ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is reportedly developing a new AI model using chips from Chinese tech giant Huawei. The move comes as US restrictions on advanced AI chips, such as those from Nvidia, have led the company to look for domestic alternatives. Sources suggest ByteDance will use Huawei’s Ascend 910B chip to power a new large-language AI model.
Huawei’s Ascend 910B chip has already been used by ByteDance for less demanding AI tasks, but training a new AI model requires a higher level of computational power. While ByteDance continues to order significant quantities of Huawei’s chips, supply shortages are reportedly slowing down their efforts, with only a fraction of the requested units received so far.
Industry experts say AI has become essential for a range of sectors, from gaming to e-commerce, where businesses are developing custom AI models to stay competitive. ByteDance’s decision to turn to Huawei reflects the increasing importance of AI, particularly as global supply chains face challenges.
Both ByteDance and Huawei have remained tight-lipped regarding specific details of this development. A spokesperson from ByteDance denied the existence of a new AI model in progress, while Huawei did not provide any comment on the situation.
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are locked in a high-stakes legal battle with the US government to prevent a looming ban on the app, used by 170 million Americans. The legal confrontation revolves around a US law that mandates ByteDance divest its US assets by 19 January or face a complete ban. Lawyers for TikTok argue that the law violates free speech and is an unprecedented move that contradicts America’s tradition of fostering an open internet. A federal appeals court in Washington recently heard arguments from both sides, with TikTok’s legal team pushing for an injunction to halt the law’s implementation.
The US government, represented by the Justice Department, contends that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses a significant national security threat, citing the potential for China to access American user data or manipulate the flow of information. This concern is at the core of the new legislation passed by Congress earlier this year, highlighting the risks of having a popular social media platform under foreign control. The White House, while supportive of curbing Chinese influence, has stopped short of advocating for an outright ban.
ByteDance maintains that divesting TikTok is neither technologically nor commercially feasible, casting uncertainty over the app’s future as it faces potentially severe consequences amid a politically charged environment.
The case comes at a pivotal moment in the US political landscape, with both presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, actively using TikTok to engage younger voters. The judges expressed concerns over the complexities involved, especially with monitoring the massive codebase that powers TikTok, making it difficult to assess risks in real-time. As the legal wrangling continues, a ruling is expected by 6 December, and the case may eventually reach the US Supreme Court.
TikTok is facing a critical legal battle that could determine the future of the app in the US. On Monday, the US Court of Appeals in Washington, DC, will hear arguments from TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, as they seek to block a new law that threatens to ban the app by 19 January 2024. With around 170 million US users, TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance just as the presidential election ramps up.
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, and Vice President Kamala Harris are using TikTok to engage with younger voters, underscoring the app’s significant political and social influence. However, the US government remains concerned about national security risks, particularly the potential for China to access American user data through the app. Lawmakers passed the measure, calling for ByteDance to divest from TikTok, citing fears of surveillance.
ByteDance argues that the law violates free speech and insists that divesting from TikTok is not feasible. With a looming January deadline for a sale or a potential ban, TikTok’s legal team is seeking a ruling by early December. This would allow the US Supreme Court time to consider the case before any decision takes effect. President Joe Biden, who signed the law in April, holds the power to extend the deadline if ByteDance shows progress toward selling TikTok.
While the White House maintains that the move is about national security, not eliminating TikTok, the upcoming court ruling will be pivotal in shaping the app’s future in the US and possibly beyond.
The Nepalese government has lifted the ban on TikTok after nearly ten months, following a cabinet meeting on 22 August 2024. This decision came after discussions with ByteDance representatives, who agreed to several conditions for TikTok’s operation in Nepal. These conditions include registering as a business, appointing a local contact, promoting tourism, supporting digital literacy, and moderating content in Nepali languages.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to lift the ban, citing Section 15 of the Telecommunications Act. TikTok has three months to meet the government’s conditions and will collaborate with local authorities to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The ban was initially imposed in November 2023 due to concerns about social harmony and inappropriate content, leading to criticism regarding freedom of expression. The recent decision to lift the ban has been positively received by TikTok, which is committed to fostering creativity and free expression among Nepali users, reflecting a balance between regulation and digital innovation.
A US appeals court has recently revived a lawsuit against TikTok, filed by the mother of a 10-year-old girl who tragically died after participating in a dangerous viral challenge on the platform. The blackout challenge, which involved users choking themselves until they lost consciousness, led to the death of Nylah Anderson in 2021.
The case hinges on the argument that TikTok’s algorithm recommended the harmful challenge to Nylah despite federal protections typically shielding internet companies from liability for user-generated content. The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally protects online platforms from such lawsuits, does not apply to algorithmic recommendations made by the company itself.
Judge Patty Shwartz, writing for the panel, explained that while Section 230 covers third-party content, it does not extend to the platform’s content curation decisions. This ruling marks a substantial shift from previous cases where courts had upheld Section 230 to shield platforms from liability related to harmful user-generated content.
The court’s decision reflects a broader interpretation of a recent US Supreme Court ruling, which recognised that algorithms used by platforms represent editorial judgments by the companies themselves. According to this view, TikTok’s algorithm-driven recommendations are considered the company’s speech, not protected by Section 230.
