TikTok being investigated after suspected meddling in Romania's presidential election
6 days, 2 hours ago

TikTok being investigated after suspected meddling in Romania's presidential election

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy European Union regulators said Tuesday they're investigating whether TikTok breached the bloc's digital rulebook by failing to deal with risks to Romania's presidential election, which has been thrown into turmoil over allegations of electoral violations and Russian meddling. “Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks,” European Commission president Ursula on der Leyen said in a press release. “It should be crystal clear that in the EU, all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable.” The European Commission is the 27-nation EU's executive arm and enforces the bloc's Digital Services Act, a sweeping set of regulations intended to clean up social media platforms and protect users from illegal content. The declassified files alleged that there was an “aggressive promotion campaign” to boost Georgescu's popularity, including payments worth a total of $381,000 to TikTok influencers to promote him on the platform.

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History of this topic

Trump meets TikTok CEO as platform fights US ban
5 days, 22 hours ago

Trump meets TikTok CEO as platform fights US ban

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump reportedly met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew …

EU investigates TikTok over Romanian presidential election safeguards
6 days, 2 hours ago

EU investigates TikTok over Romanian presidential election safeguards

Associated Press  

LONDON — European Union regulators said Tuesday they’re investigating whether TikTok breached the bloc’s digital rulebook by failing to deal with risks to Romania’s presidential election, which has been thrown into turmoil over allegations of electoral violations and Russian meddling. “Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating …

EU opens probe into TikTok over suspected Romania election interference
Trending News
6 days, 14 hours ago

EU opens probe into TikTok over suspected Romania election interference

CNN  

The European Commission opened formal proceedings Tuesday against social media firm TikTok over its suspected failure to limit election interference, notably in the Romanian presidential vote last month. The European Union’s executive arm said it will request information and look into TikTok’s policy on political On December 5, the Commission ordered TikTok to freeze data linked to the Romanian election …

Romanian TikTok influencers flee amid probe into election interference
1 week, 3 days ago

Romanian TikTok influencers flee amid probe into election interference

Firstpost  

The TikTok influencers— some reportedly linked to organised crime— posted farewell messages on social media, showing land borders and planes, before fleeing Romania TikTok influencers came under the radar following allegations of election interference in Romania. The TikTok influencers— some reportedly linked to organised crime— posted farewell messages on social media, showing land borders and planes, before fleeing Romania. Their …

A U.S. TikTok ban is nearing for social media app after another court defeat
2 weeks, 1 day ago

A U.S. TikTok ban is nearing for social media app after another court defeat

LA Times  

A man carries a “Free TikTok” sign in front of the courthouse where the hush-money trial of Donald Trump got underway April 15 in New York. Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend: Wildly popular Chinese social media app TikTok loses again in court, faces looming ban Perhaps no social media application more accurately provides insights into …

Romanian court annuls presidential election amid allegations of Russian online campaign
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Romanian court annuls presidential election amid allegations of Russian online campaign

Firstpost  

The Constitutional Court’s unprecedented decision — which is final — came after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence on Wednesday that alleged Russia organized thousands of social media accounts to promote Calin Georgescu across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram Calin Georgescu, the independent candidate for presidency who won the first round of presidential elections in Izvorani, Romania. The Constitutional Court’s …

TikTok facing US ban after losing appeal agains Biden govt's law requiring ByteDance divestment
2 weeks, 2 days ago

TikTok facing US ban after losing appeal agains Biden govt's law requiring ByteDance divestment

Firstpost  

The popular video-sharing app is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court while seeking support from Trump, who has become an unlikely ally in opposing the ban While TikTok has distanced itself publicly from China, ByteDance’s role remains evident. Reuters TikTok is facing a potential US ban after losing a court appeal Friday against a law requiring its …

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Law Requiring Sale Or Ban Of TikTok In U.S.
Trending News
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Law Requiring Sale Or Ban Of TikTok In U.S.

