OpenAI has launched its text-to-video AI model, Sora, to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, signalling a broader push into multimodal AI technologies. Initially limited to safety testers, Sora is now available as Sora Turbo at no additional cost, allowing users to create videos up to 20 seconds long in various resolutions and aspect ratios.
The move positions OpenAI to compete with similar tools from Meta, Google, and Stability AI. While the model is accessible in most regions, it remains unavailable in EU countries, the UK, and Switzerland due to regulatory considerations. OpenAI plans to introduce tailored pricing options for Sora next year.
The company emphasised safeguards against misuse, such as blocking harmful content like child exploitation and deepfake abuse. It also plans to gradually expand features, including uploads of people, as it enhances protections. Sora marks another step in OpenAI’s efforts to innovate responsibly in the AI space.
China has launched an anti-monopoly investigation into US chipmaker Nvidia, citing possible violations linked to its acquisition of Mellanox Technologies in 2020. The move is widely seen as retaliation against recent US restrictions on China’s semiconductor sector, including curbs on advanced chip exports.
Nvidia, which dominates China’s AI chip market, is accused of breaching conditions tied to the Mellanox deal, such as fair trade requirements and restrictions on bundling products. The probe comes amid heightened trade tensions, with Beijing encouraging local companies to avoid US chips and Washington tightening export controls on critical semiconductor technologies.
Analysts suggest the investigation is unlikely to significantly impact Nvidia in the near term, as its most advanced chips are already restricted from sale in China. However, the company faces growing competition from domestic firms like Huawei. China accounted for 17% of Nvidia’s revenue last year, down from 26% two years prior, as US-China tech conflicts continue to reshape the global semiconductor landscape.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have filed an emergency motion with a federal appeals court to temporarily halt a US law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The companies argue that without the delay, the popular app could shut down in the US, affecting 170 million monthly users and numerous businesses reliant on the platform.
The motion follows a decision by an appeals court panel upholding the divestment requirement. TikTok’s lawyers assert the Supreme Court should have time to review the case and highlight President-elect Donald Trump’s stated intention to prevent the ban. The incoming administration, they argue, could reconsider the law and render the case moot.
The law granting the US government authority to ban foreign-owned apps over data security concerns has faced criticism, with TikTok warning the decision could disrupt services globally. As the January deadline looms, ByteDance faces challenges in demonstrating sufficient progress toward a divestment to secure an extension, even as political and legal battles intensify.
The United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced on Friday it will subject Google Payment Corp., Alphabet‘s payment arm, to federal oversight, citing potential risks to consumers. The move follows complaints involving fraud and unauthorised transactions, although the agency stopped short of alleging direct misconduct.
Google has filed a lawsuit challenging the order, arguing that the service in question is no longer active and poses no risk. The CFPB, however, maintains its authority to regulate even discontinued services if they posed prior risks.
The announcement comes as the Biden administration intensifies regulation of tech-driven financial services, seeking parity with traditional banks. Last month, the CFPB finalised rules extending banking supervision to tech firms offering payment and digital wallet services, a move opposed by Republican lawmakers.
With Biden leaving office and President-elect Trump set to return, the decision may face political challenges. Google’s case highlights the broader conflict between Silicon Valley and federal regulators over financial innovation.
TikTok Shop has experienced remarkable growth during the holiday shopping season in the US, with consumers flocking to the platform for deals. Launched in September 2023, it has quickly emerged as a major player in e-commerce, offering merchandise from top brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics and Ninja Kitchen. According to the platform, sales reached $100 million on Black Friday alone, driven by increased adoption among its 170 million US users.
Merchants and influencers have embraced TikTok Shop’s unique model, which combines advertising and live shopping streams. The number of live sessions hosted monthly has nearly tripled in the past year, showcasing products that appeal to buyers through targeted content. Some shoppers have noted faster delivery times compared to Amazon, enhancing TikTok’s competitive edge.
The platform’s success comes as its parent company, ByteDance, faces a looming divestiture mandate in the US to avoid a ban. Analysts suggest such a move could significantly impact TikTok Shop, which has become a vital revenue stream for many brands. Marketing experts describe it as an irreplaceable channel that is excelling in connecting shoppers with tailored content.
Competition remains intense with rivals like Shein and Temu, which also target US consumers with low-cost goods. TikTok Shop continues to gain market share, buoyed by its ability to curate personalised shopping experiences and capitalise on the social media platform’s immense popularity.
