-shirts were airgunned into the crowd. The night's skincare sponsors had performers dressed as bottles of their products dance to a jagged electronic track while a DJ delivered unspecific spoken word sound bites like “dermatologist recommended.” did. On stage, there were references to memes that have become popular on TikTok this year, such as the Four Seasons Orlando Baby.
But the audience wasn't entirely Internet native. In attendance was 76-year-old TV chef Ian “Huey” Hewitson, who was nominated in the food category, and was awkwardly seated at the same table as fellow nominees in their 20s and 30s. (Finally, michael finchformer beauty vlogger turned viral chef). Also in attendance was Dr. Karl Krzelnicki, who won the High Quality Content Creator category for his research on topics such as: Why does drinking coffee make you poop?.
Teenagers are facing new restrictions on beauty filters on TikTok that are aimed at addressing concerns about increasing anxiety and decreasing self-esteem.
In the near future, users under 18 will not be able to use filters that artificially alter features like enlarging eyes, plumping lips, or changing skin color.
Filters such as “Bold Glamor” that significantly alter a user’s appearance will be affected, while simple comic filters like bunny ears or dog noses will remain available. The changes were announced by TikTok during a safety forum at its European headquarters in Dublin.
Despite these restrictions, the effectiveness depends on users accurately providing their age on the platform.
Beauty filters on TikTok, whether provided by the platform or created by users, are a source of concern as they pressure teenagers, especially girls, to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and can lead to negative emotional impacts. Some young users have reported feeling insecure about their real appearance after using filters.
TikTok will also enhance its systems to prevent users under 13 from accessing the platform, potentially resulting in the removal of thousands of underage British users. An automated age detection system using machine learning will be piloted by the end of the year.
These actions come in response to stricter regulations on minors’ social media use under the Online Safety Act in the UK. TikTok already deletes millions of underage accounts globally each quarter.
Chloe Setter, head of public policy for child safety at TikTok, stated that they aim for faster detection and removal of underage users, understanding that this might be inconvenient for some young people.
Ofcom’s report from last December highlighted TikTok’s removal of underage users and raised concerns about the effectiveness of age verification enforcement. TikTok plans to implement a strict age limit of 13+ for social media users next summer.
Social media platforms will introduce new rules regarding beauty filters and age verification, anticipating stricter regulations on online safety in the future. These adjustments are part of broader efforts to enhance online safety.
Other platforms like Roblox and Instagram are also implementing measures to enhance child safety, reflecting a growing concern about the impact of social media on young users.
Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, emphasized the importance of transparent age verification measures and the need to address harmful content promoted on social media platforms.
The NSPCC welcomed measures to protect underage users but stressed the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure age-appropriate experiences for all users.
○Last Week Tonight, John Oliver investigated the impending ban of TikTok in the United States. TikTok, a popular social media app known for its cooking tutorials and trendy dances, has captured the attention of many users, especially those born after 1985.
With 170 million active users in the U.S., TikTok has a significant following, particularly among young adults. Despite its popularity, the app faces potential extinction as the Senate passed a bill in April giving its Chinese parent company ByteDance an ultimatum to sell TikTok or risk being banned in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
Lawmakers from both parties view TikTok as a threat, with one likening it to a “gun to Americans’ heads.” Despite this, Oliver humorously points out that Congress tends to act differently when faced with literal gun violence as opposed to figurative threats.
Oliver delves into TikTok’s history, highlighting the app’s rapid rise in popularity, especially during the pandemic. He humorously notes that TikTok thrived during lockdowns as people turned to it for entertainment and distraction.
Concerns about TikTok’s ties to China have been ongoing, with President Trump attempting to block the app through an executive order. Despite TikTok’s efforts to distance itself from China, questions remain about the security of user data and potential government influence on the app.
Oliver examines TikTok’s data collection practices and algorithm, pointing out the extensive information the app gathers about its users. He raises alarm about the potential vulnerabilities and privacy risks associated with TikTok’s operations.
While acknowledging concerns about propaganda and censorship on TikTok, Oliver questions the evidence supporting these claims. He suggests that underlying motives, including competition from other tech companies, may be at play in the push to ban TikTok.
Oliver concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger privacy protections in the U.S. and questioning the efficacy of banning TikTok as a solution. He highlights the complex nature of the debate and the lack of clear solutions in addressing the risks associated with data privacy and national security.
Rory Sutherland is searching for an analogy to describe his newfound status as one of Britain’s most viral TikTokers.
“It’s like Lord Byron. I woke up and realized I was famous.”
The fact that he references a 19th-century romantic poet shows that Sutherland is not your typical social media influencer.
In a sea of youthful content creators on TikTok, he stands out as an unlikely sensation.
Mr. Sutherland, a 58-year-old advertising executive and Cambridge University graduate, shares old marketing tricks on TikTok, captivating millions of viewers who were not around during the 1980s advertising boom.
With 2.4 million likes and videos garnering over 600,000 views, he is far from a corporate relic, even getting stopped by school kids for selfies.
Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy & Mather, believes TikTok’s success lies in its insights into human behavior influenced by marketing techniques.
One video exposes how restaurants manipulate customers into buying expensive wine through clever tactics.
Sutherland’s 23-year-old twin daughters find his sudden fame both amusing and unsettling.
While he didn’t initiate the TikTok account that propelled him to fame, Sutherland embraced the opportunity to educate and entertain his audience.
Through humor and valuable insights into the marketing world, Sutherland has captivated a wide audience on TikTok.
He believes that empowering businesses with marketing knowledge can boost the economy and sees the positive side of behavior change tactics.
Whether through charm or clever marketing, Sutherland’s influence on TikTok is undeniable among Gen Z users, though convincing them to buy wine might be a stretch.
When you think of British cultural exports in the 21st century, familiar examples like James Bond, Downton Abbey, and Adele might spring to mind.
But in the algorithm-driven world of TikTok, where a trend known as “Britishcore” has become one of the most sought-after movements right now, everyday aspects of British life are becoming a hot topic.
British Core is Cultural Terms At the turn of the decade it was used to depict rundown pubs, lonely traffic cones and other symbols of the bleakness of British life.
Today, it has expanded to include Trainspotting-inspired videos, lip-syncing from the stars of Twilight Nights, and a satirical celebration of the Oasis reunion.
TikTok points to growing interest in British fashion, comedy, and travel on the platform as evidence of a renewed interest in British culture and its typically satirical take on it.
