Major tech giants Apple and Google have made an announcement that TikTok and other apps by ByteDance will no longer be available for download in the US from January 19, 2025. This decision has created a frenzy among iPhone and Android users, who will now have to turn to other similar apps like Reels and YouTube Shorts. In addition to this, existing users also won't be able to access their accounts or receive any updates. However, this ban may also have implications for users traveling from non-US markets.
The popular video-sharing app, TikTok, went dark for its 170 million US users on Saturday, sparking reactions from top celebrities, influencers, and business leaders. Singer Lizzo, who has a massive following on the app, mourned its loss on Instagram while internet personality James Charles expressed his disbelief on Instagram Reels. Influencer Alix Earle, who rose to fame on TikTok, also bid farewell to the app on Instagram. With so many top personalities affected, the shutdown of TikTok has become a hot topic on social media.
The popular social media app, TikTok, was set to be banned in the US due to national security concerns, impacting 170 million American users and over 7 million small businesses. However, President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will work with the app's parent company ByteDance to protect national security and allow for a 50% ownership by American companies. This unexpected turn of events has relieved many TikTok users and avoided a potential strain on US-China relations.
Billionaire entrepreneur and tech titan Elon Musk has spoken out against the ban on popular video-sharing platform TikTok, stating it goes against the core values of freedom of speech and expression. Musk also called attention to the unequal treatment of app bans, with TikTok allowed to operate in the US while other platforms, such as X in China, are not allowed to operate. The US Supreme Court recently upheld a law banning the app unless it is sold by its China-based parent company, citing national security concerns. The White House press secretary has stated that measures will be taken to address these concerns.
A new US law banning TikTok has been officially enacted, leaving its millions of American users without access to the popular video-sharing app. The ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court, is a result of concerns over the app's ties to the Chinese government. Despite previous discussions of a potential sale, no action was taken before the January 2021 deadline, prompting the ban to take effect. However, President Joe Biden has stated that he may give TikTok a 90-day reprieve once he takes office, potentially offering a glimmer of hope for fans of the app.
After the U.S. Supreme Court's oral arguments regarding a law mandating TikTok's sale, popular YouTuber Jimmy 'MrBeast' announced on X that he would buy the platform to prevent a potential ban. Many users reacted to his tweet, with some suggesting he partner with Elon Musk and others expressing concern about the impact on his YouTube channel and the potential risks involved.
Did you know that the popular Christmas song "Jingle Bells" was originally meant to be a Thanksgiving song? In this eye-opening video, TikTok presenter Daily Dose of Music shares the interesting history behind the tune. From its name change to its first play in outer space, the song has a rich and unexpected backstory. People are still discussing and discovering this fact on social media, showing how the song's evolution is still a topic of fascination.
The Australian Senate has passed a landmark legislation that will make it illegal for children under 16 to create social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The government has agreed to pass the bill, despite concerns from critics that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. The bill also includes privacy protections to prevent platforms from requiring government-issued identification or digital identification through government systems. While the House of Representatives still needs to approve amendments made in the Senate, the ban is expected to be enforced within a year, with hefty fines for platforms that fail to comply.
During his guest appearance on Lee Hyun’s radio show, J-Hope revealed that he might soon open his own TikTok account and participate in various challenges. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement as they eagerly await J-Hope’s official presence on the popular social media platform. With his recent live stream and dance challenges, it’s clear that J-Hope is ready to connect with fans in new and creative ways.
Outlandish, an e-commerce startup, is opening a new brick-and-mortar store in Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, featuring a first floor of branded stalls and a second floor for shopping. The store aims to mix live online selling with in-person retail, as visitors can watch influencers and sellers on livestreams and even join in themselves. The concept taps into the growing trend of live shopping in the US, with TikTok itself actively promoting and hosting events centered around live selling. This move by Outlandish is in line with TikTok's efforts to recreate the success of its Chinese sister app, Douyin, which drives billions in annual product sales.