Putting Guardrails on Presidential Pardons and TikTok's National Security Threat

tiktokdivestmentreformus-representativespresidential-pardonsnational-security

Share:

What’s the latest buzz on presidential pardons and TikTok’s national security?

Democratic Rep. Jason Crow calls for reforming the pardon process after President Biden’s preemptive pardon of family members. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Mike Turner insists that TikTok remains a national security threat, even after President Trump delayed enforcing a divestment law for ByteDance.

  • Rep. Jason Crow wants to put some guardrails in place for presidential pardons
  • He suggests reforming the pardon process after Biden’s family pardon
  • Rep. Mike Turner claims TikTok is still a national security threat, despite Trump’s delayed divestment law enforcement
tiktok
divestment
reform
us-representatives
presidential-pardons
national-security

Related articles:

TikTok's Fate Hangs in the Balance as Biden Passes the Buck to Trump

bidentrumptiktoksocialmediaban

Will TikTok Survive?**","On January 19, TikTok faces a potential ban in the US, and it's anyone's guess if it'll still be available in app stores. The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or shut it down. But with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump the next day, the Biden administration seems reluctant to enforce the ban, instead leaving it to Trump to negotiate a resolution. TikTok, however, isn't satisfied with the lack of clarity and assurance from the Biden administration, and has threatened to 'go dark' on Sunday unless a definitive statement is made.","Tags":["tiktok","biden","trump","socialmedia","ban"],"category":"technology","question":"What is the future of TikTok in the US?"}

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban in the US

supreme courttiktokchinanational securityban

Bad news for TikTok fans! The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that will ban the popular social media app in the country, citing national security concerns. The ban is set to take effect this Sunday, unless TikTok cuts ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance. Here's what we know:

  • The court's ruling was unanimous
  • TikTok has 170 million US users
  • The ban is designed to prevent China from accessing US users' personal data
  • TikTok challenged the law on First Amendment grounds
  • The Biden administration won't enforce the ban immediately, leaving it to Trump
  • TikTok plans to shut down the platform for US users once the ban takes effect
  • Many users have begun migrating to other platforms, like RedNote

TikTok Users Spitefully Switch to Chinese App RedNote, But Face Account Bans

social mediatiktokchinese apprednoteaccount bans

TikTok users are switching to the Chinese app RedNote (Xiaohongshu) to spite the US government's ban on TikTok. However, many users are facing account bans for various reasons, including having TikTok watermarks on their videos and verification issues. RedNote is not a one-to-one replacement for TikTok, as it also serves as a Chinese Yelp or Google alternative. The app's Community Guidelines are written in Mandarin, making it difficult for English speakers to navigate the app. It's unclear if RedNote will face the same fate as TikTok, as US lawmakers could potentially apply the same ban to any foreign-controlled social media platform.

TikTok Users Flock to Chinese App RedNote Amid US Ban

social mediatiktokchinese apprednotexiaohongshu

With TikTok's ban looming, American users are flocking to Chinese social media app RedNote (Xiaohongshu). RedNote, which has 300 million monthly active users, has become the most downloaded app on the US App Store. The app, popular in Mandarin-speaking countries, offers social shopping features and a Pinterest-like layout. It has also caught the attention of investors, raising $917 million in venture funding. However, there are concerns about security risks and potential scrutiny from US authorities. The question is, will RedNote sustain the interest and what will it mean for its creators?

Could Elon Musk Be the Next Owner of TikTok US?

trumptiktokchinabanelonmusksupremecourt

China is reportedly open to the idea of Elon Musk acquiring TikTok's US arm if the Supreme Court upholds the law banning the app on January 19th. While Chinese officials prefer for TikTok to stay under ByteDance's ownership, they have considered a sale to Musk as part of a broader plan to work with the incoming Trump administration. Meanwhile, TikTok has denied the report, calling it 'pure fiction'. Other potential buyers include Steven Mnuchin and Frank McCourt. The US Supreme Court is set to deliver a final ruling on the ban, which is due to take effect on Sunday.

The Fate of TikTok in the U.S. Hangs in the Balance

social mediasupreme courttiktoknational security

The future of TikTok in the U.S. is in limbo as the Supreme Court hears arguments on a law that would ban the app in nine days unless its Chinese-based parent company sells its stake. The law, which was passed with large bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, targets foreign adversary-owned platforms that collect data on individual Americans and disseminate propaganda or disinformation. TikTok, which has 170 million monthly users in the U.S., denies any malign activity and has previously ruled out a sale. If the ban is allowed, it would become unlawful for app stores run by U.S. companies to offer TikTok downloads or updates.

Supreme Court to Decide Fate of TikTok in the US

social mediasupreme courttiktoknational securityban

Supreme Court to Decide Fate of TikTok in the US
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on January 10 over TikTok's effort to block a federal ban on the platform if it's not sold by Jan. 19.

Why is TikTok at Risk?

  • The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk
  • TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional

What Happens Next?

  • The Supreme Court will hear arguments in January and decide the fate of TikTok in the US.

Is TikTok getting banned in the US?*

ROMANIA'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SHAKEUP: Can TikTok Decide the Outcome?

social mediapoliticspresidential electiontiktokromania

Romania's presidential election has been shaken up** after the top court annulled the results due to security concerns over a pro-Russia campaign on TikTok and Telegram. The first round saw an outsider, Calin Georgescu, emerge as the frontrunner, despite having no declared campaign spending. The court has ordered a rerun of the election, causing uncertainty in the Eastern European nation. With TikTok being a major platform for political campaigns, the question remains: Can social media decide the outcome of elections?

Gambling Reforms Delayed, Affecting Those with Addiction

governmentgamblingaddictionreform

Communications minister Michelle Rowland's office has apologized for delaying gambling advertising reforms, causing ongoing toll on people harmed by the industry.

  • The delay is due to the need for support from the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
  • The Alliance for Gambling Reform group has been campaigning for wagering changes, including removing all gambling advertising from Australian TV and banning targeted promotion material.
  • The proposed gambling ad cap is not ready to go due to sports codes' financial viability.

Read more: Article 1

Protesters Demanding University of Minnesota Divest From Israel Storm Building, 11 Arrested

protestIsraelUMNdivestmentMinnesota Hillel

University of Minnesota protesters stormed a building demanding divestment from Israel.

  • UMN Students for a Democratic Society organized the protest, causing property damage and blocking entrances/exits.
  • The group renamed the building 'Halimy Hall' in remembrance of a Palestinian TikTok creator who died in an Israeli airstrike.
  • University police arrested 11 people, and an investigation is ongoing.
  • Minnesota Hillel's Executive Director released a statement ensuring Jewish students' safety and support.

The question this answers:** What happened during the University of Minnesota protest demanding divestment from Israel?

States Take Action Against TikTok Over Kids' Mental Health

social mediamental healthchildrentiktoklawsuits

TikTok Faces Lawsuits Over Children's Mental Health**: More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging the app is addictive and harmful to kids. Key Concerns: The lawsuits focus on TikTok's algorithm and features that keep kids glued to their screens and expose them to potential harm. TikTok's Response: TikTok maintains that it restricts underage users and complies with US laws. What's Next: The lawsuits could lead to changes in TikTok's practices and policies to better protect kids' mental health. Impact: This action highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users, potentially sparking similar actions against other platforms.