Connect with us

TikTok

White House Orders Federal Agencies to Remove TikTok from Devices to Ensure U.S. Data Safety

(CTN News) – On Monday, the White House directed federal agencies 30 days to remove the Chinese software TikTok from all government-owned devices and networks.

In a guidance memorandum seen by Reuters, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young instructed government agencies to delete TikTok from all phones and systems and block all internet traffic destined for the company to protect sensitive American information.

Congress mandated the ban at the end of last year, and it has since been followed by similar measures in Canada, the EU, Taiwan, and over half of the states in the United States.

Calls for Outright Ban on TikTok Amid National Security Concerns

While just a small percentage of TikTok’s U.S. users are affected by the gadget prohibition, it has added fuel to calls for a complete ban on the service.

As a Chinese balloon drifted over the United States a few weeks ago, fears over China’s national security have increased.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has disputed rumors that it is being used by the company to spy on American citizens and called the fears unfounded.

Over 100 million Americans use TikTok on personal or work devices unaffected by the action. Upon learning of the White House memo, TikTok did not respond immediately.

The Chinese-owned video app was targeted by lawmakers in December, who voted to forbid federal employees from accessing it on government-issued smartphones and gave the Biden administration 60 days to publish agency directions.

U.S. Congress Votes to Bar Federal Employees from Using TikTok on Government Devices

U.S. lawmakers have taken another step to restrict Chinese corporations over concerns that Beijing is using them to spy on Americans.

Federal Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeRusha said, “This guideline is part of the Administration’s continuous commitment to securing our digital infrastructure and preserving the security and privacy of the American people.”

TikTok has already been prohibited on government devices at the White House, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department before the vote.

As Young said in his memo, there are exceptions to the TikTok ban for national security, law enforcement, and security research activities, but these activities need to be approved by the agency’s leadership.

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs will vote on a bill giving Vice President Joe Biden the right to remove TikTok from all U.S. devices.

The committee chair, Representative Michael McCaul, has stated that his bill allows the administration to ban TikTok and any other software apps that threaten U.S. national security.

“If you have TikTok installed on your device, the Chinese Communist Party now has unfettered access to all your data. It’s like someone floated a spy balloon inside their phone.”

The ACLU has spoken out against any attempts to ban TikTok in Congress.

TikTok Ban in Canada and EU Over Privacy and Security Concerns

According to the White House memo, agencies have 90 days to address TikTok use by IT providers through contracts, and agencies have 120 days to include a new limitation on TikTok in all new solicitations.

Canada stated on Monday that the popular video-sharing app TikTok would be removed from government-issued devices due to the “unacceptable” risk it poses to users’ personal information and national security.

Canadian authorities “did not provide a specific security concern or reach out to us with queries,” according to a representative from TikTok.

Last Monday, for reasons related to cybersecurity, the EU’s two largest policymaking organizations banned TikTok from employee phones.

Related CTN News:

Over 40% of Republican Voters Would Back Donald Trump in 2024 GOP Primaries, Survey Shows

TikTok

France Lifts TikTok Ban in New Caledonia After State of Emergency Ends

(CTN News) – In a pivotal move following the conclusion of a state of emergency in New Caledonia, France has lifted its ban on the TikTok social media app.

The ban was initially imposed two weeks ago amidst violent protests and unrest that left seven dead and many injured on the French-Pacific territory.

The decision to lift the ban coincides with the easing of tensions after President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the archipelago, where he pledged not to force through reforms to New Caledonia’s voting system.

The unrest erupted as indigenous Kanaks protested against planned electoral reforms, prompting the French government to declare a state of emergency.

New Caledonia Struggles for Peace

New Caledonia, with its population of about 300,000 people, including 112,000 indigenous Kanaks, saw widespread protests and violence, leading to the deployment of 3,500 security personnel to maintain calm.

Despite the lifting of the ban, an overnight curfew remains in effect, and the international airport in the capital, Nouméa, will remain closed until at least Sunday.

