TikTok
TikTok business and news from across the web.
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TikTok is no longer banned on US government devices
The ban on TikTok on US government devices has been officially lifted. This decision reverses the previous restriction placed on federal devices.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has launched an investigation into TikTok's child safety measures. The regulator will assess whether the platform is adequately protecting young users from harmful content.
'Not once have we been asked to verify our age': Study suggests companies falling under Australia's under-16 social media ban are failing to verify accounts
A recent study suggests that social media companies are failing to enforce Australia's ban on users under 16, with many platforms not verifying account ages. Testers found that nine out of ten services, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, did not ask for proof of age. Only Kick reportedly implemented age verification measures.
UK to ban social media and streaming platforms for under 16-year-olds, but the full impact on games and the gaming industry remains unclear
The UK government plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, with legislation intended for spring 2027. Similar restrictions are being considered for undisclosed streaming platforms, potentially impacting gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube. The ban aims to protect children online, though its full implications for the gaming industry and advertising remain unclear.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
UK will ban social media for children under 16
The United Kingdom is implementing a ban on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for individuals under the age of 16. This move follows a similar regulatory approach taken by Australia concerning online child safety.
AI Yi-Yi!
Several major companies are facing scrutiny over their AI implementations. Google has adjusted usage limits for its Gemini AI following user complaints, while TikTok's AI moderation system has been criticized for wrongly punishing filmmakers. Paramount+ is also reportedly serving "AI slop" content.
Popular Japanese voice actors unified against “Unauthorized AI Voice Generation”
Popular Japanese voice actors, including Kenjiro Tsuda, Megumi Ogata, Yuki Kaji, and Jun Fukuyama, have united against the unauthorized use of their voices in generative artificial intelligence. A committee at Japan's Ministry of Justice is examining legal liability for such infringements, with voice actors calling for clear guidelines and regulations to coexist with AI technology.
Evening Legal Briefs
Microsoft has agreed to a $250 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit concerning its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Separately, a voice actor for Yu-Gi-Oh is suing TikTok, alleging the use of AI deepfakes.
Kenjiro Tsuda sues TikTok over AI videos allegedly stealing his voice
Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda has sued TikTok's parent company, alleging that AI was used to replicate his distinct voice without permission for narrated videos. The lawsuit claims these AI-generated narrations, which allegedly generated significant income, infringe on his publicity rights and could harm the voice acting industry. TikTok has countered that the voice is generic and potentially trained from another source.
Sunday Legal Briefs
Snap, YouTube, and TikTok have reportedly settled a lawsuit alleging they contributed to a "tech addiction crisis" among young people. PCMag notes that one defendant remains in the legal proceedings.
TikTok adds in-app travel booking services
TikTok has introduced new in-app travel booking services, allowing users to arrange impulse vacations directly through the platform. This expansion into e-commerce aims to integrate more transactional features within the social media app.
Morning Metaverse
TikTok has launched an ad-free subscription plan in the United Kingdom. This move introduces a new revenue stream for the social media platform beyond advertising.
TikTok is rolling out an ad-free option in the UK
TikTok is launching an ad-free subscription option in the United Kingdom, marking the first time such a service has been offered in an English-speaking country. This move introduces a new revenue stream for the social media platform.
Dewi Perssik Marah Dikabarkan Meninggal, Siap Lapor Polisi
Dewi Perssik is taking legal action against individuals spreading false rumors of her death on TikTok live streams. She has collected evidence from approximately 16 TikTok accounts and is consulting with her lawyer, Sandy Arifin, to file a police report. The false reports caused distress to her family, particularly her mother.
Most US teens say TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat aren't hurting (or helping) their mental health
A Pew Research report indicates that most U.S. teenagers do not believe social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are harming their mental health. While a minority report negative effects on sleep and productivity, the majority feel the apps neither help nor hurt these aspects. Parents, however, tend to hold a more negative view of social media's impact on their children.
Sakit Hati Dituding Gagal Oplas, Rossa Somasi Puluhan Akun Medsos
Singer Rossa's management has issued a legal notice to dozens of social media accounts accused of spreading defamatory content and manipulating videos and photos of the artist. The legal team is demanding the removal of the content and public apologies within 24 hours, threatening legal action under Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions Law if the demands are not met.
Majority of Australian kids are still on banned social media platforms, study finds
A study by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australian children aged 12-15 continue to use social media platforms banned for their age group, questioning the effectiveness of the country's new regulations. Many children reported easily bypassing the ban, and the Australian government is investigating platforms like TikTok and Meta for non-compliance, with potential penalties up to A$49.5 million.
TikTok adds in-app Cameo integration for creators
TikTok and Cameo have announced a new integration allowing creators to add Cameo links directly to their videos. This feature enables fans to request personalized video messages from creators without leaving the TikTok app. The partnership aims to streamline the process for creators and expand Cameo's reach among TikTok's talent.
Austria is pursuing a social media ban for kids under 14
Austria is introducing a comprehensive set of measures to protect minors from social media harms, including a ban for children under 14. An official bill is expected by the end of June, with improved media literacy and clear rules for platforms also planned. This initiative follows similar actions or considerations in countries like Australia, Spain, the UK, and Indonesia.