The trend has proven so popular that even international content creators are joining in, eager to show just how Britishcore their content is.
One notable example is American DJ The Dare. A jokey video of himself At Paddington Station, Ewan McGregor’s opening monologue from Trainspotting plays, with Born Slippy from Underworld playing in the background.
The Dare posted the video, which has been viewed 245,000 times, with the slogan “British Max”.
The Dare filmed themselves in Paddington bearing the slogan “British Max”, set to Ewan McGregor’s opening monologue from the film Trainspotting and a soundtrack of Underworld’s “Born Slippy”.
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images via NYFW: The Shows
Another video saw US cinema staff lip-synching to a clip of Gemma Collins from the film The Only Way is Essex, while an Australian radio host posted promoting an Oasis reunion, which has been viewed 3.7 million times.
In one TikTok US content creator @the_quivey10 has compiled a list of things he’d like to do if he were in the UK, including everyday activities made popular on Britishcore TikTok, like doing a “cheeky Tescoran” and getting a Greggs sausage roll.
TikTok said it has seen double-digit increases in posts using the hashtags #ukcomedy, #ukfashion, and #uktravel since January, and that the #OasisReunion video has been viewed more than 100 million times in the past two weeks.
“This summer, British pop culture exploded onto the global stage,” said Louisa McGillicuddy, TikTok’s UK trends expert. “From the Brat phenomenon to the excitement over the Oasis reunion… TikTok communities both in the UK and internationally have embraced all things Britcore.”
American content creator @the_quivey10 has a bucket list for when he visits the UK, which includes eating a Greggs sausage roll.
Photo: Newscast/UIG/Getty Images
TikTok, which has more than one billion users globally, said interest in Britishcore content was reflected in the popularity of The Killers’ videos. Performing Mr Brightside in front of a London audience Collins and Gary Barlow, regulars on the Love of Hands TikTok account, posted the meme following England’s victory in the Euro 2024 semi-final. TikTok said a video of the Take That singer in a vineyard saying “this is my idea of how to spend a pretty lovely day” has become a popular meme overseas.
Alwyn Turner, a senior lecturer at the University of Chichester and an expert on British popular culture, said a common thread among some of Britain’s most popular cultural exports was a sense of “cheekiness”.
Turner also pointed out how increased interest in British culture could benefit the national mood.
“As a citizen, when you achieve fame in America, it gives you a sense of optimism. It makes the country feel alive and vibrant. There’s a certain feel-good feeling in Britain when the world wants you,” he said.
More Fall Trends on TikTok
The British singer and her eponymous band, whose hits include “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love,” haven’t released an album since 2010. But TikTok has maintained interest in Sade’s music, with clips featuring her songs up 63%.
The singer’s looks have also become popular on the platform. 1 mood board clip The video has garnered nearly 5 million views, and the hashtag #sadegirl has also recently become popular on the platform.
A combination of travel trends and aesthetic sensibility has made the Northwestern United States popular on TikTok. Short slideshow And there are video edits capturing the region’s atmospheric woodland scenery. An account dedicated to the trend, @throughthepnw, has 1.6 million followers.
Food is a popular genre on TikTok, and Filipino cuisine has been gaining attention recently, in part due to interest in “boodle fights,” communal banquets in which participants eat with their bare hands at tables covered with banana leaves.
This trend supports playing easy, non-violent video games such as “Wild Flowers,” which features farming and magic, and “Moonstone Island,” a game where you collect creatures. There is also a rise in “deskscapes,” which create a relaxing gaming environment with plants and indirect lighting.
Educational influencers in fields such as history and science are becoming increasingly popular on TikTok. One example is Katie Kennedy (@thehistorygossip), a content creator who takes an unconventional approach to history education. One title is “Were people having sex during the plague?”, another is “Why did these royals enjoy pure body odor?”. Although she only started on TikTok in January 2024 while in her final year of university, Kennedy’s page has over 500,000 followers and 13.9 million likes. Her debut book, History Gossip: Was Anne of Cleves a Beggar? And 365 Other Historical Curiositieswill be released on October 7th.
aAfter three years, over 100 issues, two parental leaves, two AI summits and a cycle of cryptocurrency booms and busts, this will be my last newsletter. It also marks the end of 11 years at The Guardian. My first day was the launch of the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 16 launches on September 9th. It’s been an eventful time.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been asking readers for questions and I’ve been bombarded with them. I apologize if I wasn’t able to answer all of your questions, but I’m so grateful to everyone who asked.
What was the most shocking thing you discovered in the TechScape study/report? – Alexandria Weber
In 2019, I received leaked internal TikTok moderation documents that revealed for the first time that the company had a written, global policy to enforce Chinese foreign policy on its platform. According to the leaks, the company censored videos that mentioned Tiananmen Square, Tibetan independence, and the banned religious group Falun Gong.
TikTok argued that the document was outdated at the time and had been revoked several months ago, replaced with new, more locally sensitive guidelines. As a sign of the direction the company was heading, it was a good sign. But the leak remains grounds for concern to this day that the company may not be all that independent from the Chinese government.
Computer Scientist Ray Kurzweil He says that within 20 years, we will have the ability to replicate the human mind with a computer.including all memories, Their personalities and Consciousness. Do you think this claim is credible? – David
Kurzweil’s “singularity” has been around 20 years into the future for the past 30 years, so I don’t see much reason to attach much importance to his predicted date, but my bigger issue with his predictions is that the order has changed somewhat over the last few years.
The traditional singularity theory holds that computers will continue to get faster and faster until they are finally fast enough to mimic the brain, at which point uploading will become possible. This is because AI will continue to become more and more powerful, eventually AI Solving the problem of uploading human brains.
In that vision of the future, brain uploading will only be possible after a superintelligent AI has already been created and remade the world. That seems like an odd thing to focus on.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at a U.S. Senate hearing. Photo: Brendan Smiarowski/AFP/Getty Images
Do you think Facebook and Google have peaked?and slowly but inevitably slide towards relative insignificance? – Bernie
Never say never. Companies are constantly reinventing themselves. Of course, the tech industry is the best example of this. Apple almost lost its leading position in the 1990s, but has since made a remarkable comeback, from the iMac to the iPhone. Meta and Google are both competing to assume leadership positions in AI, which could once again make them some of the most important companies on the planet.