The ban on TikTok, which was circumvented by many users through VPNs, was criticized by various groups as an attack on freedom of communication. Authorities, however, cited the platform’s use in spreading incitement and hatred during the unrest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the French high commission in Nouméa indicated that the presence of law enforcement had contributed to the restoration of calm in the territory, justifying the decision to lift the TikTok ban.

French Member of Parliament Claude Malhuret raised concerns about foreign interference in the crisis, accusing countries like Azerbaijan of disseminating misleading images on social media to support separatist movements in New Caledonia.

Azerbaijan Accuses France of “Neo-Colonialist Policies”

Azerbaijan, in turn, rejected the allegations and criticized France for what it called “neo-colonialist policies.”

The decision not to extend the state of emergency beyond the initial 12 days reflects the Elysée Palace’s hopes for further calming of tensions, including the removal of roadblocks by protesters. These conditions are seen as essential for meaningful talks to begin.

While the pro-independence group CCAT has not signaled an end to protests, the main pro-independence group, FLNKS, is advocating for the withdrawal of France’s controversial voting reforms, which would grant voting rights to French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years.

The situation in New Caledonia remains fluid, with the French government closely monitoring developments in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and stability in the territory.

Continue Reading

TikTok

TikTok’s Updated Guidelines Enhance Community Safety

TikTok
TikTok announced updates to its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new features aimed at empowering creators and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for the global community

(CTN News) – It has been reported that TikTok has released revised versions of its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new tools that are designed to provide the global community with a safe and pleasant environment, as well as to empower creators.

These enhancements will not be implemented until May 17, as indicated by a press release. They will encompass improved tools for monitoring account status, new features that simplify policy comprehension, and definitions that are more transparent and accessible.

The Community Guidelines on TikTok have been enhanced by the inclusion of definitions that are more easily comprehensible, as well as by increasing the quantity of information available regarding policies regarding content moderation, health misinformation, and hate speech.

Users will have a more comprehensive comprehension of TikTok’s policies and the methods used to enforce them as a result of these improvements, which will also increase the transparency of these procedures.

TikTok has instituted supplementary eligibility criteria to ensure that users are provided with a more secure environment.

The purpose of these requirements is to enhance the safety of the For You feed. If it is determined that a creator’s account has consistently posted content that violates these criteria, the account will be temporarily excluded from being recommended in the For You feed.

Another disadvantage is that the information they provide will be less prominently displayed in the search results. Whenever the opportunity arises, creators who are affected will receive notifications and will take advantage of the opportunity to contest these rulings.

TikTok is implementing a warning strike system to facilitate the understanding of the principles that the company has established by producers. The creator will receive a warning if they violate the Community Guidelines for the first time. This warning will not be deducted from the total number of strikes that have been assigned to their account.

Conversely, any subsequent violations will be subject to monitoring and appropriate punishment; this will be the case.

The founders of TikTok will be furnished with information regarding the specific guidelines that they have violated, and they will also be provided with assistance in understanding the appeals procedure for any errors that may have occurred.

TikTok will be introducing a new feature dubbed “Account Check” to offer supplementary assistance to content creators on the platform. Creators can audit their accounts and more recent postings with the assistance of this program. Furthermore, this application provides a comprehensive assessment of the creator’s status on the TikTok platform.

The ‘Account Check’ function will additionally indicate any content that has been withdrawn or restricted from the For You feed. It will also indicate any restrictions that have been implemented on features, such as direct messaging or remarks, as a consequence of violating the guidelines.

This utility serves as an adjunct to the current ‘Account status’ page. This page offers a comprehensive representation of a creator’s adherence to the platform’s regulations.

Furthermore, the TikTok Creator Code of Conduct is being introduced by TikTok.

This code will establish a set of standards for content producers who intend to engage in the diverse programs, services, events, and campaigns that TikTok has to offer.

This code, which will be implemented in the coming weeks, elucidates the obligations that creators have on and off the platform. The purpose of this is to guarantee that each participant has a consistent and positive experience.

