TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has signed binding agreements with a group of US and international investors to restructure ownership of the app’s American business, a move aimed at preventing a nationwide ban in the United States. In a memo sent to staff on Thursday, TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew said the deal would…
Potential buyers of TikTok’s US operations say they remain in a holding pattern as another deadline approaches for the app’s Chinese owner to divest or face a ban in the United States. Frank McCourt, the billionaire investor leading one of the bidding groups, told the BBC that prospective buyers have yet to receive clarity from…
Sky Sports has shut down its newly launched TikTok channel aimed at young female sports fans just three days after it debuted, following widespread criticism that the content was “sexist,” “patronising,” and “condescending.” The account, branded “Halo,” was designed to sit alongside Sky’s existing social platforms and offer “sports content through a female lens.” But…
A new investigation has alleged that TikTok’s algorithm promotes pornographic material to underage users, even when parental safety features are switched on. Global Witness, a human rights campaign group, said its researchers created fake accounts posing as 13-year-olds in late July and early August. Despite enabling TikTok’s “restricted mode,” the accounts were served sexualised search…
The White House has confirmed that Oracle will oversee TikTok’s algorithm in the United States as part of a landmark deal that will transfer the popular social media app’s US operations to a majority American-owned company. A senior White House official revealed on Monday that under the agreement, TikTok’s content recommendation algorithm – a key…
TikTok has been accused of failing to effectively prevent children under 13 from using its platform and of collecting sensitive personal data from young users, according to a new investigation by Canadian privacy authorities. The report, released on Thursday by Canada’s privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne and regional privacy protection officials, found that hundreds of thousands…
TikTok has taken down a video posted by beauty mogul Huda Kattan, founder of the global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, after she made a series of conspiracy-laden claims about Israel. In the video, shared with her 1.7 million TikTok followers on Sunday, Kattan alleged that Israel was behind “every world war,” including the First and…
Cottage cheese, once considered an outdated diet staple, has become a viral sensation on TikTok – and US producers are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand. According to market research firm Circana, retail sales of cottage cheese jumped 20% in the 52 weeks ending June 15 compared to the previous year, following…
Japanese toy company Epoch Co. Ltd, the makers of Sylvanian Families, has filed a lawsuit in the United States against Irish TikTok creator Thea Von Engelbrechten, accusing her of copyright infringement over a series of viral videos featuring the beloved children’s toys in dark, adult-themed storylines. The legal action, filed in the Southern District of…
A new version of TikTok may soon hit app stores in the United States, signaling a major shift in how the platform operates for its 170 million American users. According to reports from The Information, TikTok is preparing to roll out a separate U.S.-only app as soon as September 5, in an effort to comply…
China’s government has declined to comment directly on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that a deal is nearly finalized to bring TikTok under American ownership. Trump recently told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States had “pretty much” secured an agreement regarding the popular short-video app and indicated that discussions with Chinese…
President Donald Trump has indicated that a buyer has been secured for the popular video-sharing platform TikTok, which has faced a ban in the U.S. over national security concerns. In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump stated that “a group of very wealthy people” are prepared to acquire the app, teasing a potential announcement…
A magistrate court in Kano has sentenced popular TikTok content creator, Abubakar Usman Kilina, to one year in prison over a video deemed to promote indecency and violate public morals. Presiding over the case at Magistrate Court No. 21, Magistrate Hadiza Muhammad Hassan also gave Kilina the option of paying a ₦100,000 fine in lieu…
President Donald Trump has granted a fresh 90-day extension to TikTok, delaying enforcement of the U.S. law that would ban the app unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that Trump plans to sign a new executive order allowing TikTok to remain operational…
A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced popular TikTok influencer, Murja Kunya, to six months imprisonment for abusing the Nigerian currency. Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the verdict on Wednesday after Kunya pleaded guilty to a charge brought against her by the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Kunya’s arrest…
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to extend the June 19 deadline for China’s ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations, should a deal remain unresolved by then. In an interview recorded Friday and aired Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said he would consider granting more time for a resolution, expressing a…
TikTok’s fate in the United States remains uncertain – but not sealed – as former President Donald Trump announced a fresh 75-day extension of the enforcement deadline on the app’s mandated sale or ban. This latest delay, which comes just a day before the ban was set to take effect, underscores how TikTok has become…
Public support for a TikTok ban in the United States is weakening, with fewer Americans viewing the app as a security risk, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The study found that 34% of U.S. adults now favor a ban on the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform—down from 50% in 2023. Meanwhile, 32% oppose the…
As the deadline to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations approaches, users of the wildly popular app are feeling the weight of uncertainty. With just days left before April 5, TikTok faces the looming threat of a ban in the United States unless its parent company, ByteDance, successfully reaches an agreement to sell the app. For the…
