TikTok
Coverage of TikTok in the Nexus archive.
- Move over, credit cards: Social-media stars are tapping magic wands to buy things
Social-media stars are adopting new methods to make purchases, suggesting these techniques might supersede traditional credit cards. The article notes that tap-to-pay is undergoing a TikTok makeover. This trend suggests that the process of checking out while shopping is evolving into a personalized accessory experience.
- TikTok reaches $400 million settlement with US Justice Department over children’s privacy
TikTok reached a $400 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice after facing allegations of violating federal children's privacy laws. The lawsuit focused on violations concerning the collection of personal information from children under 13 without parental consent and failure to honor account deletion requests. The settlement funds include $300 million immediate payment and an additional $100 million.
- Teen drops high-profile social media addiction lawsuit
A teenager has dropped her lawsuit against Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat, a case that was previously set for trial later this year. This action is part of a broader series of lawsuits accusing social media giants of designing addictive platforms. The teen, identified as P.M.Y., had previously settled with TikTok.
- Justice Department reaches $400 million settlement with TikTok over child privacy case
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, reached a $400 million settlement with the US Justice Department. The settlement was finalized regarding children’s privacy litigation.
- The fierce attention directed at Lindsay Clancy's trial highlights risks about truth and social media
The intense media attention directed at Lindsay Clancy's murder trial has resulted in social media platforms like TikTok becoming hubs for 'armchair lawyers' and professionals offering unfactual theories. Experts argue that this high level of engagement can lead the public to treat a serious case as mere entertainment, making it difficult to distinguish between educational content and conspiracy theories.
- CSPD, TESSA hosting event Sunday to help families stay safe online
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and TESSA of Colorado Springs are hosting a free community event to teach families about digital threats. The event will cover topics such as cyberbullying, artificial intelligence, and sextortion. Representatives from TikTok and Roblox will also provide information on safety measures for their respective programs.
- Zynga founder Mark Pincus: AI can get you to a B-plus, but it won’t get you to an A
Zynga founder Mark Pincus offered advice on creating products in the AI era, stating that while AI can get companies to a B-plus grade, it cannot achieve an 'A.' He emphasized that successful product development requires mastering both science and art. Furthermore, Pincus advised organizations to grow internal talent and commit to quarterly "bold beats," defined as positive disruptions in consumer experience.
- Does pot make you a better parent? This 'garden mom' says yes, but the reality is hazy
A new social media trend involves 'garden moms,' who smoke marijuana to cope with motherhood stress. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Taylor Mitchem shares her life in Colorado while advocating for cannabis use. However, Dr. Jeremy London issued warnings about the practice, stating that smoking cannabis can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- TikTok code includes peer-to-peer payments over messaging: Bloomberg
A Bloomberg report revealed that TikTok's codebase includes functionality for peer-to-peer payments integrated within its messaging system. This suggests that the platform has capabilities beyond simple social interaction, raising questions about its financial features.
- A look at major lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies over harms to kids
Meta and its competitors, including TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, are facing multiple lawsuits alleging that their platforms negatively impacted children's mental health or otherwise harmed them. In California, a federal trial featuring four states (California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey) is set to begin regarding claims of design features contributing to addiction. Previously, the state of New Mexico successfully sued Meta, resulting in hefty fines and mandated safety measures such as time limits for users under 18.
- Fake TikTok rewards promise cash you’ll never get
Fake TikTok reward sites promise users cash for simple tasks and check-ins using points, but the balances are fraudulent. These scams lure victims by making withdrawals difficult, often requiring further actions like downloading unwanted apps or referring friends. Users are warned that legitimate earnings must go through TikTok's official Creator Rewards Program.
- A week in security (August 10 – August 16)
The security overview highlighted multiple emerging threats, including Apple utilizing iPhone alerts for spyware targets and new Android malware enabling real-time use of bank cards. Lawsuits were filed by parents against Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snap over youth safety issues, while Patch Tuesday addressed 421 flaws, including zero-days. The report also cautioned users about scams targeting online accounts and fake shops.
- I quit my 6-figure investment banking job after only 4 months. I'm making less now, but I'm building a future that'll pay off.