With over one billion users worldwide, TikTok remains dedicated to improving the overall experience and the protection of its users. TikTok’s commitment to providing its creator community with the necessary resources and information to thrive on the platform is evident in these modifications.

SEE ALSO:

News Corp. To Provide OpenAI With News Content Over a Multiyear Term

Continue Reading

TikTok

As the Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain, Users are Seeking Positive Alternatives

As the Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain, Users are Seeking Positive Alternatives

The fact that TikTok’s future is uncertain has made it even more important for users to have other sites they can use. Users can still express their creativity, connect with others, and be a part of groups that are focused on content creation with these alternatives. Given that ownership and rules could change, having a number of sites to select from lets users continue to share their skills and thoughts without any problems.

As we look at these other options, it’s important to keep in mind that social media is always changing. New platforms are always coming out to meet the needs of users. People who use these alternatives can broaden their views, find new features and tools, and connect with different groups. Users can deal with changes, find new chances, and stay connected in the digital world by choosing these options.

Fear not, though, because the internet is full of great options just waiting for TikTok’s die-hard fans to find them.

The Value of Supplemental Media Outlets

Having many platforms allows people to showcase their ability and ideas in new ways, which fosters creativity. Various features, tools, and effects are typically included with these platforms, allowing users to experiment with storytelling techniques and explore diverse creative styles. This is nothing new, even in the gaming industry. For example, if you’re not a fan of a game’s features or just want to try something different, you can always locate another one. This is especially true while playing for real money games or online casinos, where there are a variety of types. Here you may discover trustworthy websites such as Vegasslotsonline IN that provide in-depth reviews to assist you in making an informed decision. Creators may diversify their material and attract new audiences who might not be on these sites if they have different platforms to select from.

Let’s take a look at some of these tools that not only let you be creative but also build community and get people involved.

Triller

People can lose themselves in their favorite music and be creative at the same time. Utilizing the app’s extensive inventory of licensed music by well-known artists spanning a wide variety of genres, users are able to compose the ideal videos’ backdrops. Artists can express themselves through Triller’s extensive catalog, which includes the most recent mainstream hits, catchy hip-hop tracks, and old favorites alike.

Triller’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to make beautiful music movies. It’s easy for users to record and edit videos, adding cool effects, filters, transitions, and text layers to make their visual stories more interesting.

Likee

It is an entertaining alternative to TikTok that you should consider exploring. It has a large number of inventive options and users from all over the globe. It enables users to discover new artists and produce unique content that appeals to audiences worldwide.

Likee is distinctive in that it contains an extensive collection of special effects and a vast array of artistic tools. Users have the opportunity to enhance their films with an element of mystique by experimenting with an extensive selection of filters, decals, and augmented reality (AR) effects. Likee provides users with an extensive array of opportunities to manifest their imaginations and express their creativity, including the ability to transform into adorable animals and explore fantastical virtual worlds.

Byte

It makes me miss Vine, where people could hold someone’s attention for only a few seconds. Users are pushed to think outside the box and make the most of every second on the platform, which leads to new ways of telling stories and making people laugh. Byte enables users to create memorable short films with brilliant punchlines, funny skits, or captivating stop-motion animation.

One of Byte’s best features is that it makes people feel connected. People from all walks of life who love making entertaining material are drawn to the platform. Byte gives you the chance to meet people who like your unique style and share your artistic vision. The helpful community on Byte makes sure that your skills are noticed and praised by letting you work together on movies and compete in friendly games.

Instagram Reels

As a possible fill-in for TikTok, Instagram did something brave and added Reels as a straight competitor. This tool gives Instagram users an experience that is similar to TikTok, but in the familiar Instagram interface. Reels quickly became popular because it lets users make short movies set to music. It’s also become a popular alternative for people who are already using the platform.

The fact that Reels has so many users is one of its best features. With more than a billion daily users, Instagram gives creators a built-in audience to show off their skills to many people. With so many users, content has a chance to go viral and get seen by a lot of people, which can help writers become even more famous and popular.

Continue Reading

Trending