Major tech companies, including Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, YouTube, and TikTok, have committed to tackling online hate speech through a revised code of conduct now linked to the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Announced Monday by the European Commission, the updated agreement also includes platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitch, expanding the coalition originally formed in 2016. The move reinforces the EU’s stance against illegal hate speech, both online and offline, according to EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen.
Under the revised code, platforms must allow not-for-profit organisations or public entities to monitor how they handle hate speech reports and ensure at least 66% of flagged cases are reviewed within 24 hours. Companies have also pledged to use automated tools to detect and reduce hateful content while disclosing how recommendation algorithms influence the spread of such material.
Additionally, participating platforms will provide detailed, country-specific data on hate speech incidents categorised by factors like race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Compliance with these measures will play a critical role in regulators’ enforcement of the DSA, a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to combat illegal and harmful content online.
Bluesky has launched a vertical video feed, positioning itself as a competitor in the short-video space amidst uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US. This new feature is accessible via the Explore tab and allows users to scroll through trending videos by swiping up. For convenience, users can pin the feed to their home screen or add it to their list of custom feeds.
Acknowledging developers building TikTok alternatives, Bluesky highlighted emerging platforms such as ‘Tik.Blue’ and ‘Skylight.Social,’ which are currently in early development stages. These efforts align with Bluesky’s growth, as the platform has surpassed 28 million users.
Other platforms are also leveraging TikTok’s precarious situation. Elon Musk’s X recently introduced a vertical video feed, while Meta unveiled Edits, a video editing app to rival ByteDance’s CapCut. Bluesky’s latest move highlights a broader shift among social networks seeking to capture the short-video audience in the US and globally.
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.
Social network X is introducing a dedicated vertical video feed for users, aiming to capitalise on the removal of ByteDance apps like TikTok and Lemon8 from US app stores. The new video tab, added to the app’s bottom bar, provides users quick access to immersive video content.
X users could scroll through short videos by tapping them in their timeline, but the new tab creates a dedicated space for videos. This marks the platform’s latest effort to enhance video experiences, following the launch of a standalone TV app last year to showcase content from creators and organisations.
As TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, other social networks are seizing the opportunity. Meta recently announced a video editing app, Edits, to rival ByteDance’s CapCut, while Bluesky introduced a custom feed for vertical videos, further intensifying competition in the short video market.
TikTok’s future in the US took a dramatic turn late Saturday as the app went offline ahead of a Sunday deadline mandated by US law. The US government’s move, affecting 170 million US users, marks an unprecedented shutdown of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms.
TikTok issued a message to users acknowledging the shutdown and expressing hope for a political resolution under the Trump administration, which takes office Monday 20 January 2025. Trump has indicated that he will announce an extension early next week.
The app’s disappearance has sparked many reactions among users, businesses, and competitors. Social media platforms like RedNote, Meta, and Snap have seen an influx of users and investor interest, while many TikTok creators expressed sadness and uncertainty online. Virtual private network (VPN) searches surged as users sought workarounds to access the platform, highlighting the app’s deep integration into American culture and commerce.
The uncertainty has created a ripple effect, with businesses that rely on TikTok for marketing and e-commerce scrambling to adapt. Many worry about the broader implications of this shutdown, which has deepened tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The prospect of a political compromise looms as Trump prepares to take office, but whether TikTok can return to US screens remains uncertain. The platform’s sudden disappearance underscores the complex intersection of technology, geopolitics, and commerce, leaving millions of users and businesses in limbo.
Amid these disputes, reports of Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), have emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok’s US operations. Musk’s ties to US and Chinese markets via Tesla’s Shanghai production hub position him as a unique figure in this debate. If Musk were to acquire TikTok, it could bolster X’s advertising reach and data capabilities, aligning with his broader ambitions in AI and technology. However, such a sale would involve overcoming numerous hurdles, including ByteDance’s valuation of TikTok at US$40–50 billion and securing regulatory approvals from both Washington and Beijing. On the other hand, ByteDance, backed by Beijing, is resisting the sale, arguing that the conditioning violates free speech and poses significant logistical hurdles.
TikTok has attempted to safeguard its US user base of 170 million by planning to allow users to download their data in case the ban takes effect. It has also reassured its 7,000 US employees that their jobs and benefits are secure, even if operations are halted. While new downloads would be prohibited under the ban, existing users could retain access temporarily, although the platform’s functionality would degrade over time.
The looming deadline has sparked a surge in alternative platforms, such as RedNote (known in China as Xiaohongshu), which has seen a significant influx of US users in anticipation of TikTok’s potential exit. These developments underscore the broader implications of TikTok’s struggles, including the reshaping of the social media landscape and the role of government intervention in regulating digital platforms.
Thus, TikTok’s journey has become a defining chapter in the intersection of technology, politics, and global economics, serving as a case study for the challenges of navigating success in a hyper-connected world fraught with geopolitical tensions.
Trump’s stance on TikTok appears more lenient than previous policies, raising questions about future US-China tech regulations.
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As a potential US ban on TikTok looms, advertisers dependent on the platform are scrambling to prepare contingency plans. With a January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell its US assets or face a ban, many marketers are facing the reality that the app may soon be inaccessible. This has led to a sense of urgency, with some industry professionals describing the situation as a “hair on fire” moment.
TikTok, which has become a key player in US digital advertising, particularly among younger audiences, may lose over $11 billion in annual ad revenue if the ban goes through. Most of this ad spend would likely shift to platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube Shorts, where many advertisers are already established. Despite the uncertainty, TikTok continued to pitch new advertising features and planned its presence at major global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In the face of potential shutdown, many influencers and brands are downloading their data in a last-ditch effort to preserve content and advertising materials. TikTok has offered favourable refund terms to advertisers, though some still question the platform’s future in the US. This heightened uncertainty marks a stark contrast to the optimism advertisers held just weeks ago, when many expected a resolution before the ban could take effect.