The lawsuit, brought by Tawainna Anderson against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, was initially dismissed by a lower court. Still, the appeals court has now allowed the case to proceed. Anderson’s lawyer, Jeffrey Goodman, hailed the ruling as a loss for Big Tech’s immunity protections. Meanwhile, Judge Paul Matey criticised TikTok for prioritising profits over safety, underscoring that the platform cannot claim immunity beyond what Congress has granted.
Nicole Lacopetti, TikTok’s head of content strategy and policy, is set to leave the company in September, marking a significant change in the platform’s leadership. Her departure follows the earlier exit of former COO V Pappas and the ongoing reorganisation led by current COO Adam Presser.
TikTok’s strategy is evolving as the platform grows, aiming to cater to an older audience. According to industry insights, content is becoming more complex and engaging, with a notable trend toward interactive elements like online games, which have gained popularity among users over 30.
As TikTok navigates these changes, the platform’s influence in the political landscape is expected to grow, with the next US president needing to acknowledge its power in connecting with voters more personally and dynamically.
TikTok has unveiled a groundbreaking AI voiceover tool, empowering content creators with the ability to craft personalised voiceovers effortlessly. The new feature allows affiliates to enhance their content by aligning voiceovers with their brand’s tone, making it more engaging and authentic. The ease of use ensures even those with minimal technical skills can produce high-quality voiceovers, streamlining the content creation process.
Affiliate marketers are expected to benefit significantly from this innovation. The tool’s ability to produce custom voiceovers quickly allows marketers to focus more on strategy and less on time-consuming tasks. The AI-generated voices can be tailored to different audiences, enabling affiliates to reach a broader demographic and experiment with various accents and languages.
TikTok’s AI tool provides a cost-effective solution for those working with limited budgets, levelling the playing field between smaller affiliates and larger competitors. The enhanced engagement metrics with personalised content can lead to higher conversion rates, giving affiliates a competitive edge in the market.
As TikTok continues to innovate, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial for affiliates looking to maximise their success. Early adopters of the AI voiceover tool may find themselves ahead of the curve, reaping the benefits of increased audience engagement and improved performance metrics.
Nepal lifted its ban on the Chinese-owned app TikTok more than nine months after blocking the platform due to concerns that it disrupted social harmony. The decision came after TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, agreed to collaborate with Nepalese authorities to address cybercrime issues and regulate content on the app.
The ban, initially imposed in November by Nepal’s previous government, was a response to the rising misuse of TikTok, with over 1,600 cases of TikTok-related cybercrime reported in the country. The ban sparked protests from users who argued that it cut off a source of income and a platform for free expression, affecting the app’s 2.2 million users in Nepal.
To secure the app’s reinstatement, TikTok committed to establishing a dedicated unit to work with Nepal’s Cyber Bureau to monitor and address inappropriate content and criminal activities. This collaboration aims to enable real-time identification of offenders, which authorities hope will curb the misuse of the platform.
TikTok has contested claims made by the US Department of Justice in a federal appeals court, asserting that the government has inaccurately characterised the app’s ties to China. The company is challenging a law that mandates its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest TikTok’s US assets by January 19 or face a ban. TikTok argues that the app’s content recommendation engine and user data are securely stored in the US, with content moderation conducted domestically.
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, reflects concerns over potential national security risks, with accusations that TikTok allows Chinese authorities to access American data and influence content. TikTok, however, contends that the law infringes on free speech rights, arguing that its content curation should be protected by the US Constitution.
The legislation also impacts app stores and internet hosting services, barring support for TikTok unless it is sold. The swift passage of the measure in Congress highlights ongoing fears regarding data security and espionage risks associated with the app.
The CEO of Tesla has drawn criticism after labelling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as ‘#TwoTierKier’ and promoting a far-right conspiracy theory that claims white rioters are treated more harshly by the police than minorities. His comments have coincided with rising tensions and violent protests across the UK, where asylum centres are being boarded up as a precaution. Amidst the unrest, six thousand police officers are on standby to protect dozens of targeted locations, including asylum centres and law firms, from far-right attacks.
Elon Musk’s tweets have intensified the situation, with officials struggling to get posts removed from X, formerly known as Twitter, that are deemed threats to national security. The riots were triggered by the recent deaths of three children in Southport, leading to a surge in conspiracy theories and far-right activity on social media platforms, particularly Telegram. The messaging app has taken some action by removing a channel promoting violent protests, though it’s unclear whether this was prompted by UK authorities.
United Kingdom law enforcement has been cracking down on those inciting violence online, with arrests already being made. One high-profile arrest involved the wife of a Northampton councillor who called for asylum seeker hotels to be set on fire in a post on X. Meanwhile, rioters have been using TikTok Live to broadcast their actions, providing police with evidence to prosecute and charge over 100 individuals, with some already facing court proceedings.
Critics argue that Musk‘s influence is exacerbating the situation by amplifying extremist voices, including those who had been previously banned from social media. Courts Minister Heidi Alexander condemned Musk’s actions, calling them ‘irresponsible’ and ‘unconscionable.’ Meanwhile, Starmer has focused on the broader issue of online radicalisation, stressing the importance of legal consequences for those promoting violence.