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A federal appeals court panel on Friday upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law, …

The EU makes an urgent TikTok inquiry on Russia’s role in Romanian election turmoil
2 weeks, 3 days ago

The EU makes an urgent TikTok inquiry on Russia’s role in Romanian election turmoil

Associated Press  

LONDON — The European Union said Friday it sent TikTok an urgent request for more information about Romanian intelligence files suggesting that Moscow coordinated influencers on its platform to promote an election candidate who became the surprise front-runner in the nation’s presidential election. Declassified files released by Romanian authorities earlier this week suggest that a pro-Russia campaign used the messaging …

The European Union demands TikTok's response to Romanian files suggesting Moscow's role in vote
2 weeks, 3 days ago

The European Union demands TikTok's response to Romanian files suggesting Moscow's role in vote

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union said Friday it sent TikTok an urgent request …

TikTok’s U.S. presence in jeopardy as judges back potential ban
Trending News
2 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok’s U.S. presence in jeopardy as judges back potential ban

Salon  

In April, legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden threatened to ban TikTok in the U.S. if the platform's China-based parent company ByteDance refused to sell to an American owner by Jan. 19, 2025, and with the deadline looming and no such sale underway, stateside fans of the popular video share site are getting nervous. …

TikTok lost a major legal bid to avoid a U.S. ban. Now what?
2 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok lost a major legal bid to avoid a U.S. ban. Now what?

LA Times  

A visitor passes the TikTok exhibition stands at the Gamescom computer gaming fair in Cologne, Germany, in 2022. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” Legal experts said they expect TikTok will appeal its case to the Supreme …

The Future of TikTok Is Being Decided This Week
2 weeks, 4 days ago

The Future of TikTok Is Being Decided This Week

Wired  

Republicans and Democrats sank ungodly amounts of money into creating content for TikTok this election year, but there’s a chance the app might not be around in the US come next cycle. The law put in place a system that would ban TikTok if the app’s parent company, Bytedance, didn’t sell to a US-based owner by January 19, 2025. Soon, …

TikTok defends handling of Romania election content in grilling by EU lawmakers
2 weeks, 6 days ago

TikTok defends handling of Romania election content in grilling by EU lawmakers

LA Times  

Calin Georgescu, a far-right independent candidate for president who came in first after the first round of Romania’s presidential election, prepares to vote Sunday in the country’s parliamentary election. TikTok applied its “global playbook” for the Romanian election and took a local approach with staff on the ground, said Caroline Greer, the company’s top lobbyist in the EU. Greer said …

TikTok tactics shake up politics in Romania
3 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok tactics shake up politics in Romania

Raw Story  

Barely known a year ago, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu successfully dominated social network TikTok to emerge the shock winner of Romania's first-round presidential election -- an online campaign that has raised suspicions. Romanian news site G4 Media, which conducted an analysis of Georgescu's social media use, found the far-right politician mounted a "propaganda machine" using thousands of supposed "volunteers" to …

Romania’s presidential election is in chaos. Here’s why TikTok is in the middle of it
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Romania’s presidential election is in chaos. Here’s why TikTok is in the middle of it

Firstpost  

Romania’s top court has ordered a recount in the first round of the presidential elections after Calin Georgescu – a little-known, far-right candidate who had been polling in single digits – surged into first place while Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was knocked out of the contest. Our family.” Georgescu’s shock victory has led the country’s Constitutional Court to “unanimously ordered …

Romania asks EU to investigate TikTok’s election handling after ultranationalist’s stunning win
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Romania asks EU to investigate TikTok’s election handling after ultranationalist’s stunning win

Politico  

TikTok is under mounting pressure to explain how it handled political content in Romania after a first round presidential vote on Sunday propelled the ultranationalist, pro-Russian firebrand Călin Georgescu to a shock victory, in part thanks to his sudden surge on TikTok. A top EU lawmaker demanded on Tuesday that TikTok's chief executive appear before the European Parliament to answer …

Trump wanted to ban TikTok. Will his return to office help save it?
1 month ago

Trump wanted to ban TikTok. Will his return to office help save it?

