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Oracle and Microsoft in Talks to Acquire TikTok, ByteDance May Retain Minority Stake

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,…

TikTok and Donald Trump

Trump Says Banning TikTok Won’t Make Americans Safer from China. He May Have a Point

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…

TikTok

TikTok’s Parent Company Nearing Deal to Secure U.S. Operations, Board Member Reveals

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…

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Trump’s TikTok Lifeline Sparks Celebration in the U.S., Criticism in China

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 down
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Instagram Introduces TikTok-Inspired Features Amid Rival’s Uncertainty

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…

Cardi B

Cardi B Unbothered by TikTok Ban, Claps Back at Critic

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…

TikTok and Donald Trump
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Trump Signs Order to Delay TikTok Ban, Shield Business Partners

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
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TikTok Resumes U.S. Service Following Trump’s Intervention

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…

Frank McCourt

Frank McCourt Eyes TikTok Buyout Amid Looming Ban to Revolutionize the Internet

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…

Shou Zi Chew
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From Intern to Industry Rival: The Rise of TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew

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

The Looming Threat of a TikTok Ban in the U.S.: What We Know and What’s at Stake

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…

RedNote
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American TikTok Users Face Chinese-Style Censorship Challenges on RedNote

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…

Peller

Shina Peller Addresses Rumours About Relationship with TikTok Star Peller

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…

TikTok

Federal Appeals Court Refuses to Block TikTok Ban, Paving Way for Supreme Court Showdown

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

Apple and Google Must Prepare to Remove TikTok from App Stores by Jan. 19, Lawmakers Warn

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

TikTok is One Step Closer to Being Banned in the US

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…

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Canada Shuts Down TikTok’s Business Operations

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

TikTok Founder Becomes China’s Richest Man

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

TikTok Owner Sacks Intern for Sabotaging AI Project

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…

Wande Coal
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Wande Coal Delivers Extended Version of Hit Song “Again” Following TikTok Success

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…

TikTok

TikTok Sued by 14 States Over Alleged Harm to Children’s Mental Health

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,…

Cucumber

Viral TikTok Trend Causes Cucumber Shortage in Icelandic Supermarkets

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…

TikTok

US Government Sues TikTok Over Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law

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

TikTok Owner ByteDance is Testing an Instagram Competitor Called Whee

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…

Paris Hilton
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Paris Hilton Among Targets in Recent TikTok Cyber-Attack

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

TikTok Announces Major Layoffs in Operations and Marketing Departments

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

TikTok and Universal Music Group Reach Settlement in Royalties Dispute

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…

TikTok

Chinese Owner Denies Plans to Sell TikTok Amid US Ban Threat

Amid mounting speculation and the looming threat of a nationwide ban in the United States, ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, has categorically denied any intentions to sell the popular social media platform. In its first official response to the escalating situation since President Joe Biden signed legislation that could pave the way for a…

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Controversy Brews as US Moves Towards Potentially Banning TikTok

TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is caught in the crossfire of a brewing conflict between the United States and China. With Congress passing legislation that could force ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban, tensions between the two economic superpowers are escalating. The proposed legislation has raised…

TikTok

EU Threatens TikTok with Fines and Suspension Over TikTok Lite’s Addictive Features

European Union officials are issuing stern warnings to TikTok, threatening the social media platform with substantial fines and the suspension of certain features of its new spinoff app, TikTok Lite, over concerns regarding addictive elements. TikTok Lite, a less data-intensive version of TikTok’s main app, has come under scrutiny for its feature that rewards users…

TikTok

TikTok Prepares Legal Challenge Against Potential US App Ban

TikTok is gearing up for a legal battle if Congress approves legislation that could lead to a nationwide ban of the popular app, according to an internal memo obtained by CNN. Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, warned employees in the memo about the potential consequences of a bill passed by…

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YouTube Ramps Up Efforts to Compete with TikTok, Offering Lucrative Deals to Creators

YouTube is intensifying its battle against rivals like TikTok and Instagram by investing heavily in its Shorts feature, offering substantial payouts to creators in a bid to dominate the short-form video market. Despite facing stiff competition, the Google-owned platform is banking on its vast resources and longstanding relationships with creators to propel Shorts to the…

Bobby Kotick
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Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Eyes TikTok Acquisition Amid Regulatory Pressure

Amid regulatory pressures and the looming threat of a potential ban or forced sale of TikTok in the United States, Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the popular social media platform. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Kotick broached the idea of partnering on a…

Google loses in local search

Google Loses in Local Search to Instagram, TikTok Among Gen Z

In a significant shift in consumer behaviour, Instagram and TikTok have emerged as the preferred platforms for local search among Gen Z, surpassing Google’s dominance in this demographic segment, according to a recent study by SOCi. While Google continues to maintain its stronghold in local search, particularly among older generations, SOCi’s findings underscore a growing…