TikTok’s growing influence in US advertising, particularly in e-commerce, has been notable, with ad spending on the platform increasing rapidly. Despite challenges, the app’s powerful ability to drive sales through influencers and short-form video content has made it a favourite among advertisers looking to tap into the youth market. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether the incoming administration will intervene to prevent TikTok’s shutdown.
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.
TikTok faces an uncertain future as the US government’s 19 January 2025 deadline approaches, demanding ByteDance divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. The ultimatum, backed by the Supreme Court’s apparent readiness to uphold the decision, appears to be the culmination of years of scrutiny over the platform’s data practices and ties to China. Amid this mounting pressure, reports suggest Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), could acquire TikTok’s US operations, a proposal that has sparked debates about its feasibility and geopolitical implications.
Now, let’s see how it began..
How did the TikTok odyssey begin?
The story of TikTok began in 2014 with Musical.ly, a social media app enabling users to create and share lip-sync videos. Founded in Shanghai, it quickly gained traction among US and European teenagers. By 2017, Musical.ly had over 100 million users and caught the attention of ByteDance, a Chinese tech giant that acquired it for $1 billion. In 2018, ByteDance merged Musical.ly with its domestic app Douyin, launching TikTok for international audiences. Leveraging powerful machine-learning algorithms, TikTok’s ‘For You Page’ became its defining feature, captivating users with an endless stream of personalised content.
The US clock strikes 'ban or divest TikTok' 33
By 2018, TikTok had become one of the most downloaded apps globally, surpassing giants like Facebook and Instagram. Its cultural influence exploded, reshaping how content was created and consumed. From viral dance challenges to comedic skits, TikTok carved out a unique space in the digital world, particularly among younger users. However, its meteoric rise also brought scrutiny. Concerns emerged over user data privacy and potential manipulation by its parent company ByteDance, which critics claimed had ties to the Chinese government.
The ‘ban or divest’ saga
The incipit of the current conflict can be traced back to 2020 when then-President Donald Trump attempted to ban TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat, citing fears that Beijing could misuse US data or manipulate public discourse through the platforms. The courts blocked Trump’s effort, and in 2021, President Joe Biden revoked the Trump-era orders, but initiated its review of TikTok’s data practices, keeping the platform under scrutiny. Despite challenges, TikTok continued to grow, surpassing 1 billion active users by 2021. It implemented community guidelines and transparency measures to address content moderation and concerns about misinformation. It also planned to store US user data on Oracle-operated servers to mitigate fears of Chinese government access. However, bipartisan concerns over TikTok’s influence persisted, especially regarding its ties to the Chinese government and the potential data misuse. Lawmakers and US intelligence agencies have long raised alarms about the vast amount of data TikTok collects on its US users and the potential for Beijing to exploit this information for espionage or propaganda. Therefore, last year, Congress passed a bill with overwhelming support requiring ByteDance to divest its US assets, marking the strictest legal threat the platform has ever faced.
The 19 January 2025 deadline and the rumours about Elon Musk’s potential acquisition of TikTok
By 2024, TikTok was at the centre of a geopolitical storm. The US government’s demand for divestment or a ban by 19 January 2025 intensified the platform’s challenges. Amid these disputes, Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok’s US operations. Musk’s ties to US and Chinese markets via Tesla’s Shanghai production hub position him as a unique figure in this debate. If Musk were to acquire TikTok, it could bolster X’s advertising reach and data capabilities, aligning with his broader ambitions in AI and technology. However, such a sale would involve overcoming numerous hurdles, including ByteDance’s valuation of TikTok at $40–50 billion and securing regulatory approvals from both Washington and Beijing. On the other hand, ByteDance, backed by Beijing, is resisting the sale, arguing that the conditioning violates free speech and poses significant logistical hurdles.
The US clock strikes 'ban or divest TikTok' 34
TikTok has attempted to safeguard its US user base of 170 million by planning to allow users to download their data in case the ban takes effect. It has also reassured its 7,000 US employees that their jobs and benefits are secure, even if operations are halted. While new downloads would be prohibited under the ban, existing users could retain access temporarily, although the platform’s functionality would degrade over time.
The looming deadline has sparked a surge in alternative platforms, such as RedNote (known in China as Xiaohongshu), which has seen a significant influx of US users in anticipation of TikTok’s potential exit.
TikTok’s cultural legacy and future
The fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance as President-elect Donald Trump considers an executive order to delay the enforcement of the ‘ban or divest’ law by up to 90 days. The potential extension, supported by figures from both political sides, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Trump’s incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, aims to provide ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, additional time to divest its US operations and avoid a nationwide ban. With over 170 million American users and substantial ad revenue at risk, lawmakers are increasingly wary of the disruption a ban could cause, signalling bipartisan support to keep the app operational while addressing national security concerns. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration further hints at a shift in relations between the platform and the new administration. Meanwhile, the uncertainty has already driven US users to explore alternatives like RedNote as the clock ticks down to the Sunday deadline.
Either way, TikTok’s impact on culture and technology is undeniable. It has redefined digital content creation and inspired competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Yet, its journey highlights the challenges of navigating geopolitical tensions and concerns over data privacy in a hyper-connected world. As the 19 January deadline looms, TikTok stands at a crossroads. Whether it becomes part of Musk’s tech empire, succumbs to a US ban, or finds another path, its legacy as a trailblazer in short-form video content remains secure. The platform’s next chapter, however, hangs in the balance, as these TikTok developments underscore the broader implications of its struggles, including the reshaping of the social media landscape and the role of government intervention in regulating digital platforms.
