23:57
Trump extends TikTok sale deadline
President Trump has extended ByteDance’s deadline to sell TikTok by 75 days, as talks continue to prevent the app’s shutdown in the U.S.
UK investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over children's data practices
Reuters
Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle and safeguard the personal data of child users. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of harmful content to young audiences on social media platform.
The investigation will examine, among other issues, how TikTok—operated by Chinese company ByteDance—uses personal information of 13- to 17-year-olds to curate content feeds. Additionally, the ICO is probing the methods employed by Reddit and Imgur to verify the age of their younger users. A statement from the ICO noted that if sufficient evidence of legal violations is found, the agency will engage directly with the companies before reaching a final conclusion.
This latest probe follows a 2023 fine of 12.7 million pounds imposed on TikTok for breaching data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without parental consent. A Reddit spokesperson confirmed that the platform is working closely with the ICO and has plans to implement changes this year to meet updated UK regulations regarding age assurance, despite most of its user base being adults.
The investigation also comes against the backdrop of new British legislation imposing stricter rules on social media platforms. Under these measures, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are required to enforce robust age-checking systems and adjust their algorithms to reduce the prominence of harmful or age-inappropriate content for young users.
ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur have yet to comment on the inquiry. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for how social media companies manage children's privacy and comply with evolving data protection and safety regulations in the United Kingdom.
18:05
Vance denies Musk departure, discusses TikTok's future in the US
US Vice President JD Vance denied reports of Elon Musk leaving his government role, confirming he’ll remain an advisor. Vance also touched on efforts to cut government spending and the upcoming decision on TikTok’s future in the US.
10:31
Trump says TikTok sale deal to come before Saturday deadline
President Donald Trump said a deal with TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to sell the short video app used by 170 million Americans would be struck before a deadline on Saturday.
00:38
Trump May Cut China Tariffs to Aid TikTok Deal
U.S. President Trump says he could reduce tariffs and extend a deadline to support the sale of TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer.
15:00
Zhang Yiming
The owner of TikTok becomes China’s wealthiest individual
Zhang Yiming, the founder of Bytedance and owner of TikTok, has become China’s richest person, according to multiple wealth rankings. Bloomberg Billionaires Index places him as the world’s 24th wealthiest individual, with his fortune estimated between $57.5 billion and $65.5 billion.
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