social media Archives | Page 11 of 16 | Digital Watch Observatory

Social platform X takes aim at TikTok’s market

Social platform X has unveiled a vertical video feed for its US audience, aiming to capture users left adrift by the removal of ByteDance’s apps like TikTok and Lemon8 from US app stores. The new feature, accessible through a dedicated video tab, offers a streamlined way for users to view video content.

This update builds on existing functionality, where users could already scroll through videos by tapping them on their timeline. The video tab, however, marks the platform’s first dedicated space for short-form video. X has been increasingly focused on enhancing its video offerings, having launched a standalone TV app last year to feature content from creators and organisations.

As TikTok grapples with regulatory challenges, other platforms are seizing the opportunity. Meta recently introduced Edits, a video editing tool aimed at rivaling ByteDance’s CapCut, while Bluesky has rolled out its own vertical video feed. X’s latest move signals a strategic pivot to bolster its video presence and compete in this evolving digital landscape.

US TikTok ‘refugees’ find a new platform on RedNote

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.

Trump may delay TikTok ban enforcement with executive order

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.

Germany weighs exit from X over algorithm concerns

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.

Albania’s TikTok ban: Balancing youth protection with free speech and economic impact

In Tirana, Albania, Ergus Katiaj, a small business owner who relies on TikTok to market his nighttime delivery service for snacks, cigarettes, and alcohol, faces an uncertain future. The Albanian government has announced a year-long ban on the social media platform, a move aimed at curbing youth violence.

The ban follows a tragic incident in November where a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed, reportedly after an online clash with a peer. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the decision, announced on 21 December, is to protect young people, but critics argue it threatens free speech and commerce ahead of the May elections.

The ban aligns Albania with a growing list of countries imposing restrictions on TikTok due to concerns over harmful content and its ties to China-based parent company ByteDance. However, business owners like Katiaj fear significant financial losses, as TikTok has been a vital tool for free marketing.

Rights groups and opposition leaders, such as Arlind Qori of the Bashke party, worry the ban sets a troubling precedent for political censorship, particularly in a country where protests against the jailing of political opponents were met with harsh government responses last year.

TikTok has called for urgent clarification from the Albanian government, asserting that reports indicate the videos linked to the tragic incident were uploaded to another platform. Meanwhile, the debate continues, with some viewing the ban as a protective measure for youth and others as an overreach limiting commerce and dissent.

For many, like Katiaj, the ban underscores the broader challenges of balancing public safety with democratic freedoms in Albania.

Malaysia tightens social media oversight with new licensing law

Malaysia’s communications regulator has granted licenses to Tencent’s WeChat and ByteDance’s TikTok under a new social media law designed to combat rising cybercrime. The law, effective from 1 January, mandates that platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia must obtain a license or face legal consequences.

While messaging app Telegram is close to completing the licensing process, Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has just started compliance steps. Other major platforms face scrutiny under the law. X, formerly known as Twitter, claims its user base in Malaysia falls below the 8 million threshold, a claim currently under review by authorities.

Alphabet’s YouTube has not applied for a license, citing concerns about how the law applies to its video-sharing features. The regulator emphasised that non-compliance could lead to investigations and regulatory actions.

The move follows a surge in harmful online content earlier this year, prompting Malaysian authorities to urge tighter monitoring from social media companies. Content related to online scams, child exploitation, cyberbullying, and sensitive topics such as race, religion, and royalty is classified as harmful.

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube reportedly have millions of active users in Malaysia. TikTok has over 28 million users aged 18 and above, highlighting the region’s high stakes of regulatory compliance.

TikTok’s Pool Guy balances fame with everyday work

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.

AI model Aitana takes social media by storm

In Barcelona, a pink-haired 25-year-old named Aitana captivates social media with her stunning images and relatable personality. But Aitana isn’t a real person—she’s an AI model created by The Clueless Agency. Launched during a challenging period for the agency, Aitana was designed as a solution to the unpredictability of working with human influencers. The virtual model has proven successful, earning up to €10,000 monthly by featuring in advertisements and modelling campaigns.

Aitana has already amassed over 343,000 Instagram followers, with some celebrities unknowingly messaging her for dates. Her creators, Rubén Cruz and Diana Núñez, maintain her appeal by crafting a detailed “life,” including fictional trips and hobbies, to connect with her audience. Unlike traditional models, Aitana has a defined personality, presented as a fitness enthusiast with a determined yet caring demeanour. This strategic design, rooted in current trends, has made her a relatable and marketable figure.

The success of Aitana has sparked a new wave of AI influencers. The Clueless Agency has developed additional virtual models, including a more introverted character named Maia. Brands increasingly seek these customisable AI creations for their campaigns, citing cost efficiency and the elimination of human unpredictability. However, critics warn that the hypersexualised and digitally perfected imagery promoted by such models may negatively influence societal beauty standards and young audiences.

Despite these concerns, Aitana represents a broader shift in advertising and social media. By democratising access to influencer marketing, AI models like her offer new opportunities for smaller businesses while challenging traditional notions of authenticity and influence in the digital age.

Social media platforms face penalties over child safety

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.

Vietnam enacts strict internet rules targeting social media and gaming

Vietnam’s new internet law, known as ‘Decree 147,’ came into effect Wednesday, requiring platforms like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and share data with authorities upon request. Critics view the move as a crackdown on freedom of expression, with activists warning it will stifle dissent and blur the lines between legal and illegal online activity. Under the rules, tech companies must store verified information alongside users’ names and dates of birth and remove government-designated “illegal” content within 24 hours.

The decree also impacts the booming social commerce sector by allowing only verified accounts to livestream. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on gaming for minors, limiting sessions to one hour and a maximum of 180 minutes daily. Vietnam, with over 65 million Facebook users and a growing gaming population, may see significant disruptions in online behaviour and businesses.

Critics liken the law to China’s tight internet controls. Activists and content creators have expressed fear of persecution, citing recent examples like the 12-year prison sentence for a YouTuber critical of the government. Despite the sweeping measures, some local businesses and gamers remain sceptical about enforcement, suggesting a wait-and-see approach to the decree’s real-world impact.