TikTok personality Peller has issued a public apology after facing backlash for referring to Afrobeats star Runtown as an “up-and-coming artist.” During a recent livestream, Peller dismissed a co-streamer’s suggestion to feature Runtown, implying that the singer lacked recognition and success. The comment quickly sparked outrage, with many social media users criticising him for downplaying…
A magistrates’ court in Kano has sentenced two TikTok users to one year in prison or a fine of N100,000 each for posting videos deemed vulgar and offensive to religious and moral values. The defendants, Ahmad Isa and Maryam Musa, both residents of Ladainai in Hotoro Quarters, were arrested by the Kano State Censorship Board…
Apple and Google have reinstated TikTok on their U.S. app stores, following an executive action that delayed the enforcement of a potential ban on the platform. Google Play confirmed on Thursday that it had restored TikTok, while reports from Bloomberg and CNBC indicated that Apple would do the same later that evening. By Thursday night,…
Elon Musk has denied any plans to purchase TikTok, dismissing speculation that he might bid for the popular video-sharing platform. Speaking at the WELT Economic Summit on January 28, the billionaire entrepreneur made it clear that acquiring TikTok is not on his agenda. “I’ve not put in a bid for TikTok, and I don’t have…
Negotiations are underway involving Oracle, Microsoft, and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, as efforts continue to address national security concerns while preserving TikTok’s U.S. operations. Sources close to the discussions revealed that the proposed deal could see ByteDance retain a minority stake in the company, with Oracle playing a key oversight role. Under the proposed arrangement,…
In a surprising shift, former President Donald Trump has downplayed the national security concerns surrounding TikTok, a stance that contradicts his earlier efforts to ban the app over fears of Chinese espionage. “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? On young kids watching crazy videos?” Trump remarked recently, sparking fresh…
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is reportedly making significant progress in negotiations to prevent the popular app from being banned in the United States. Bill Ford, CEO of General Atlantic and a member of ByteDance’s board, shared insights at an Axios-hosted event in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. He expressed optimism that a resolution could…
Millions of TikTok users across the United States celebrated a temporary reprieve after former President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a controversial legal ban on the popular social media platform. The decision, which provides a 75-day extension, allows TikTok’s U.S. operations to continue while discussions over a potential sale or partnership unfold. The executive…
Instagram is unveiling a series of updates seemingly designed to draw in TikTok users as uncertainty looms over the future of the popular short-video app. The changes, announced by Instagram and parent company Meta over the weekend, include new features that closely resemble TikTok’s format and tools. On Sunday, Meta introduced a video creation app…
Rapper Cardi B has dismissed concerns about the recent TikTok ban in the United States, asserting that it would have no impact on her career. TikTok officially shut down in the U.S. on January 19 after its Chinese owners failed to comply with a law enacted by President Joe Biden in April 2024, which required…
In a high-profile move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that temporarily halts the enforcement of a law banning TikTok and offers legal protection to companies associated with the platform. The order pauses the ban for 75 days, aiming to provide time for a resolution that addresses national security concerns while preserving…
TikTok has restored access to its platform for 170 million U.S. users after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting the app a temporary reprieve. The move came just hours after the app went offline due to a law banning it on national security grounds, which took effect on Sunday. The…
As TikTok faces an uncertain future, with a Supreme Court-mandated sale deadline looming on January 19, Boston billionaire Frank McCourt sees more than a business opportunity – he envisions a revolution in how the internet works. Leading a coalition of investors, including “Shark Tank” host Kevin O’Leary, McCourt is vying to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations…
Once an intern at Facebook, Shou Zi Chew now stands as one of Mark Zuckerberg’s fiercest competitors, leading TikTok, the platform that has disrupted the social media landscape. Chew’s journey from an aspiring tech professional to the CEO of one of the most influential social platforms is a story of ambition, adaptability, and timing. Starting…
TikTok’s future in the United States now hangs in the balance as the U.S. Supreme Court has taken up a pivotal case that could determine whether the platform remains accessible to its millions of American users. At the heart of the issue is a law passed in April by President Joe Biden that mandates TikTok…
As TikTok faces potential bans in the United States, a wave of users has been migrating to Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, a Chinese social media platform. The influx of “TikTok refugees” has sparked cultural exchange, but also raised challenges as new users encounter China’s strict content moderation policies for the first time. A Warm…
Former Nigerian lawmaker and entertainment entrepreneur Shina Peller has addressed rumours about his connection to popular TikTok star, Peller. In a recent interview with Channels TV, Shina clarified that although the Peller family, known for their ties to the late Professor Peller, is large, the TikTok influencer is not a relative. Shina explained, “I’ve heard…
A federal appeals court has refused to temporarily halt a ban on TikTok, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at the U.S. Supreme Court over the controversial legislation. On Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously denied TikTok’s request to pause the impending ban while it seeks further review by the Supreme Court….
