Users of the Chinese social media platform RedNote have welcomed an influx of American TikTok users, posting messages and selfies to greet the newcomers. The surge of over 700,000 users follows a looming US ban on TikTok, which has 170 million American users. Chinese foreign ministry officials have expressed support for greater cultural exchanges, while state media described RedNote as a “new home” for TikTok users.
The app, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has traditionally been used for lifestyle content but has now become an unexpected platform for US-China interactions. Many American users have asked about Chinese food, culture, and daily life, while Chinese users have eagerly responded. Some, however, have voiced concerns, with nationalist bloggers warning against Western influence.
Despite the warm reception from many, tensions have emerged over content and platform moderation. Some US users have tested RedNote’s censorship policies by posting about politically sensitive topics. Analysts believe the trend may be short-lived, as past instances of Western social media adoption in China, such as Clubhouse, ended with government restrictions. RedNote is reportedly working to improve its moderation of English-language content.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order that would postpone the enforcement of the TikTok sale-or-ban law for up to 90 days. According to sources cited by the Washington Post, the order would temporarily halt the requirement for TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest its US operations or face a ban.
The delay could provide more time for negotiations and potential deals to resolve security concerns raised by United States lawmakers. The law, passed under the Biden administration, aimed to address fears over TikTok’s links to China, but Trump has taken a more open stance towards the platform during his campaign.
A suspension of enforcement would offer relief to TikTok’s 170 million American users and businesses that rely on the app for advertising and engagement. The move, however, is likely to spark debate in Washington, where concerns over data security and Chinese influence remain key political issues.
Brazil’s government has expressed serious concerns over Meta’s recent changes to its hate speech policy, warning that the adjustments may not comply with national legislation. The social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has eased restrictions on discussions around sensitive topics such as immigration and gender identity while also ending its fact-checking programme in the United States. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously called the policy shift “extremely serious,” prompting officials to demand clarification from Meta.
Meta has responded by stating that fact-checking changes currently apply only in the United States and that adjustments to its community standards remain limited to hate speech policy. The company argues that the revisions aim to promote greater freedom of expression, but Brazil’s solicitor general’s office believes the changes are insufficient to protect fundamental rights. Government ministries have raised concerns that Meta’s updated terms of use may violate Brazilian law, particularly in relation to online discourse and misinformation.
A public hearing will be held later this week to discuss the potential impact of Meta’s policy changes. The government is engaging experts to assess whether the new rules align with Brazil’s legal framework and ensure that social media platforms uphold protections against hate speech. Authorities are monitoring how the changes affect digital content regulation as they consider further action to address concerns over online safety and misinformation.
Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, has called on the UK government to take stronger action on online safety, warning that delays in regulation are putting children at risk. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, he criticised Ofcom’s approach to enforcing the Online Safety Act, describing it as a “disaster.” Russell accused tech firms, including Meta and X, of prioritising profits over safety and moving towards a more dangerous, unregulated online environment.
Campaigners argue that Ofcom’s guidelines contain major loopholes, particularly in addressing harmful content such as live-streamed material that promotes self-harm and suicide. While the government insists that tech companies must act responsibly, the slow progress of new regulations has raised concerns. Ministers acknowledge that additional legislation may be required as AI technology evolves, introducing new risks that could further undermine online safety.
Russell has been a prominent campaigner for stricter online regulations since his daughter’s death in 2017. Despite the Online Safety Act granting Ofcom the power to fine tech firms, critics believe enforcement remains weak. With concerns growing over the effectiveness of current safeguards, pressure is mounting on the government to act decisively and ensure platforms take greater responsibility in protecting children from harmful content.
The German government is debating whether to delete its presence on X due to concerns that the platform’s algorithms encourage polarisation rather than balanced discourse. A government spokesperson confirmed that discussions are ongoing but noted that remaining on X allows access to a wide audience.
Elon Musk’s increasing support for far-right and anti-establishment parties in Europe has intensified scrutiny of the platform. His recent endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party, which is classified as extremist by German security services, has drawn criticism. Several German institutions, including universities and trade unions, have already left X in protest.
Government officials insist that their concerns about X are not directly linked to Musk’s political involvement but rather to broader issues surrounding the platform’s influence on public discourse. Compliance with European regulations, particularly in the lead-up to elections, remains under Brussels’ jurisdiction.