LA Times  

The fate of TikTok in the U.S. has been up in the air since 2020, when then-President Trump moved to ban the popular video app because of national security concerns. One hitch: Trump recently changed his mind, joining TikTok in June and posting on social media, “Those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump.” “We’re not doing …

Trump led the charge to ban TikTok. Now he says he’ll save it
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump led the charge to ban TikTok. Now he says he’ll save it

Al Jazeera  

Trump has pledged to ‘save’ popular Chinese-owned app despite signing an order to ban it during his first term. On the campaign trail, Trump, who signed an executive order seeking to ban the app during his first term, pledged to “save TikTok” but neither he nor his transition team have disclosed further details about what this might mean for ByteDance. …

Poll: More turning to TikTok for news in US
3 months ago

Poll: More turning to TikTok for news in US

China Daily  

Small toy figures are seen in front of TikTok logo in this illustration picture taken March 15, 2021. About 4 in 10 young adults in the US now regularly get news on TikTok, according to a Pew Research Center analysis published on Tuesday. Today, 39 percent of adults under 30 say they regularly get news on TikTok, compared with shares …

TikTok to begin appeal against possible US ban
3 months, 1 week ago

TikTok to begin appeal against possible US ban

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok will go head-to-head with …

Trump claims he’ll ‘save’ TikTok - despite trying to get it banned while in office
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Trump claims he’ll ‘save’ TikTok - despite trying to get it banned while in office

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald …

TikTok disputes U.S. claims on China ties in court appeal
4 months, 1 week ago

TikTok disputes U.S. claims on China ties in court appeal

The Hindu  

TikTok told a federal appeals court on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice has mis-stated the social media app's ties to China, urging the court to overturn a law requiring China-based ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or face a ban. TikTok said on Thursday it is undisputed that the app's content recommendation engine and user data are stored …

TikTok fights for survival in latest filing as ban approaches
4 months, 1 week ago

TikTok fights for survival in latest filing as ban approaches

NPR  

TikTok fights for survival in latest filing as ban approaches toggle caption Damian Dovarganes/AP TikTok is fighting back in its latest court filing in the battle over its future in the U.S., arguing that the law that could ban the app represents "the most sweeping speech restriction in the country's history." The court filing on Thursday is the latest salvo …

TikTok withdraws 'Lite' rewards from EU to comply with tech rules
4 months, 2 weeks ago

TikTok withdraws 'Lite' rewards from EU to comply with tech rules

The Hindu  

ByteDance's TikTok has agreed to permanently withdraw its TikTok Lite rewards programme from the EU to comply with the bloc's Digital Services Act, the European Commission said on Monday. TikTok Lite has a "Reward Programme" that allows users to earn points while performing certain tasks on the platform such as watching videos, liking content, following creators or inviting friends to …

US Govt Lawyers Say TikTok Collected User Data Around Specific Subjects: All Details
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US Govt Lawyers Say TikTok Collected User Data Around Specific Subjects: All Details

News 18  

WASHINGTON: In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department is accusing TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion. TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up being …

TikTok collected user views on abortion and gun control, U.S. Justice Department says
4 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok collected user views on abortion and gun control, U.S. Justice Department says

The Hindu  

In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department is accusing TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion. TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up being stored …

TikTok collected views of US users on abortion, gun control: Justice Department
4 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok collected views of US users on abortion, gun control: Justice Department

India Today  

In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department is accusing TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion. TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about US users, information that has wound up being stored …

US Government Accuses TikTok Of Collecting User Views On Issues Like Abortion And Gun Control
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US Government Accuses TikTok Of Collecting User Views On Issues Like Abortion And Gun Control

News 18  

In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department late Friday accused TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion. TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up being …

Justice Department says TikTok collected US user views on issues like abortion and gun control
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Justice Department says TikTok collected US user views on issues like abortion and gun control

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department is accusing TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion. TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up …

Justice Department says TikTok collected U.S. user views on issues like abortion and gun control
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Justice Department says TikTok collected U.S. user views on issues like abortion and gun control