Apple and Google must be ready to remove TikTok from their U.S. app stores by January 19, two bipartisan lawmakers have warned. In a letter sent Friday to the CEOs of Apple and Google-parent Alphabet, Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi—leaders of the U.S. House Select Committee on China—emphasised the companies’ responsibility…
TikTok’s fight to remain operational in the United States faces a significant setback following a U.S. appeals court ruling that upholds a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a nationwide ban. In a decision handed down on Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia…
The Canadian government has ordered the closure of TikTok’s business operations in the country, citing significant national security risks. The move, announced on Wednesday, includes the shutdown of TikTok’s offices in both Toronto and Vancouver. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Industry, clarified in a statement that while TikTok’s business operations are being halted, Canadians will…
Zhang Yiming, co-founder of ByteDance, the parent company of the popular social media app TikTok, has ascended to the top of China’s wealth rankings, with his fortune now valued at $49.3 billion, according to the Hurun Research Institute’s latest report. Zhang, 41, has seen his wealth grow by 43% over the past year, making him…
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has dismissed an intern for allegedly sabotaging the training of one of its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company acknowledged the intern’s interference but disputed claims about the scale of the impact, calling reports on the matter “exaggerated and inaccurate.” The incident came to light after social media reports…
Renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter Wande Coal has thrilled fans with the release of the extended version of his hit single “Again.” Originally featured on his 2020 Realms EP, the track recently gained renewed popularity on TikTok, where listeners were buzzing about a longer version circulating on the platform. When “Again” first debuted, it quickly became a…
A coalition of 14 state attorneys general has filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the popular social media platform of harming young people’s mental health through its addictive features and content. The lawsuits, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, allege that TikTok’s design encourages excessive use among minors,…
Icelandic supermarkets are grappling with an unexpected cucumber shortage, driven by a viral TikTok trend that has sent demand soaring. The trend, which originated from social media influencers in Iceland, features a salad recipe made with grated cucumbers, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, and chili oil, sparking an unprecedented surge in cucumber sales across the…
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, accusing them of unlawfully collecting personal data from children and failing to adhere to privacy protections outlined in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The lawsuit, filed on Friday, claims that TikTok has allowed children under 13 to join…
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is venturing into the realm of social media once again with the testing of its latest app, “Whee.” This move comes amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny and potential bans on TikTok in various countries. Whee, described by many as a direct competitor to Instagram, offers a private photo-sharing experience akin…
TikTok is currently addressing a cyber-attack that has compromised the accounts of several high-profile brands and celebrities, including Paris Hilton and CNN. The video-sharing platform, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, confirmed to the BBC that a “very limited” number of accounts were affected. TikTok is collaborating with the impacted users to restore their account…
TikTok is preparing to implement significant layoffs across its global operations and marketing teams, according to employees briefed on the plans. The cuts will impact departments responsible for user support, communications, content, and marketing. The company’s current global user operations team will be disbanded, with the remaining staff reassigned to the trust and safety, marketing,…
TikTok and Universal Music Group have reached a settlement in their royalties dispute, paving the way for the restoration of millions of songs to the platform, including those from artists like Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. The resolution comes after a period of tension between the two parties, during which Universal Music Group withdrew some…