But I agree with the premise of the question: excitement and attention around technology is shifting, and Google and Meta’s existing businesses are on the downside of that shift. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Search will continue to make money for the foreseeable future, but none of them are at the exciting forefront of their industries anymore.
And, of course, it’s hard not to peak when your company is the fourth or sixth largest in the world – there’s only so much room to “rise” further.
Where is the smartphone going from here? How can new smartphone models differentiate themselves from other models? – John Brown
The boring but true answer is that foldable phones will steadily fall in price and improve in quality until hardware design creativity suddenly blossoms again. Samsung has led the way with two approaches: the clamshell-style Flip, popular around the time of the Olympics, and the folio-style Fold. The screen technology is still not perfect—there’s a noticeable bump in the middle of the unfolded phone—and prices range from high to eye-wateringly expensive, but the devices are the only truly novel design the industry has seen in the past decade.
Then, in a year or two, Apple will release a foldable phone and everyone will know it exists.
The atmosphere surrounding technology seems to have changed dramatically over the last five years or so. There seems to be more anxiety about how technology will develop. Society is deteriorating, and few people are optimisticDo you think the industry can overcome it? – Ido Vock
I think the tech industry is in a very similar place to where the finance industry was 15 years ago. It will continue to attract smart, talented people because the work is interesting and the pay is good, but the atmosphere has clearly changed. I don’t think the industry can turn back the clock, but I wonder how much it needs to. Money solves a lot of problems, and it’s better to be rich than to be optimistic.
The real question for me is whether these changes in technology threaten to spill over into widespread skepticism about the whole notion of science and technology improving the world. I hope not. I remain fundamentally optimistic about human progress and think some of the upcoming breakthroughs in areas like health, green energy, and even space flight will be exciting.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Photo: Nintendo
The Greatest Game of All Time (And Why It’s the Best) Soulsborne)? – Chris M
For those unfamiliar, Soulsborne games are a genre created by developer FromSoftware and its director Hidetaka Miyazaki, characterized by a punishing difficulty curve, an indirect narrative structure, and a tone that can be memorably summed up as “a goddamn little man snickering at you from behind a locked door.” I personally have a soft spot for the series’ Bloodborne, which released on PlayStation 4 in 2015, but I’ve just spent 50 hours playing the latest Soulsborne entry, Elden Ring, and it’s fantastic.
But the greatest game of all time is still The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Six years on from the release of the Switch and the console’s defining launch title, nothing has yet surpassed that game, not even its perfect sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. That said, Elden Ring is a great game for adults who feel embarrassed about playing an all-ages title, but it does have a bit of a goth Zelda about it.
If I continue any more I’ll have to co-brand my last newsletter with Pushing Buttons, so I’d like to stop here.
During the time you’ve worked in this role, what’s the best example of where technology has made a real, valuable, positive difference to the world? – Steve Parks
In my professional life, the answer is undoubtedly machine transcription. It’s not flashy, but being able to generate imperfect real-time transcripts from recorded interviews is truly transformative for reporting, speeding up the process of turning an idea into a published news story by hours.
More broadly, I think the rise of machine translation is a similar answer. These tools have improved slowly and steadily over the past 20 years, to the point where a significant portion of humanity is now able to communicate with one another in a basically intelligible way, in near real time. One of the most interesting consequences of this is that, at least in the short term, nothing has actually changed: language ability is still valuable, people still consume content primarily in their own language or that has been professionally translated, and online communities have not consolidated into one giant global conglomerate.
Maybe it will be. Or maybe this science fiction-turned-reality technology will continue to be useful mainly for making my holidays more comfortable and for reading funny Bluesky posts from Japan.
What’s next? Thank you to all 17 readers
After 11 years at The Guardian, I’m not jumping right into another job and will be taking six weeks off. In the meantime, you can keep in touch with me on these unconventional social networks: Blue Sky or Backlog; I don’t plan on returning to writing a weekly newsletter anytime soon, but I do plan to post occasional round-up articles if you’re interested in occasional updates on where I’ve posted articles. My dormant Substack.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many of you TechScape readers over the years, and thank you for reading, emailing, sharing your stories, and continuing to support me. I have some great writers who will be taking over for me.
The originator of TikTok’s “demure” catchphrase has begun to pay more attention to U.S. trademark law.
Jules Lebron, a social media influencer with over 2 million followers on the platform, skyrocketed to fame by sharing guidance on embodying “modesty,” “kindness,” and “cuteness” in both work and personal life. This trend has picked up steam, leading to collaborations with major brands like Verizon and Netflix featuring Lebron in sponsored content, as well as big-name celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gillian Anderson incorporating the phrase into their own videos.
Recently, Lebron, who is transgender, expressed that the news surrounding her video had a significant impact on her life. A video showing her emotional reaction to this development was shared and then deleted on TikTok, where she disclosed that she had failed to register the trademark in time. According to TMZ, a man named Jefferson Bates from Washington submitted a trademark registration application for a slogan very similar to Lebron’s catchphrase, obviously attempting to capitalize on her success.
In response to this, Raluca Pop, the founder of Hive Social, a social media platform similar to Elon Musk’s X, stepped forward, stating that she had filed an application in California for the phrase “Very Demure Very Cutesy” as a gesture of solidarity with Lebron.
Popp further divulged that she took action after witnessing another individual’s attempt to appropriate Lebron’s words. Not wanting to see Lebron’s catchphrase exploited, Popp decided to secure the trademark and plans to later transfer it to Lebron to ensure she benefits from it.
If Bates’ trademark application receives approval, Lebron may find herself unable to use her catchphrase on any official merchandise or sponsored material in Washington without obtaining a federal trademark. However, trademark lawyers are optimistic that Lebron will be able to defend her rights against Bates’ claim of being “very modest, very considerate…”
Arie Elmanzer, an attorney and the founder of Influencer Legal, a law firm that assists content creators in resolving trademark and contract issues, remarked, “If I were her, I wouldn’t be worried. She was clearly the first to use it, and she should capitalize on it to strengthen her claim as the original creator.”
Elmanzer mentioned that Bates has lodged a $1 billion trademark application, asserting his intention to utilize the trademark. Elmanzer stated, “He claims he’ll use the trademark, but he hasn’t done so yet. This breaches the Trademark Act. When Lebron objects, she can argue that he hasn’t used it, but she has, backed by substantial evidence, providing her with an advantage.”
