The US government is determined to ban TikTok unless ByteDance, the Chinese parent company, sells its stake in the app. However, ByteDance is vowing to challenge the ban in court, setting the stage for a legal battle that could redefine the business landscape for Chinese companies in the US. The proposed bill also targets apps from countries considered foreign adversaries, potentially affecting other Chinese companies like Tencent and Temu. ByteDance, despite its growing presence in the US with 170 million users, remains firm in its stance against selling TikTok, citing its significant revenue, established e-commerce business, and planned international expansion. The outcome of this legal battle will shape the future of TikTok’s operations in the US and test the limits of US pressure on Chinese tech giants.
Results for: TikTok
Former President Donald Trump has condemned President Joe Biden for supporting legislation that could ban TikTok in the United States. The bill, which passed the House as part of a larger foreign aid package, would force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app within a year or face a ban. Trump claims that the ban is being pushed by Facebook to benefit the social media giant. He warned young voters to remember Biden’s role in the potential ban come Election Day.
The European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok’s Lite app, expressing concerns about its potential impact on mental health, particularly among minors. The app rewards users for watching and liking videos, a feature the commission deems “addictive”. TikTok Lite is a smaller version of the popular TikTok app, designed for smartphones with less memory and slower internet connections.
TikTok will take action against influencers who promote popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. The platform will prohibit ‘before-and-after’ photos and restrict minors from accessing weight loss content related to medication or extreme practices. The move aims to prevent content that could promote unhealthy weight management behaviors.
Jeff Yass, a prominent finance executive and Republican donor, has emerged as a key player in the American political landscape. His involvement in Truth Social, TikTok, and other ventures has put him under scrutiny. Amidst legal challenges for Trump, scrutiny for TikTok, and a competitive primary in Pennsylvania, Yass faces increasing challenges to his agenda.
Sarah Magusara, an Australian TikTok star, has amassed a net worth of $1.5 million as of 2024. Her TikTok videos, YouTube channel, and Instagram presence have contributed to her wealth. She has also leveraged her fame to venture into other avenues like brand partnerships.
A TikToker has exploited AI to impersonate popular Kick creator Adin Ross, deceiving his devoted fanbase into damaging their possessions in exchange for promised expensive gifts. By utilizing AI repository Hugging Face, random video chat app Monkey, and archived footage from Ross’ streams, the TikToker, JohnJam11703, has crafted a convincing virtual Ross that has fooled many online. In several instances, fans have smashed items like TVs, broken walls, and given away money based on the false promises of Ross’ AI counterpart.
The European Union (EU) has escalated its pressure on TikTok, demanding information about its new app, TikTok Lite, and warning of potential suspension of addictive features that pose risks to children. The EU is concerned that the app, which rewards users for watching videos, may contain features that encourage excessive usage and harm young users.
A food scientist on TikTok has shared his method for making wine from Mountain Dew. The transformation took a month, and the resulting wine has an estimated alcohol content of 13.9%. The wine is described as smooth, with a citrus mead flavor and a slight chemical aftertaste.
Monte, a 3-year-old tuxedo cat, was ignored during an adoption event at a San Diego cat-themed gift shop. But thanks to a heartbreaking TikTok video, he found his forever home just one day later. Monte’s adopter was touched by the video, which showed him crying out for attention. The power of social media helped Monte find his happy ending, but many other animals in shelters are still waiting for their forever homes.