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Former US President Donald Trump tried to ban the app in 2020, but now opposes plans to restrict it.
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityTechnologyTikTok: What is it, how does it work and could the US ban it?Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesThe TikTok video app is hugely popular with young people around the world. But for many years the Chinese-owned company has faced questions over the security of users’ data, and its links to the government in Beijing. US politicians are debating legislation that would force TikTok’s parent company to sell the app, but former US president Donald Trump has criticised the bill, despite previously supporting a ban. What is TikTok and how popular is it? TikTok is a short form video app that, like YouTube, allows people to post, share and comment on videos.These can range from three seconds to three minutes in length, and users can easily edit their clips using filters, stickers, music and visual effects.It first shot to popularity as a destination for young people to take part in popular dance or lip-syncing trends and challenges.Image source, Getty ImagesDepending on their age and where they live, some users can live stream video content to their followers, as well as support their favourite creators with digital gifts or subscriptions.TikTok Shop, the platform’s dedicated online store, allows users to buy products including those featured in creators’ videos.Since early 2019, TikTok has frequently topped app download charts.It battled Instagram to be the world’s most downloaded app throughout 2023, according to Sensor Tower, which monitors the performance of social media firms. TikTok reached 150 million US monthly active users in March 2023.TikTok: The story of a social media giantWho owns TikTok? TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, which was founded in 2012. The Beijing-based firm is registered in the Cayman Islands, and has offices across Europe and the US.It also owns video editing software CapCut, as well as various other apps that are only available in mainland China – including Douyin, a Chinese version of TikTok.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew studied at Harvard Business School and interned at social media giant FacebookSingaporean entrepreneur Shou Zi Chew is the platform’s chief executive officer, although some analysts believe ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming makes many key decisions. Who is TikTok chief Shou Zi Chew? How does TikTok work? At the heart of TikTok is its algorithm. This is a set of instructions within the app which determines which content is presented to users, based on data about how they engaged with previous material. Users are offered three main feeds on their app – Following, Friends and For You.The Following and Friends feeds present users with content from people they have chosen to follow and who follow them back, but the For You feed is automatically generated by the app. This curated feed has become the main destination for users hungry for new content, and creators hungry for the millions of views TikTok videos can clock up if they go viral.Why is TikTok controversial?Politicians and regulators around the world are worried about TikTok’s Chinese owners, despite concerted attempts to persuade them that the app is safe. Like many other social media apps, TikTok collects data from users, but it has faced additional scrutiny over how much it gathers and who can access it. In particular critics fear that the information could fall into the hands of the Chinese government – something TikTok and ByteDance have strenuously denied could happen.In late 2022 a UK journalist discovered she had been tracked via her cat’s account.And in 2023 a number of institutions – including the UK government and Parliament, the EU and the US White House – banned staff from using the app on work phones.TikTok has repeatedly sought to distance itself from its Chinese owners, and has tried to reassure regulators with initiatives such as “Project Clover”, which started storing European user data locally.Are Chinese tech firms a security risk?What is the TikTok bill and could the US ban TikTok?US politicians from both major parties introduced a bill in March 2024 to tackle firms controlled “by a foreign adversary”. If successful, it would require ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months, or face a ban from US app stores and web hosting platforms. President Joe Biden says he will sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.It follows previous efforts by American authorities to limit access to the app, citing national security risks.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mr Trump tried to force ByteDance to sell TikTok in 2020, but did not succeedFormer US President Donald Trump unsuccessfully tried to ban the app when he was in the White House in 2020. But Mr Trump – who hopes to be the Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election – has criticised the new bill, saying limiting TikTok would unfairly benefit Facebook. ‘Confused’ TikTokers deluge US lawmakers’ phonesRelated TopicsSocial mediaTikTokChinaAppsDonald TrumpUnited StatesTop StoriesBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished59 minutes agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished12 hours agoBadenoch calls donor’s alleged Abbott remark racistPublished22 minutes agoFeaturesThe Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsIs pressure on Kate after photo chaos unfair?The rise and fall of Haiti’s Ariel HenryHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Badenoch calls donor’s alleged Abbott remark racist2Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home3Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK4BBC report into Gaza medics ‘disturbing’ – Cameron5More than a fifth of adults not looking for work6Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia7Hollywood stars lead the way at Olivier nominations8Tate unveils counterpoint to offensive mural9Baptisms ‘a ticket’ for some asylum seekers – vicar10Is pressure on Kate after photo chaos unfair?
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersCloseJury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors.They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among other things, if they can be impartial about the former president.The BBC asked some of those questions to Manhattan residents.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New Yorkers. Video, 00:02:16Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes ago2:16Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished19 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:12Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 seconds. Video, 00:01:00Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 secondsSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished31 March 20231:00Editor’s recommendationsCopenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fire. Video, 00:01:03Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fireSubsectionEuropePublished12 hours ago1:03Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchange. Video, 00:00:43Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchangeSubsectionEuropePublished11 hours ago0:43Dormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished1 day ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished22 hours ago0:35Huge fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Huge fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago0:33Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished1 day ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished1 day ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:28
[ad_1] Jury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors. They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among…
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsFirst product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealedPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Meghan pictured at a polo match in Florida last weekBy Sean CoughlanRoyal correspondentA first glimpse of the new business venture from the Duchess of Sussex has been teased on social media, with pictures of a jar of strawberry jam.In a bid to preserve a sense of mystery, the jam from the new American Riviera Orchard brand seemed to be spread among friends and influencers.Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam on Instagram.It was numbered “17 of 50”, suggesting the number of recipients of this first fruit of the new business.The arrival of Meghan’s new California-based lifestyle brand had been signalled on social media last month and this suggests that it will be selling food products.What do we know about Meghan’s new brand?Five things about Harry and Meghan’s brand revampWhy did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?There seemed to be have been something of a re-launch for Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s brands and businesses this year, beginning with the overhaul of their regal-looking website under the sussex.com label.Their latest projects seem to be moving away from a previous focus on their time as working royals, such as their Netflix film Harry and Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.The hint about the strawberry jam from Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand seems to fit with the couple’s latest Netflix plans.Meghan is going to launch a Netflix show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship”.Prince Harry will be involved in another Netflix venture showing the inside track on the world of polo. That’s the equestrian sport, not the mints.Delfina Blaquier, married to Prince Harry’s polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras, also posted a picture of the new jam, with hers labelled “10 of 50”.The social media trail for American Riviera Orchard evokes a sense of the couple’s home in California – and this soft launch for the jam show pictures of the jars in a sunny basket of lemons.It’s not known how much items from the new lifestyle brand will cost. Although there are already plenty of other royals getting into jams. Visitors to the gift shops in royal palaces can get a Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve for £3.95 or Windsor Castle Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade, also for £3.95.On both sides of the Atlantic they seem to be conserving their finances.Related TopicsUK Royal FamilyMeghan, Duchess of SussexMore on this storyWhat we know about Meghan’s regal lifestyle brandPublished16 MarchMeghan launches surprise new lifestyle brandPublished14 MarchTop StoriesMPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009Published8 minutes agoMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished7 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlinePlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Nursery boss ‘killed baby she strapped to beanbag’2Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident3Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5MPs back smoking ban for those born after 20096Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline9Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told10Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single
[ad_1] The jars of strawberry jam, labelled America Riviera Orchard, have been shared with friends and influencers.