Additionally, U.S. trademark law grants rights to whoever first uses a mark, not necessarily the first to apply for it. “I have full confidence Revlon could mount a successful defense against this. While pathways exist to secure a trademark, it requires both time and financial investment.”
Kyona McGehee, an attorney and the founder of Trademark My Stuff law firm, emphasized that were she Lebron’s legal counsel, she would promptly issue a cease and desist letter to Bates, demanding withdrawal of his application, asserting full rights to the phrase, and outlining Lebron’s strategy for monetizing the trademark.
McGehee added, “Lebron must file for a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as that grants authority nationwide. Once Lebron secures federal registration, she won’t need anything further on the state level.”
Bates, residing in Washington, appears to have no connection either to Lebron, based in Chicago, or her catchphrase. Legal representatives for both parties speculate that if a restraining order fails to dissuade Bates, they may be embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute. In the meantime, Lebron should exploit her catchphrase however she sees fit.
“Just because she lacks a trademark presently doesn’t mean brands will think twice about incorporating her phrases to capitalize on the current momentum,” McGehee commented.
Lebron, originally from Puerto Rico, is making the most of her newfound stardom. She is engaging in sponsored content for “demure” with the hair care brand K18, teasing a potential collaboration with Netflix, and making an appearance after RuPaul guest-hosted the Jimmy Kimmel Show.
However, her copyright dilemma underscores a recurring issue for content creators whose original work becomes viral only to be leveraged by others for profit. In 2021, Black TikTok creators staged a strike in protest against the lack of credit for their work, highlighting disparities in recognition and treatment compared to white creators on the app.
“There’s a digital gap within minority communities,” McGehee noted. “It’s not a shortage of talent but rather a scarcity of information. Those with better resources and financial capabilities are better equipped to seize trend opportunities. At our firm, we advise clients: Act swiftly and file a trademark application when your work gains traction. In the legal realm, it’s more advantageous to take the offensive than play defense.”
and othersLess than three hours after the stabbing that left three children dead on Monday, an AI-generated image was shared on X by the account “Europe Invasion.” The image shows bearded men in traditional Islamic garb standing outside Parliament Building, one of them brandishing a knife, with a crying child behind them wearing a Union Jack T-shirt.
The tweet has since been viewed 900,000 times and was shared by one of the accounts most prolific in spreading misinformation about the Southport stabbing, with the caption “We must protect our children!”.
AI technology has been used for other purposes too – for example, an anti-immigration Facebook group generated images of large crowds gathering at the Cenotaph in Middlesbrough to encourage people to attend a rally there.
Platforms such as Suno, which employs AI to generate music including vocals and instruments, have been used to create online songs combining references to Southport with xenophobic content, including one titled “Southport Saga”, with an AI female voice singing lyrics such as “we'll hunt them down somehow”.
Experts warn that with new tactics and new ways of organizing, Britain's fragmented far-right is seeking to unite in the wake of the Southport attack and reassert its presence on the streets.
The violence across the country has led to a surge in activism not seen in years, with more than 10 protests being promoted on social media platforms including X, TikTok and Facebook.
This week, a far-right group's Telegram channel has also received death threats against the British Prime Minister, incitements to attacks on government facilities and extreme anti-Semitic comments.
Amid fears of widespread violence, a leading counter-extremism think tank has warned that the far-right risks mobilizing on a scale not seen since the English Defence League (EDL) took to the streets in the 2010s.
The emergence of easily accessible AI tools, which extremists have used to create a range of material from inflammatory images to songs and music, adds a new dimension.
Andrew Rogojski, director of the University of Surrey's Human-Centred AI Institute, said advances in AI, such as image-generation tools now widely available online, mean “anyone can make anything”.
He added: “The ability for anyone to create powerful images using generative AI is of great concern, and the onus then shifts to providers of such AI models to enforce the guardrails built into their models to make it harder to create such images.”
Joe Mulhall, research director at campaign group Hope Not Hate, said the use of AI-generated material was still in its early stages, but it reflected growing overlap and collaboration between different individuals and groups online.
While far-right organizations such as Britain First and Patriotic Alternative remain at the forefront of mobilization and agitation, the presence of a range of individuals not affiliated to any particular group is equally important.
“These are made up of thousands of individuals who, outside of traditional organizational structures, donate small amounts of time and sometimes money to work together toward a common political goal,” Mulhall said. “These movements do not have formal leaders, but rather figureheads who are often drawn from among far-right social media 'influencers.'”
Joe Ondrack, a senior analyst at British disinformation monitoring company Logical, said the hashtag #enoughisenough has been used by some right-wing influencers to promote the protests.
“What's important to note is how this phrase and hashtag has been used in previous anti-immigration protests,” he said.
The use of bots was also highlighted by analysts, with Tech Against Terrorism, an initiative launched by a branch of the United Nations, citing a TikTok account that first began posting content after Monday's Southport attack.
“All of the posts were Southport-related and most called for protests near the site of the attack on July 30th. Despite having no previous content, the Southport-related posts garnered a cumulative total of over 57,000 views on TikTok alone within a few hours,” the spokesperson said. “This suggests that a bot network was actively promoting this content.”
At the heart of the group of individuals and groups surrounding far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who fled the country ahead of a court hearing earlier this week, are Laurence Fox, the actor turned right-wing activist who has been spreading misinformation in recent days, and conspiracy websites such as Unity News Network (UNN).
On a Telegram channel run by UNN, a largely unmoderated messaging platform, some commentators rejoiced at the violence seen outside Downing Street on Wednesday. “I hope they burn it down,” one commentator said. Another called for the hanging of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying “Starmer needs Mussalini.” [sic] process.”
Among those on the scene during the Southport riots were activists from Patriotic Alternative, one of the fastest growing far-right groups in recent times. Other groups, including those split over positions on conflicts such as the Ukraine war and the Israeli war, are also seeking to get involved.
Dr Tim Squirrell, director of communications at the counter-extremism think tank the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, said the far-right had been seeking ways to rally in the streets over the past year, including on Armistice Day and at screenings of Robinson's film.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation, exacerbated by one of the worst online information environments in recent memory,” he said.
“Robinson remains one of the UK far-right's most effective organizers, but we are also seeing a rise in accounts large and small that have no qualms about aggregating news articles and spreading unverified information that appeals to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment.”