LA Times  

The Justice Department has made new accusations against TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based parent company ByteDance. In a fresh broadside against one of the world’s most popular technology companies, the Justice Department has accused TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on their views about divisive social issues such as gun control, abortion and …

The side-effects of the TikTok tussle
6 months ago

The side-effects of the TikTok tussle

Hindustan Times  

JOE BIDEN’S re-election campaign wants you to know that the president is funny. It deems TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese firm, to be controlled by a “foreign adversary” and to be a national-security threat. They argue that divestment is “simply not possible” and Congress is “singling out and banning TikTok”, in violation of the First Amendment rights …

U.K. parties face-off on TikTok battleground
6 months, 3 weeks ago

U.K. parties face-off on TikTok battleground

The Hindu  

On the face of it, the villain from "Shrek", British singer-turned-TV presenter Cilla Black, and national service has nothing in common. One Labour TikTok post uses a clip from the movie "Shrek" showing the diminutive villain Lord Farquaad saying "Some of you may die, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make". Currently ahead of both the Tories and …

TikTok curbs state-affiliated media amid foreign influence fears
6 months, 4 weeks ago

TikTok curbs state-affiliated media amid foreign influence fears

Al Jazeera  

Video-sharing app says state-backed accounts will not be recommended or allowed to advertise outside home countries. TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has announced new curbs on state-affiliated media amid concerns about foreign interference in a major election year. The Chinese-owned platform said on Thursday that state-affiliated media accounts would no longer be recommended in users’ feeds or allowed to advertise …

The TikTok Ultimatum Is Here. What Does It Mean?
54 years, 11 months ago

The TikTok Ultimatum Is Here. What Does It Mean?

Wired  

Makena Kelly: The Washington Post said that he had a lot to do with RFK Jr.'s TikTok content, but he was doing this content way, way, way before Link was even ever involved. Even media outlets get excited about the campaign because they know people are going to cover it and they know people are going to want to get …

Joe Biden accused of hypocrisy over signing of TikTok ban bill, critics ask him to delete campaign account
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Joe Biden accused of hypocrisy over signing of TikTok ban bill, critics ask him to delete campaign account

Hindustan Times  

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a bill that would potentially force Chinese TikTok parent firm ByteDance to divest the social media platform within nine months or face a nationwide ban in the country. Biden campaign will continue to use TikTok, faces backlash According to Biden's 2024 reelection campaign, it would keep using TikTok to engage voters ahead of …

U.S. President Biden signs bill that will see TikTok sold or banned next year
7 months, 4 weeks ago

U.S. President Biden signs bill that will see TikTok sold or banned next year

The Hindu  

U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a bill forcing TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance to divest ownership of the app or see it banned in the next nine months, extendable by another three months if needed. Last year, several U.S. states began banning TikTok in government employees’ work devices, though sweeping bans on private usage were not successful in court. …

TikTok bows to European pressure and halts reward feature on new app in France and Spain
7 months, 4 weeks ago

TikTok bows to European pressure and halts reward feature on new app in France and Spain

Associated Press  

LONDON — TikTok said Wednesday that it’s halting a feature on its new app rewarding users in Europe for watching videos, after facing pressure from regulators worried about its addictive features. The company backed down days after the European Union warned that the TikTok Lite app might have breached the 27-nation bloc’s digital regulations when it launched earlier this month. …

Bill to ban TikTok in U.S. clears Congress
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Bill to ban TikTok in U.S. clears Congress

Raw Story  

The US Senate on Tuesday approved legislation requiring the wildly popular social media app TikTok to be divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or be shut out of the American market. The measure was part of a $95 billion foreign aid package, including military assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, which has now cleared Congress and heads to President …

Kyrgyzstan bans Tiktok to protect children: ‘Affecting moral development’
8 months ago

Kyrgyzstan bans Tiktok to protect children: ‘Affecting moral development’