British universities are increasingly distancing themselves from Elon Musk’s X platform, citing its role in spreading misinformation and inciting racial unrest. A Reuters survey found that several institutions have stopped posting or significantly reduced their activity, joining a broader exodus of academics and public bodies. Concerns over falling engagement, violent content, and the platform’s perceived toxicity have driven the shift.
The University of Cambridge has seen at least seven of its colleges stop posting, while Oxford’s Merton College has deleted its account entirely. Institutions such as the University of East Anglia and London Metropolitan University report dwindling engagement, while arts conservatoires like Trinity Lab and the Royal Northern College of Music are focusing their communication efforts elsewhere. Some universities, including Buckinghamshire New University, have publicly stated that X is no longer a suitable space for meaningful discussion.
The retreat from X follows similar moves by British police forces, reflecting growing unease among public institutions. Despite the trend, some universities continue to maintain a presence on the platform, though many are actively exploring alternatives. X did not respond to requests for comment on the issue.
Meta is set to trial a new feature allowing users in Germany, France, and the United States to browse eBay listings directly on Facebook Marketplace. Transactions will still be completed on eBay’s platform, but the integration aims to provide Facebook users with a wider selection of products while giving eBay sellers greater exposure.
The move follows a hefty $840 million fine imposed by the European Commission in November over alleged anticompetitive practices related to Facebook Marketplace. While Meta continues to appeal the decision, it says it is working to address regulators’ concerns. The European Commission has yet to comment on the latest development.
Meta’s partnership with eBay reflects broader efforts by tech companies to expand online marketplaces and enhance user experience. The initiative is expected to benefit both buyers and sellers by increasing reach and streamlining access to listings.
Meta Platforms has elected three new directors to its board, including Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump. Investor and former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Exor CEO John Elkann have also joined. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said their expertise would help the company navigate opportunities in artificial intelligence, wearables, and digital connectivity.
White’s appointment strengthens his ties with Zuckerberg, who has become a mixed martial arts enthusiast. The two have shared public exchanges in recent years, with Zuckerberg attending UFC events at White’s invitation. Songhurst has been involved in Meta’s AI advisory group since May, while Elkann holds leadership roles at Ferrari and Stellantis, alongside chairing the Agnelli Foundation.
Zuckerberg has been adjusting Meta’s strategy ahead of a possible second Trump presidency. The company recently promoted Republican policy expert Joel Kaplan and donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, signalling a shift in its political stance. Meta has also acknowledged past content decisions that were unpopular among conservatives as it prepares for the evolving political landscape.
Miles Laflin, a Bedfordshire-based pool cleaner known as ‘The Pool Guy’, has amassed over 22 million followers across social media platforms for his visually satisfying videos of pool cleaning. Despite his fame, the 34-year-old continues his day job, crediting it with keeping him grounded. Laflin has been in the pool cleaning business for over a decade and began sharing his work on TikTok, where a single video has attracted over 170 million views.
His viral content has significantly boosted his business, with 90% of his work coming from followers who discover him online. Laflin’s success led to him winning the high-quality content creator of the year title at the inaugural UK and Ireland TikTok Awards. He encourages others to share content about their jobs, emphasising that social media offers opportunities for brand deals, global travel, and personal transformation.
Laflin continues to balance his viral fame with his pool cleaning business, a testament to his passion for the trade. He believes there is an audience for every profession, urging aspiring content creators to showcase their unique skills online.
The UK government is intensifying efforts to safeguard children online, with new measures requiring social media platforms to implement robust age verification and protect young users from harmful content. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the importance of ‘watertight’ systems, warning that companies failing to comply could face significant fines or even prison terms for executives.
The measures, part of the Online Safety Act passed in 2023, will see platforms penalised for failing to address issues such as bullying, violent content, and risky stunts. Ofcom, the UK‘s communications regulator, is set to outline further obligations in January, including stricter ID verification for adult-only apps.
Debate continues over the balance between safety and accessibility. While some advocate for bans similar to Australia‘s under-16 restrictions, teenagers consulted by Kyle emphasised the positive aspects of social media, including learning opportunities and community connections. Research into the impact of screen time on mental health is ongoing, with new findings expected next year.