“There is a risk that this moment will be used to spark street protests similar to those in the 2010s.”
The Olympic finish line has evolved from just showcasing winning athletes with their medals to now involving every Olympian in the event by sharing videos of themselves unboxing sponsored gear.
These unboxing videos, a social media trend, are now being posted on TikTok by athletes gearing up for their events in Paris this summer.
Millions of viewers are eagerly tuning in to catch a glimpse of the gear set to be worn in the upcoming games.
Alika Schmidt, a 400m specialist from Germany, models an Adidas skirt and quarter-zip sweatshirt, while Australian hurdler Tayleigh Willis dons a yellow and green Asics uniform, showcasing their sponsored gear in TikTok videos.
The buzz around the Paris 2024 uniforms is palpable, with some calling it “the biggest Olympics in fashion history.” The LVMH-sponsored tournament has already sparked interest, with Mongolia’s intricately embroidered kit designed by Ulaanbaatar-based brand Michel & Amazonka gaining traction as a fan favorite.
Videos documenting athletes’ journeys from around the world to the Olympic Village are also gaining momentum on social media platforms. US tennis player Coco Gauff shares a peek into her in-flight meal before her nap, giving followers a taste of the behind-the-scenes action.
Exploring the Olympic Village, Danish handball team members showcase their decorated rooms with personal touches like photos and flags. The glimpse into the athletes’ living spaces, including Paris 2024’s unique cardboard beds, adds a layer of authenticity to the Olympic experience.
The human side of the Olympics is on full display, as athletes like Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns share touching cultural encounters and interactions from the Olympic Village, evoking emotional responses from viewers.
US rugby player Ilona Maher, known for her TikTok presence during the Tokyo Olympics, continues to entertain and engage her audience with content leading up to Paris 2024, showcasing the fun and creative side of the Games.
The Olympics have become a significant platform for athletes and brands alike to connect with diverse audiences through social media, opening up new opportunities for partnerships and content monetization.
As the world unites to celebrate the sporting spirit at the Olympics, the event remains a beacon of unity and a powerful platform for athletes to share their stories and engage with fans worldwide.
If a week is a long time in politics, five years between elections feels like an eternity in the UK. The political landscape has changed dramatically since the Conservative Party’s landslide victory in 2019, but so has the social media landscape.
In 2019, TikTok was “the video-sharing app that became phenomenally popular among teenagers,” according to a commentator at The Guardian.
Fast forward to 2023 and an Ofcom investigation has found that: 10% of people aged 16 and over The number of people saying they get their news from TikTok is higher than BBC Radio 1 and on par with the Guardian, a significant increase from 1% in 2020 after the last election.
While some say the so-called battle over TikTok has been exaggerated, the platform’s creators are well aware that there is an audience among TikTok users, young and old, who enjoys political content.
To understand how the 2024 election unfolded on TikTok, we monitored the platform for one hour per day for a week using four separate accounts, searching for the widely used tag “#ukpolitics” as well as campaign-specific hashtags and terms.
Before we begin, a few disclaimers: No one outside TikTok knows how TikTok’s algorithm works, nor do we know whether and how the algorithm can be manipulated to promote certain content.
The platform is also notoriously difficult to measure: there’s no “most popular” section, so the sample is just a snapshot of what people saw on the site for one hour each day for one week over the duration of the campaign.
Straight TikTok: “Traditional” News for a New Audience
If you think of TikTok as all dance crazes, lip-sync challenges, and make-up artist tutorials, you’d be right – but you’ll also find some familiar faces, including BBC and ITV news anchors, LBC radio presenters, and broadcast journalists.
…
Conspiracy theorist
We found very few accounts spreading conspiracy theories, at least in the sample we collected, but they do exist.
While we do not intend to help conspiracy theorists by spreading their videos more widely on this platform, topics we saw included false claims that Labour would introduce Sharia law if it came to power.
Again, it is not known why such content was served, but AI Forensics warns that such content could be amplified by a “secret recipe” hidden in the platforms’ algorithms.
“Engagement can be both good and bad, so polarized discussions around extreme views and hate speech can drive up engagement metrics,” Romano said.
At least three accounts initially identified as containing conspiracy theories were removed during the investigation, though it is unclear whether this was of the accounts’ own volition or if they were removed by TikTok.
While this may be the first general election to be decided using TikTok, it won’t be the first election to be decided on TikTok for the simple reason that British users of the video app are already more likely to vote for Labour.
“The problem is that pretty much everyone on TikTok is already on our side,” a Labour campaign source said. “We need to reach out to the swing vote.”
TikTok’s relatively young user base, and Labour’s commanding lead among young voters, give the app a strange role in this election. There’s no doubt that tens of millions of Britons are consuming election content on the platform — a fertile ground for memes to spread, embarrassing videos to go viral, and passionate political opinions to rally support — and all political parties feel they have to be involved.
But within the Labour party, it is also seen as an unreliable way of conveying Keir Starmer’s core messages on economic and education policy to “Whitby women” and other specific undecided voters who will decide the outcome of dozens of close constituencies across the UK.
Just using TikTok is a strong indicator that someone is already inclined to vote Labour, according to Deltapol research, which found that TikTok users are 31% more likely to vote for Keir Starmer’s party than people of the same age and background who don’t use the video app.
“This allows us to conclude that people who use TikTok are more likely to vote Labour,” said Mike Joslin, a veteran digital campaigner who commissioned the research for artificial intelligence start-up Bombe. “Other channels give them more control in reaching undecided voters.”
TikTok’s cultural influence in the UK is undeniable, with 45% of UK internet users spending an average of 28 minutes a day on the app, according to the British Communications Authority. If you’ve ever seen the queues outside a TikTok-inspired restaurant or shop, you know the app can have a huge real-world impact and change behavior. While the typical user is Gen Z, its audience is actually ageing, with much of its recent growth coming from people in their 30s.
Lord Cameron was filmed on a voter's Ring doorbell camera while campaigning for the Conservative party in the general election. Photo: TikTok
Joslin said the app has become “essentially television,” with users endlessly scrolling through videos without necessarily engaging. “You can reach 10 million people, but what impact does that have on their actual willingness to vote? It’s more of a tool for mobilizing voters than necessarily a tool for persuading voters.”