Donald Trump’s family and allies are heading to Abu Dhabi for the Gulf’s largest bitcoin gathering amid record-breaking highs for the digital currency. The Bitcoin MENA conference is set to draw over 6,000 attendees, including key figures in Trump’s cryptocurrency initiative. Eric Trump will deliver the keynote address, followed by exclusive sessions for top investors.
World Liberty Financial, co-founded by Trump and led by billionaire Steve Witkoff, plays a central role in the event. Trump himself is the chief crypto advocate, while his sons act as brand ambassadors. The platform has already attracted major investors like blockchain entrepreneur Justin Sun, despite Sun’s legal troubles under the Biden administration.
Bitcoin’s rise to $100,000 has fuelled excitement, with Trump pledging to make the US the global crypto hub. Former PayPal executive David Sacks has been appointed White House czar for AI and cryptocurrencies, reflecting a broader push towards digital innovation. Keynote speeches and whale-only sessions highlight the growing influence of crypto in Trump’s circle and the broader industry.
The conference also features controversial figures, such as Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who recently served a US prison sentence. With prominent backers and growing market momentum, the event signals a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency and its role in shaping Trump’s political and economic agenda.
American TikTok creators are urging their followers to connect on platforms like Instagram and YouTube after a federal appeals court upheld a law that could ban TikTok in the US unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its American operations by January 19. The looming deadline has sparked anxiety among creators and businesses reliant on TikTok’s vast reach, which includes 170 million US users.
The platform’s popularity, especially among younger audiences, has turned it into a hub for creators, advertisers, and small businesses, with features like TikTok Shop driving significant economic activity. Some creators, like social media influencer Chris Mowrey, expressed fears about losing their livelihoods, emphasising the potential economic blow to small enterprises and content creators.
While some users are bracing for a shutdown, others remain sceptical about the ban’s likelihood, holding off on major changes until more clarity emerges. In the meantime, creators like Chris Burkett and SnipingForDom are diversifying their presence across platforms to safeguard their communities and content. For many, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of digital ecosystems.
Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba, made a rare public appearance on Sunday, expressing optimism about the future of Ant Group, the fintech affiliate he also helped establish. Speaking at Ant’s 20th-anniversary celebration, Ma highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating that the changes driven by AI in the next two decades will surpass current expectations. His remarks, reported by Chinese media outlet 36kr, marked a notable return to the spotlight following his retreat from public life amid regulatory challenges.
Reflecting on Ant Group’s turbulent journey, Ma acknowledged the value of criticism and encouragement in fostering the company’s growth. Ant, the operator of China’s leading mobile payment app Alipay, faced a regulatory crackdown after Ma’s public critique of Chinese regulators in 2020. This led to the cancellation of Ant’s $300 billion IPO, followed by a stringent overhaul of its operations to align with financial regulations. The reforms included Ma relinquishing control of the company in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Ant is charting a path forward, underscored by a leadership transition announced Sunday. President Cyril Han will succeed Eric Jing as CEO starting March 1, 2024. Ma’s renewed confidence in Ant’s potential, especially in the AI era, signals a fresh chapter for the fintech giant as it emerges from years of regulatory scrutiny.
A US federal appeals court has upheld a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The ruling marks a significant win for the Justice Department, citing national security concerns over ByteDance’s access to Americans’ data and its potential to influence public discourse. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, hoping to block the divestment order.
The decision reflects bipartisan efforts to counter perceived threats from China, with Attorney General Merrick Garland calling it a vital step in preventing the Chinese government from exploiting TikTok. Critics, including the ACLU, argue that banning the app infringes on First Amendment rights, as 170 million Americans rely on TikTok for creative and social expression. The Chinese Embassy denounced the ruling, warning it could damage US-China relations.
Unless overturned or extended by President Biden, the law could also set a precedent for restricting other foreign-owned apps. Meanwhile, TikTok’s rivals, such as Meta and Google, have seen gains in the wake of the decision, as advertisers prepare for potential shifts in the social media landscape.
Amazon has successfully conducted its first drone delivery test in Italy, marking the country as its initial European market for this innovative service. The trial took place on 4 December in San Salvo, Abruzzo, using Amazon‘s new MK-30 drone equipped with advanced computer vision for obstacle detection and safety.
The e-commerce giant aims to launch Prime Air drone deliveries in Italy and the United Kingdom by late 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. The service is already operational in select areas of Texas and Arizona, with plans for expansion.
Italy joins the UK as a focal point for Amazon’s European drone delivery ambitions, supported by local aviation regulators. Amazon’s technology promises safer, more efficient package delivery while navigating complex airspaces.
