China has enacted new regulations asserting state ownership over rare earth materials, critical for semiconductor production, with a rule effective from October 1. Additionally, on December 3, the Ministry of Commerce announced a ban on the export of dual-use items such as gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US. These moves are expected to impact industries reliant on these materials, especially solar cell production and semiconductor manufacturing.
As the world’s largest supplier of rare earths, China has long dominated the market due to its lax environmental regulations, which allow for large-scale extraction and refining. However, with many countries looking to reduce their dependency on China, the long-term effectiveness of these export restrictions may diminish. Nations like the US and Australia are expanding their rare earth production lines, and efforts to recycle rare earth materials are also gaining traction.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain in replicating China’s refining capabilities, as many countries are limited by technical and environmental obstacles. Notably, the US has partnered with Australia’s Lynas Corporation to build a rare earth extraction facility, aiming to strengthen its supply chain.
The future of the rare earth market may shift toward the development of substitute materials, although creating viable replacements is a time-consuming process. In this ongoing battle, China has already secured patents for some high-performance materials that could serve as alternatives, indicating that the competition could soon turn to technological innovation and patent rights.
Apple is reportedly working on an innovative smart doorbell camera equipped with Face ID technology, enabling users to unlock their doors simply by looking at it. This new device could launch as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The camera will feature Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, ensuring biometric data is processed and stored securely, similar to other Apple products like the iPhone.
The doorbell camera is expected to integrate with existing HomeKit-compatible smart locks and might also come as part of a complete system developed in partnership with a smart lock manufacturer. It will likely incorporate Apple’s ‘Proxima’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is also rumoured for upcoming HomePod Mini and Apple TV models.
This development is part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home market. Additional rumours point to a new Apple-branded security camera, smart displays with advanced features like robotic arms, and even a potential Apple TV update. These efforts signal Apple’s commitment to creating a seamless and intelligent home ecosystem.
President-elect Donald Trump hinted at allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, at least temporarily, citing the platform’s significant role in his presidential campaign. Speaking to conservative supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump shared that his campaign content had garnered billions of views on TikTok, describing it as a “beautiful” success that made him reconsider the app’s future.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced pressure from US lawmakers to divest the app over national security concerns, with allegations that Chinese control of TikTok poses risks to American data. The US Supreme Court is set to decide on the matter, as ByteDance challenges a law that could force divestment. Without a favourable ruling or compliance with the law, TikTok could face a US ban by January 19, just before Trump takes office.
Trump’s openness to TikTok contrasts with bipartisan support for stricter measures against the app. While the Justice Department argues that Chinese ties to TikTok remain a security threat, TikTok counters that its user data and operations are managed within the US, with storage handled by Oracle and moderation decisions made domestically. Despite ongoing legal battles, Trump’s remarks and a recent meeting with TikTok’s CEO suggest he sees potential in maintaining the platform’s presence in the US market.
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul are urging President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell the app’s US assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10 regarding ByteDance’s legal challenge, which claims the law mandating the sale violates First Amendment free speech rights. In their letter to Biden, the senators highlighted the potential consequences for free expression and the uncertain future of the law.
The controversial legislation, signed by Biden in April, was passed due to national security concerns. The Justice Department asserts that TikTok’s vast data on 170 million American users poses significant risks, including potential manipulation of content. TikTok, however, denies posing any threat to US security.
The debate has split lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports enforcing the deadline, while President-elect Donald Trump has softened his stance, expressing support for TikTok and suggesting he would review the situation. The deadline falls just a day before Trump is set to take office on January 20, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate.
The US Department of Commerce has asked Nvidia to investigate how its AI chips ended up in China despite ongoing export restrictions, The Information reported. In response, Nvidia has called on major distributors like Super Micro and Dell to conduct customer inspections in Southeast Asia. Nvidia chips, embedded in server products, have allegedly been smuggled to Chinese entities through various schemes, including duplicating or altering serial numbers.
Super Micro and Dell stated they strictly enforce export regulations and will terminate relationships with partners who violate these controls. Super Micro also confirmed it investigates unauthorised exports and complies with all US export laws.
These developments come as the Biden administration intensifies its crackdown on chip sales to China. Despite the broadened restrictions on high-end AI chips in 2023, Chinese institutions reportedly acquired Nvidia chips through resellers. Earlier this month, the US further limited semiconductor exports to 140 additional companies, underscoring efforts to control the flow of advanced technology to China.