One of the biggest challenges is that TikTok employs an opaque recommendation algorithm that is extremely difficult for political activists and journalists to monitor, meaning that just determining which videos are popular focuses on what political parties are doing on their official accounts, even though much of the conversation is taking place elsewhere and is largely invisible.
Older social networks like X and Facebook were built on the concept of following individuals and sharing content, such as links to news articles, in a way that could be tracked and monitored. TikTok is centered around powerful algorithms that identify users who are likely to enjoy specific content and serve them appropriate video streams.
The end result is highly unpredictable and not necessarily useful for political campaigns: if an ordinary person with no followers produces a particularly compelling political video (such as the 1 million people who watched David Cameron through a Ring doorbell during an election campaign in Hampshire), it can be more effective than a carefully crafted official post by an official channel (such as the 40,000 people who watched Rishi Sunak answer a question about agriculture on the official Conservative party account).
According to one Labour campaigner, the aim of the party’s TikTok strategy is to encourage young people to watch videos (e.g. A post comparing Rishi Sunak to a Magic the Gathering card) and post it to a family WhatsApp group. This way, they say, TikTok content can actually reach swing voters. “The strategy isn’t to target young people, but to connect with friends and family by sharing outside the platform.”
TikTok has taken action to address a cyberattack that targeted the accounts of various celebrities and brands, such as Paris Hilton and CNN.
The social video app has confirmed that CNN was one of the high-profile accounts affected after its security team discovered malicious actors targeting US news media.
A TikTok spokesperson stated, “We have collaborated with CNN to restore access to the account and have implemented stronger security measures to safeguard the account from future attacks.”
While Hilton was also targeted, TikTok clarified that her account remained uncompromised.
The platform disclosed that the attack exploited the app’s direct messaging feature but did not provide additional specifics. The company is currently investigating the incident and assisting affected account owners in regaining access.
Owned by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, TikTok faces potential bans in the US due to national security concerns. President Joe Biden enacted a bill in April that will prohibit the app nationwide if ByteDance fails to sell it to non-Chinese entities by mid-January.
With approximately 170 million users in the US, TikTok previously announced its intention to legally challenge the ban, citing it as unconstitutional and a violation of freedom of speech.
Recent reports revealed that former President Donald Trump, who had previously banned TikTok over ties to Beijing in 2020, joined the platform. Trump has since reversed his stance, no longer supporting a ban on TikTok despite concerns about national security risks.
The cyberattack on TikTok is the latest in a string of hacking incidents targeting social media platforms. One of the most notable incidents occurred in July 2020 when Twitter accounts, including those of Biden, Obama, Musk, Gates, Bezos, and Apple, were compromised.
The NHS confirmed on Tuesday that it fell victim to a cyberattack, declaring it a “major incident.”
Seven hospitals managed by two NHS trusts, including Guy’s, St Thomas’, and King’s College London, experienced significant disruptions in services due to a ransomware attack on a private company responsible for analyzing blood tests.
If ByteDance exhausts all legal avenues to fight a bill banning TikTok from U.S. app stores, the Chinese company would prefer to shut down the app rather than sell it, according to four sources.
The core algorithms that TikTok relies on are crucial to ByteDance’s overall operations, making it highly unlikely that the app powered by these algorithms would be sold, sources close to the parent company said.
Despite TikTok’s popularity with over 1 billion users, it still operates at a loss and represents a small portion of ByteDance’s total revenue and daily active users. In a worst-case scenario, the parent company would choose to shut down TikTok in the US rather than sell it to an American buyer.
Shutting down TikTok would have minimal impact on ByteDance’s business, allowing the company to maintain its core algorithms, as per unidentified sources not authorized to speak to the media.
ByteDance confirmed in a statement on Toutiao that it has no plans to sell TikTok, responding to speculations suggesting otherwise. The company is not considering selling TikTok’s US business without its recommendation algorithm.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed optimism about blocking the bill signed by President Joe Biden, banning the app used by 170 million Americans. The company believes it will win the appeal against the ban.
The bill, passed by the US Senate, raises concerns about potential access to Americans’ data by China or surveillance through apps. The deadline for TikTok’s sale is set for January 19, but it could be extended if ByteDance shows progress.
ByteDance’s revenue increased from $80 billion in 2022 to nearly $120 billion in 2023, with TikTok’s US daily active users accounting for 5% of the company’s total DAUs worldwide, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
The core algorithm shared by TikTok and ByteDance’s domestic apps like Douyin is a valuable asset that ByteDance is not willing to sell to a competitor. Separating the algorithms from TikTok’s US assets would be complex, making it an unlikely option, sources added.
Former US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s interest in forming an investor group to acquire TikTok may not attract buyers for ByteDance’s US assets, excluding the algorithm, sources noted.
Investors valued ByteDance at $268 billion when they offered to repurchase about $5 billion worth of stock in December.
TikTok’s service, offering perks like gift certificates for video watching, was ceased by the company after the European Union threatened to block it due to concerns of child addiction.
Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that TikTok Lite’s features in France and Spain comply with obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). “I couldn’t prove it, he said under the law,” he mentioned.
The EU believes the service could be as addictive as cigarettes and has given TikTok 48 hours to respond with new defenses.
As a precautionary measure, TikTok sent a letter to Breton informing the suspension of its services.
Breton emphasized, “Our children are not social media guinea pigs. The DSA ensures safety in the EU’s online spaces.”
This is the first instance of the EU taking legal action since the DSA came into effect in August last year.
Following the US Senate’s legislation, TikTok faces further challenges either in banning it or compelling the sale of its US operations.
Breton expressed disappointment in the company’s decision to proceed with the service despite prior concerns raised by the European Commission regarding child protection issues linked to TikTok.
“We welcome TikTok’s move to suspend the ‘rewards program’ in TikTok Lite on April 22nd, taking into account the ongoing case and willingness to implement interim measures,” he remarked.
The litigation against TikTok concerning addictive risks continues, including an assessment of the compliance of TikTok Lite launch with the DSA.
Effective Wednesday, TikTok, owned by ByteDance, will suspend its Tasks & Rewards program in France and Spain for new users for 60 days.
It will also cease services for existing subscribers by May 1 at the latest, and halt the rollout in other EU nations.
This suspension marks the first time the EU has exercised its authority under the DSA to enforce compliance with EU laws on social media companies, including X and Facebook, risking global ban or up to 6% sanctions income.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed two ongoing formal proceedings against TikTok, including this case concerning TikTok Lite.
