President Joe Biden has signed a bill that could lead to a ban on the popular social media platform TikTok in the United States. The move has sparked mixed reactions among TikTok creators in the country. While some have criticized the decision as ‘hypocrisy,’ others have expressed support for the move. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has indicated that the company will challenge the decision in court.
The Biden campaign plans to continue using TikTok despite a recent bill signed into law that would ban the app if its Chinese owner fails to divest it. The campaign stated that they will use enhanced security measures while using the app. Biden’s campaign account on TikTok has over 306,000 followers and frequently posts videos of the president, even though the White House has expressed concerns about the app’s potential impact on national security. The White House press secretary emphasized that the legislation is not a ban but rather a measure to protect national security. The Biden campaign does not anticipate the decision to affect young voters and expects a protracted legal battle that could delay any potential ban.
Vidya Balan, during an interview, discussed her reluctance to engage in political discourse due to fears of being banned. She attributed this fear to the increasingly polarized environment, particularly on social media, where individuals may be easily offended. Balan emphasized that she prioritizes the well-being of her work and the livelihoods of those involved. She further expressed her belief that the nation has become more polarized along religious lines, fueled by a global trend of seeking identity in external factors. While she identifies as a spiritual person, Balan clarified that she does not donate to religious structures, instead choosing to support initiatives in healthcare, sanitation, and education.
Meta’s social networking platform Threads has achieved steady growth, surpassing 150 million monthly active users. The platform is integrating with the decentralized ActivityPub protocol, allowing users to connect to other networks like Mastodon. Meta plans to release its API to developers, fostering the creation of enhanced experiences. Threads is distinct from X and does not amplify news on the platform, focusing on more intimate connections among users.
Tyson, Riley, and Jaime from Survivor 44 discuss the importance of first impressions on Survivor and their opinions on throwing challenges. They also chat about how the internet’s reactions to contestants have influenced gameplay in the new era and the secret sauce behind surviving the postgame.
Usher’s 15-year-old son, Naviyd, took his father’s phone to direct message his favorite artist, PinkPantheress. PinkPantheress responded graciously, and despite Usher’s initial hesitation, he allowed Naviyd to attend her concert as a reward for his passion. The experience resulted in a backstage photo with PinkPantheress and a FaceTime call with Usher. Usher highlighted the importance of supporting children’s passions, even when it involves breaking the rules.
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent advertising activities on social media platforms by individuals or entities impersonating senior officials and misusing the company’s brand name and logo. Additionally, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported a decline in its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY24 due to deflation resulting from reduced commodity prices.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, has acknowledged Taylor Swift’s debut on the social media platform Threads during the company’s first-quarter financial results announcement. Zuckerberg mentioned that Swift’s entry on the platform was a notable event in his household, highlighting the growth of Threads, which now has over 150 million monthly active users. At the time of writing, Swift has over 9.3 million followers on Threads. This is not the first time Zuckerberg has shown his admiration for Swift, having previously attended one of her concerts with his family and sporting accessories associated with her fans.
Liu Yi, a young woman from China, passed away at the age of 25 after battling late-stage colon cancer. Despite her illness, Liu remained resilient and determined, sharing her journey on social media under the handle ‘great cancer warrior.’ She created a bucket list of things she wanted to do before she died, including visiting Yunnan province and finding a girlfriend for her brother. With the help of Douyin influencer @Baozaoxiansheng, Liu was able to fulfill many of her wishes during a trip to Yunnan last November. Her half-brother, Cui, said that Liu’s dying wish was for him to find a girlfriend. He said he would honor his sister’s wish in the future. Liu’s bravery and passion for life have touched many people online, inspiring them to live life to the fullest despite challenges.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, declined to comment on the potential impact of a new law forcing TikTok’s Chinese parent company to divest its U.S. operations. CFO Susan Li stated that it is premature to discuss the implications of the legislation, signed into law by President Biden, which could lead to a ban on TikTok within nine months unless it complies. Meta’s silence on the matter stands out as the first major tech company to report earnings since the law was passed. Industry analysts predict a potential windfall for Meta if TikTok is banned, as Facebook’s Reels feature competes directly with the Chinese app. Meta’s recent earnings report showed mixed results, with revenue and profit beats offset by lower sales forecasts and increased spending on AI, which weighed on the stock price.