TikTok

House Committee Advances Bill Paving the Way for Potential TikTok Ban

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously approved a bill that could result in a nationwide ban on TikTok, intensifying concerns among lawmakers about the popular social media platform’s ties to China and its potential security risks. The proposed legislation mandates TikTok’s separation from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, within 165 days. Failure to…

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Former TikTok Executive Files Lawsuit Alleging Gender and Age Discrimination

Former TikTok senior executive Katie Puris has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging discrimination based on her age and gender during her tenure. Puris, who worked in marketing at TikTok from 2019 until her departure in 2022, claims she faced uneven treatment as a woman, was retaliated against for raising concerns about discriminatory practices,…

TikTok

TikTok Faces Backlash as It Shifts Focus to Longer Videos, Alarming Some Creators

TikTok, the platform that gained immense popularity for its short-form video content during the Covid-19 pandemic, is causing a stir among creators as it transitions toward longer video formats. The move marks a departure from its original short-form approach that set it apart in the social media landscape. Starting this Saturday, TikTok will phase out…

ByteDance
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TikTok owner ByteDance is Retreating From Gaming and Laying Off Hundreds

ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant renowned for its ownership of TikTok, is making a strategic shift away from the gaming industry, resulting in a significant reduction of its workforce. The company will wind down Nuverse, the unit housing its video game studios, next month, aiming to concentrate on its core businesses, according to an inside…

TikTok

TikTok Fined $368 Million in Europe for Failing to Protect Children

TikTok, the popular social media platform, has been slapped with a hefty €345 million ($368 million) fine by a major European tech regulator over allegations of insufficient measures to safeguard children’s privacy. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), responsible for monitoring TikTok’s operations in the European Union, issued the fine, citing violations of the EU’s…

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TikTok Brings in Text Posts to Rival Elon Musk’s X

TikTok, the popular video streaming platform, is venturing into uncharted territory by allowing users to post text-only content for the first time. In a direct challenge to Elon Musk’s embattled X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok announced the new post format, aiming to expand options for creators to express their ideas and creativity. The company…

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Popular TikTok Musician, Crown Uzama, 5 Others Jailed for Internet Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Command, has secured the conviction of TikTok music celebrity, Crown Uzama, and five others before Justice A. A. Isiaka on a separate one-count charge bordering on criminal impersonation. According to the commission, the offence was contrary to Sections 142 (1), 57 and 308 of the Kaduna…

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TikTok Is Testing an AI Chatbot Named Tako

TikTok has joined the trend of incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) by testing a chatbot named Tako. According to Bloomberg, Tako is designed to answer questions and engage in conversations with TikTok users. A spokesperson for the app confirmed that they are exploring new ways to enhance search and discovery on TikTok in select markets….

Microsoft Bing ChatGPT

A TikToker Showed How ChatGPT Can Help People Prepare for Job Interviews — and Users Say it Works

A TikToker named Hanna Goefft, known as “hanna gets hired,” has gained popularity for sharing a video demonstrating how to use OpenAI’s ChatGPT for job interview preparation. Users have been loving her tips, considering it the easiest way to prepare for interviews that has worked for every job. Hanna, a firm believer in working smarter…

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Lady Gaga Takes Makeup Inspiration From Young Boy on TikTok

Lady Gaga was inspired by a young boy’s “beautiful” makeup journey on TikTok.The 37-year-old star – whose Haus Labs makeup line will be available via Sephora in the UK from June 6 – revealed how she was influenced by the way he wanted to “express who he truly is”. She told Glamour magazine: “There was…

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Looking for a Side Hustle? This Company Will Pay You $100 an Hour to Watch TikTok for 10 Hours. No Cap

If you already spend hours scrolling through TikTok – let’s face it, who doesn’t? – then you might have just found your dream job. Influencer marketing agency Ubiquitous is looking to pay three people $100 per hour to go on a 10-hour TikTok watching session. The company is hoping the endeavor will help it gauge…

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Montana’s TikTok Ban Leaves Users, Business Owners Reeling

Keri Williams, the owner of The Branded Pinto, a custom hat shop, credits TikTok for the success of her business. Two years ago, a video showcasing one of her creations went viral on the platform, and since then, almost all of her business has come from TikTok. However, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed a…

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Montana Becomes First US State to Ban Tiktok on Personal Phones

Montana has become the first state in the United States to ban TikTok on personal mobile phones, as the governor aims to safeguard residents from Chinese surveillance. This prohibition, which Chinese-owned TikTok considers an infringement on freedom of speech, is the first of its kind in the Western world. The social media platform has faced…

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TikTok Banned From School-Owned Devices at all Florida State Universities

The State University System of Florida Board of Governors has banned the social media app TikTok, along with some other software, applications, and developers, from use on university-owned devices “due to the continued and increasing landscape of cyber threats.” In a memo sent to state university system presidents on Wednesday, Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said, “This…