The initial lawsuit filed in February addressed child protection on TikTok, covering age verification, advertising transparency, and addressing addictive designs and harmful content risks.
A TikTok spokesperson mentioned, “TikTok always strives to engage constructively with the EU Commission and regulatory authorities.
“Hence, we are voluntarily suspending the rewards feature on TikTok Lite and addressing the raised concerns.”
The House of Representatives passed a bill requiring TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the platform or risk a complete ban in the US. The Senate quickly followed suit, and the bill was signed by Joe Biden the next day.
This move poses a significant threat to TikTok in the US, especially since a previous ban in Montana was ruled unconstitutional and never enforced.
Here’s what you need to know about the bill, the possibility of a TikTok ban, and its implications for the platform’s 170 million US users.
Is the US really trying to ban TikTok and why?
The bill passed by the House is part of an ongoing political battle over TikTok, a platform that has seen massive growth since its launch in 2017. Lawmakers are concerned about data privacy and censorship issues related to TikTok’s Chinese parent company.
Despite TikTok’s assurances about data storage and access, lawmakers remain skeptical, leading to the recent legislation.
Various attempts to regulate TikTok in the US have been made, culminating in the recent bill passing in the House.
Does this bill really ban TikTok?
Under the bill, ByteDance must divest from TikTok within 165 days to avoid a ban. App stores could face penalties for hosting TikTok if the divestiture does not occur.
Supporters argue the bill offers ByteDance an opportunity to avoid a ban by selling TikTok to non-Chinese companies.
TikTok disputes this, claiming uncertainty about the sale’s approval and completion within the specified timeframe.
How did we get here?
Past bans and restrictions on TikTok, including efforts by former President Trump, have laid the groundwork for the current situation. Montana and other states have previously attempted bans, but legal challenges have prevented enforcement.
Recent demands from the Treasury Department raised concerns, leading to the development of the current bill.
How will the TikTok ban be enforced?
Enforcing a ban on TikTok faces technical and legal challenges due to the decentralized nature of the internet. Methods like blocking IP addresses could be circumvented using VPNs.
To fully restrict TikTok, the US would need to adopt stringent internet restrictions used by countries like China.
Who supports a possible TikTok ban?
Most Republicans and the Biden administration back the bill, with President Trump’s stance evolving over time. Efforts to ban TikTok have garnered bipartisan support.
Despite some opposition, the bill’s supporters believe it is crucial for national security and data privacy concerns.
Who opposes the TikTok bill?
TikTok vehemently opposes the bill and urges the Senate to reject it. Some lawmakers and civil rights groups argue the bill threatens free speech rights and could set a dangerous precedent.
Opponents of the bill emphasize the need for comprehensive social media regulation rather than targeting specific platforms like TikTok.
What will happen to TikTok in the future?
The bill still faces hurdles in the Senate, and its enforcement could be complex. TikTok’s lobbying efforts and legal challenges could impact the bill’s implementation.
Even if passed, legal challenges may arise, similar to previous bans that were blocked on constitutional grounds.
President Biden is anticipated to sign legislation mandating that TikTok’s Chinese owner divest the social media app’s U.S. operations or face a ban once it is passed by the Senate.
Biden has affirmed his intention to sign the bill, which is part of a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Below is an overview of the bill and its implications.
How does the law enable sales or bans?
The legislation gives TikTok’s parent company, Dance Corp. based in Beijing, 270 days to sell the app’s U.S. operations. Upon nearing the deadline, the president can grant a 90-day extension if ByteDance is near finalizing the deal. If the bill passes this week, the deadline coincides with the presidential inauguration on January 20th. This means that the decision to extend the sale process may rest with Donald Trump depending on the election outcome.
Joe Biden previously said he intended to sign the bill. Photo: Anadolu/Getty Images
Failure by ByteDance to complete any sales would result in a nationwide ban by restricting app stores and web hosts from distributing TikTok.
Why is the US considering banning TikTok?
US lawmakers and authorities are worried about the possibility of the Chinese government accessing the data of TikTok’s 170 million American users under national security laws. Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, stated that ByteDance is “influenced by the Chinese government” and Chinese officials manipulated TikTok’s algorithms. He cautioned that this could jeopardize individuals and allow governments to gather user data for espionage purposes.
TikTok refutes allegations of the Chinese government attempting to access U.S. user data and asserts denial of such requests. During a congressional hearing last year, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zhi Chu, clarified: “ByteDance does not operate in China or any other country.”
Will TikTok challenge this legislation?
TikTok has pledged to contest the bill in court post its enactment, arguing that it violates the First Amendment safeguarding free speech.
“After the bill becomes law, we plan to file a legal challenge in court,” stated Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, in a weekend memo to staff. He emphasized: “We will persist in opposing this bill as it infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the 170 million American TikTok users.”
The favorable tilt towards TikTok from the First Amendment was evident when a judge in Montana who previously banned the app overturned the decision, citing violation of users’ free speech rights.
View of Beijing, China. TikTok denies that the Chinese government has tried to access U.S. user data and says it rejects all such requests. Photo: Sean Pavone/Alamy
In 2020, the U.S. attempted to ban TikTok following an executive order from President Trump, but a Washington judge blocked the ban, citing potential legal overreach. TikTok is expected to seek another injunction before challenging the constitutionality of the bill through a comprehensive lawsuit.
Who could potentially acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations?
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced in March his intention to form a consortium to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets, lauding it as a “promising investment.”
Microsoft had considered a deal to purchase TikTok in 2020 at the urging of President Trump. Additionally, President Trump advocated for U.S. tech company Oracle and retailer Walmart to acquire significant stakes in the company. ByteDance itself has several U.S. investors, including investment firms General Atlantic, Susquehanna, and Sequoia Capital.
Financial analysts at Wedbush Securities anticipate challenges in securing a sale involving TikTok’s algorithm, a crucial technology influencing app content curation. They emphasize the complexity of the sales process without the algorithm’s inclusion.
If ByteDance fails to make the sale, it could face a nationwide ban by blocking app stores and web hosts from distributing TikTok. Photo: Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/Rex/Shutterstock
What is the stance of the Chinese government?
Last year, the Chinese government expressed strong opposition to the app’s sale, stating that it would undermine global investor confidence in the U.S., including China. China’s export regulations also restrict the sale of specific technologies.
Will other nations replicate this divestment or ban?