Instagram is developing advanced AI-powered tools to enhance video editing capabilities for creators. These tools, expected to launch next year, will allow users to modify nearly any element of their videos through simple text prompts, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The features will be powered by Meta’s Movie Gen AI model.
The teased tools aim to give creators unprecedented control over their content. Users will be able to alter appearances, change outfits, transform backgrounds, and add virtual accessories like jewellery with ease. Previews demonstrated seamless effects, including snowy backdrops and puppet-like animations, offering a glimpse into the platform’s evolving creative possibilities.
Meta’s Movie Gen, introduced in October, enables video creation and editing through text prompts but was not initially made public. Instagram’s planned integration marks a significant shift, positioning the platform as a leader in AI-driven video innovation. Competitors such as OpenAI and Adobe have also been advancing similar technologies.
Creators are anticipated to benefit greatly from these developments as Instagram seeks to empower them with more sophisticated tools. The move signals Meta’s broader ambitions to redefine video editing in the social media landscape.
The US Supreme Court has agreed to review a case involving TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, in a challenge against a law requiring the app’s sale or a ban in the US by January 19. The court will hear arguments on 10 January but has not yet decided on TikTok’s request to block the law, which it claims violates free speech rights under the First Amendment. TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, argues the law would harm its operations and user base, while US officials cite national security concerns over data access and content manipulation.
The Justice Department has labelled TikTok a significant security risk due to its Chinese ownership, while TikTok denies posing any threat and accuses lawmakers of speculation. The law, passed in April and signed by President Biden, would ban the app unless ByteDance divests its ownership. The company warns that even a temporary shutdown could damage its US market share, advertising revenue, and ability to recruit creators and staff.
The case also reflects heightened tensions between the US and China over technology and trade policies. TikTok’s fate could set a precedent for the treatment of other foreign-owned apps, raising questions about free speech and digital commerce. The Supreme Court’s decision may have far-reaching implications for the platform’s future and US-China relations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple is in early talks with Tencent and ByteDance to integrate their AI models into iPhones sold in China. This comes as Apple rolls out OpenAI’s ChatGPT in other markets, but regulatory restrictions in China prevent the availability of the chatbot there. To comply with local rules and counter the declining market share, Apple is exploring partnerships with Chinese firms that already have government-approved AI models.
Potential partners include ByteDance’s Doubao and Tencent’s Hunyuan, part of a growing field of AI services in China. Although Apple previously discussed using Baidu’s Ernie model, reports suggest technical disagreements halted progress. Baidu’s shares dropped following news of these challenges, while Tencent’s stock saw a boost.
Apple faces increasing pressure in China’s competitive smartphone market, where domestic rivals like Huawei are surging ahead. Huawei’s recent AI-equipped models have attracted consumers, contributing to a 42% spike in sales. In contrast, Apple’s third-quarter sales dipped slightly, underscoring the need for a successful AI integration strategy to regain momentum in China.
The US Commerce Department has finalised a $458 million grant for SK Hynix to support an advanced chip packaging plant and AI research facility in Indiana. The South Korean company, a key supplier for Nvidia, plans to invest $3.87 billion in the project, which will produce high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI systems. The government will also provide $500 million in loans as part of the deal.
The Indiana facility is expected to create 1,000 jobs and strengthen the US semiconductor supply chain. SK Hynix’s CEO, Kwak Noh-Jung, highlighted the importance of building a resilient AI chip infrastructure in the United States. This grant is part of the $39 billion program approved by Congress in 2022 to boost domestic semiconductor production.
The Commerce Department has issued grants to major chipmakers like Intel, Micron, and TSMC. With the SK Hynix deal complete, only Samsung’s $6.4 billion award remains pending. The initiative aims to bolster US leadership in semiconductor technology and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Apple has accused Meta of making excessive interoperability requests that could compromise user privacy and security, intensifying the rivalry between the two tech giants. Under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must allow competitors access to its services or face significant fines. Apple claims Meta’s 15 requests — more than any other company — could expose sensitive data like messages, emails, and passwords.
Meta, which seeks integration for products like its Quest VR headsets and smart glasses, dismissed Apple’s privacy concerns as a cover for anticompetitive practices. Apple cited Meta’s past privacy violations in Europe as a reason for caution.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has outlined measures to ensure Apple complies with the DMA, including clear timelines and feedback mechanisms for developers. A final decision on Apple’s compliance with the law is expected in March 2025.