Hindustan Times  

Kyrgyzstan appears to have blocked TikTok after the Central Asian country's security services called to restrict the social media app to "protect children". Kyrgyzstan's digital ministry said on Tuesday it had "informed telecommunications operators of the need to limit access to TikTok, based on a decision by the security services." The digital ministry said ByteDance had "failed to comply" with …

TikTok star urges US to force sale after witnessing 'terrifying' algorithm amid Israel-Palestine war
8 months ago

TikTok star urges US to force sale after witnessing 'terrifying' algorithm amid Israel-Palestine war

Hindustan Times  

Imagine speaking out against the platform that enables you to earn a living. This comes on the heels of White House representatives passing a bill that could lead to a permanent TikTok ban in America. White House passes the bill, threatens to ban TikTok The world’s most popular musical video service, which has been accused of spreading ‘Hamas hate speech …

Lawmakers vote to ban TikTok, again — solidifying Congress’ stance by giving the company more time
8 months ago

Lawmakers vote to ban TikTok, again — solidifying Congress’ stance by giving the company more time

Salon  

The House passed legislation on Saturday that could ban TikTok in the United States if its Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd, doesn’t divest its ownership within the year. The House Republicans' decision to include TikTok in a larger foreign aid package has been a priority to President Biden with widespread congressional support for Ukraine and Israel. TikTok is not pleased with …

Legislation that could force a TikTok ban revived as part of House foreign aid package
8 months ago

Legislation that could force a TikTok ban revived as part of House foreign aid package

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Legislation that could ban TikTok in the U.S. if its China-based owner doesn’t sell its stake won a major boost late Wednesday when House Republican leaders included it in a package of bills that would send aid to Ukraine and Israel. Alex Haurek, a spokesman for the company, said in a statement Thursday that “It is unfortunate that …

European Union questions TikTok on new app that pays users for watching
8 months ago

European Union questions TikTok on new app that pays users for watching

Associated Press  

LONDON — European Union regulators said Wednesday they’re seeking details from TikTok on a new app from the video sharing platform that pays users to watch videos. The European Commission said it sent TikTok a “request for information” on the TikTok Lite app that has been quietly released in France and Spain. The commission said the app lets users earn …

The Biden administration might ban TikTok. These Latinx small-business owners are worried
8 months ago

The Biden administration might ban TikTok. These Latinx small-business owners are worried

LA Times  

After years of dreaming, Ruben Trujillo had finally launched his own business. According to a recent study conducted by consulting firm Oxford Economics and funded by TikTok, 43% of Latinx entrepreneurs said the social media platform is critical to their business’ existence. Jaz and Sam Sears of AZ Taco King — a Mexican restaurant chain in Arizona — said that …

TikTok is under investigation by the FTC over data practices and could face a lawsuit
8 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok is under investigation by the FTC over data practices and could face a lawsuit

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The Federal Trade Commission is investigating TikTok over its data and security practices, a probe that could lead to a settlement or a lawsuit against the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. The investigation is the latest battle in Washington for the social media company, which is already fighting against a federal bill that …

TikTok is under investigation by the FTC over data practices and could face a lawsuit
8 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok is under investigation by the FTC over data practices and could face a lawsuit

New Indian Express  

NEW YORK: The Federal Trade Commission is investigating TikTok over its data and security practices, a probe that could lead to a settlement or a lawsuit against the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. The investigation is the latest battle in Washington for the social media company, which is already fighting against a federal bill that could …

Republican senator calls out Fox News host’s ‘lies’ over TikTok ban in on-air clash
9 months, 1 week ago

Republican senator calls out Fox News host’s ‘lies’ over TikTok ban in on-air clash

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Senator Rand Paul — a staunch opponent of the recent …

TikTok urges US users to call senators to vote no on TikTok ban
9 months, 1 week ago

TikTok urges US users to call senators to vote no on TikTok ban

The Hindu  

TikTok displayed a notification to some U.S. users on Friday, urging them to call their senators and ask them to vote no to a bill that would ban the popular short-form video app if it is not divested from Chinese tech company ByteDance. Ask them to vote no on the TikTok ban," the notice said, which allowed users to enter …

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