TikTok faces scrutiny in other Western countries due to data concerns. It is prohibited on government-issued mobile devices in the UK, US, Canada, and New Zealand. Employees of the European Commission are also forbidden from using it on work-provided devices.
Calls for banning TikTok in the UK have been made, with former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith stating: “We should have done it ourselves.”
In 2020, India banned TikTok and numerous other Chinese apps, citing threats to national sovereignty, defense, and security.
aOne day, a new issue arose in Apple’s App Store. This time, the company complied with the Chinese government’s orders to remove WhatsApp and Threads, two of the last meta apps available in China.
From our story:
Apple has removed two apps, both owned by Meta, which also owns Facebook, following the instructions of the Cyberspace Administration of China, which oversees internet and online content censorship in China.
“The Cyberspace Administration of China has mandated the removal of these apps from Chinese app stores due to national security concerns,” Apple stated in an email to Reuters. “We are required to comply with the laws of the countries where we operate, even if we do not agree with them.”
It’s implied that Apple disagrees with this order, considering the last part of that statement. It’s unlikely that the company is pleased to bow down to significant censorship, even if it means removing a competitor’s app.
Notably, Apple did not repeat its strategy in the European Union this time. The company did not release a 12-page report detailing the forced changes and the potential negative impact on the Apple customer experience or regulatory goals. Apple did not take a confrontational approach, nor did it express disagreement with regulators’ interpretations of the law and pledge to challenge them in court.
While it might be unrealistic to expect Apple to challenge the Chinese government in court, the contrast is evident. Apple’s response to dictatorial orders regarding the App Store is brief compared to its response to democratic trade unions’ demands.
This comparison does not favor the European Union. Advocates for digital market regulations would hesitate to equate Apple’s treatment by the Chinese Communist Party with any other government. Yet, it’s a necessary observation. Apple faces little resistance when complying with the Chinese government, which is not the scenario one would desire.
TikTok’s Time is Up
'Foreign enemy'… TikTok could be shut down in the US. Photo: Dado Lubitsch/Reuters
China is not the only government imposing bans. According to the Guardian:
The House passed the latest measure to sell or ban with a vote of 360-58. [TikTok] This legislation could result in the first social media platform shutdown by the U.S. government.
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week, with President Joe Biden indicating his intention to sign it.
While I am not a member of Congress, the bill itself appears flawed. To avoid appearing as a targeting act (a bill aimed at individuals and typically disliked in the US legal tradition), the bill avoids singling out TikTok and instead targets “managed” platforms. The determination of what constitutes an “adversary” as a national security threat is left to the president’s discretion. This broad definition grants significant power to ban entities, especially considering the vague criteria for being “controlled” by a state. The term “foreign enemy” is further defined by other laws, now including Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea.
However, these legal nuances are not the focus here. What interests me is the impact of a TikTok ban in the US. The dominance of U.S.-based platforms on the English-speaking internet is evident. Despite geographic variations in platform popularity, American influence is pervasive.
It seems improbable that TikTok will vanish entirely due to a ban. The platform’s dedicated users may find ways to continue using it, whether through workarounds, web apps, or persistence. Nevertheless, the ban may prompt less committed users to migrate to alternative platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts, which have capitalized on TikTok’s restrictions in other markets, notably India.
In the short term, the TikTok experience is bound to deteriorate for all users, regardless of their location. The removal of desired content and delays in reposting may erode the platform’s appeal. However, the long-term consequences fascinate me. Will other English-speaking nations follow the U.S.’s lead in abandoning TikTok? Or does TikTok’s culture reflect a unique global perspective that diverges from mainstream internet trends? Are there discernible differences emerging?
My prediction leans toward a resolution through negotiations, lobbying, or activism rather than a ban enforced indefinitely. Nevertheless, if all efforts fail, witnessing the outcome of this experiment will be intriguing.
Three real llamas running free in Russia. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
AI’s second phase has begun. The scaled-down version of Facebook’s large language model, Llama 3, has been unveiled, likely for the final time this year. From our report:
The social media titan has enhanced Llama 3 with new coding capabilities, including image delivery in addition to text, although the current model only produces text, according to Chris Cox, Meta’s chief product officer, in an interview.
Further advanced features, such as long-term planning capacity, are expected in future versions. An upcoming iteration will also support “multimodality,” generating both text and images..
Llama is Facebook’s proprietary counterpart to GPT, Gemini, and Claude. Unlike these competitors, Llama is available under a relatively open license, enabling users to download the core model. If building your own AI system, particularly for local use over server reliance, is desired, Llama serves as a solid foundation.
The accidental public release of the initial Llama version was followed by an official second version. Facebook clearly benefits from this move. Developing fundamental technology driving the AI revolution could offer substantial advantages. While Llama allows for expansion, it retains certain restrictions, preventing complete replication and removal from Facebook. Importantly, without access to the original training data and method specifics, repeating the initial training run is unfeasible without significant computing resources.
However, the drawbacks are evident. Facebook profits from platform usage, not AI model training directly. This lack of direct financial incentive has hindered efforts to stay at the forefront, resulting in Llama trailing behind its competitors historically.
Nevertheless, the current landscape is different. Despite over a year of development, the free-licensed model from Facebook is now competitive with GPT4, possibly even surpassing it, with larger versions anticipated soon. Of course, progress in the industry is rapid, as evidenced by OpenAI’s anticipated GPT-5 release, expected to reshape the field once again.
Broader Tech Landscape
Next Level…Why the Game Boy still means so much to so many people 35 years later. Photo: Nintendo
35 years have passed since the Game Boy‘s release. Keza MacDonald explores the enduring impact of this iconic console that introduced gaming to millions and continues to influence the industry today.
Elon Musk is embroiled in a dispute with the Australian government over restrictions on sharing footage of a church stabbing in Sydney. This has led to a series of mundane memes targeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
In the Guardian US Wellness section, Madeline Ageler discusses the transformative power of disconnecting from social media.
The legalization of sports betting in the U.S. has led to an addiction crisis, with technology playing a significant role in exacerbating the issue.
The Internet Watch Foundation uncovered a manual on the dark web detailing the use of AI to “undress” children’s images, highlighting the challenges in combatting such illicit activities.
Meanwhile, in the New Statesman (£), Swedish author Catherine Kieros-Marsal argues convincingly that the real issue with AI lies in its control by men.
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