Sofia Jiang, a 23-year-old founder based in NYC, left her full-time role at Morgan Stanley after only a few months due to a desire to learn how to run a business. She transitioned by building her clothing brand, SofSet, and utilized content creation on TikTok and networking strategies.
- Fans slammed Cliff Tan for promoting AI. He says ignoring the tech would be 'irresponsible.'
Cliff Tan faced backlash from fans after posting a paid promotion for an AI company, arguing that interior designers must learn to use AI if they want future work. Despite negative comments, Tan stated he couldn't ignore AI's potential and justified promoting the technology as it would be irresponsible otherwise.
- Perez Hilton’s mother seeks temporary custody of his 3 children
Teresita Lavandeira filed a petition for temporary custody of Perez Hilton's three children with a Miami-Dade County family court. The filing occurred after Hilton was hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act, following an incident where he appeared to self-harm during a livestream. Documents obtained show that Hilton consented to the request while remaining in the hospital.
- Parents take on Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snap in 3,000 youth safety lawsuits
Big tech firms, including Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snap, are fighting against roughly 3,000 youth safety lawsuits alleging their platforms harmed mental health and were addictive. The litigation gained momentum after a federal court ruled that Section 230 provides 'a defense to liability, not immunity from lawsuits.' These cases focus on how the companies allegedly engineered their algorithms to maximize user engagement using techniques that exploit the brain's reward system.
- Lindsay Clancy defense wants TikToker to expose hospital ‘lies’ as judge warns ‘this is not Tripadvisor’
During Lindsay Clancy's murder trial, her defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, moved to add former McLean clinical social worker Emily Thorndike as a witness. Reddington argued she could challenge witnesses who misrepresented the psychiatric facility. Prosecutors countered that Thorndike had left McLean roughly a year before Clancy’s stay and lacked firsthand knowledge. Judge William Sullivan questioned the relevance of her testimony, quipping that 'This is not Tripadvisor.'
- TikTok is for the creator middle class, but top earners favor Instagram
A survey suggests that while TikTok remains important for early career growth, top earners and creators making over $250,000 find Instagram to be more lucrative and organized for brand deals. Although TikTok ranked first overall (52%) for posting branded content, high-earning creators showed a marked preference for Instagram (60%). Overall, respondents valued Instagram ahead of TikTok when considering long-term potential for building a business.
- Tech companies must face thousands of lawsuits over social media addiction, appeals court rules
A U.S. Appeals Court declined to drop thousands of online safety lawsuits filed against social media firms. The court's ruling determined that Meta and TikTok had appealed the cases too early.
- Watch out for fake TikTok Shops trying to steal your money
Scammers are establishing unverified third-party websites that closely mimic the appearance and trust badges of the legitimate TikTok Shop. Users must treat any shopping site resembling TikTok Shop but accessed outside the official TikTok app as a potential risk for financial loss or identity theft. The article also warns about scams adding consumer credit or loan services, advising users to only use TikTok Shop from within the official TikTok application.
- Minneapolis scooter takeover: Rider says 'everyone just showed up' after TikTok post
A large group of scooter and bike riders took over downtown Minneapolis on Saturday night after a TikTok post. This activity drew the attention of police and state patrol, particularly after some participants rode onto I-35W.
- Perez Hilton to ‘require surgery in the coming days,’ according to family update
Perez Hilton (Mario Lavandeira) was hospitalized after he was found by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office livestreaming acts of self-harm on TikTok. He sustained injuries requiring surgery, though an official family update stated his condition is "serious but stable." The family requested privacy to focus on his treatment and long recovery process.
- Scammers target OnlyFans users with deepfakes
Scammers are exploiting OnlyFans creators by using deepfake AI tools to impersonate them online, often creating fake accounts on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. The scammers deceive fans into paying for exclusive content via Cash App before blocking them. The problem of enforcement persists because domestic laws struggle to regulate stolen material hosted on overseas sites.
- Family of Perez Hilton says he’s able to communicate after self-harming livestream at Miami-Dade home
Perez Hilton suffered an apparent mental health crisis at his Miami-Dade home after deputies were called regarding him harming himself with a knife during a TikTok livestream. He was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and subsequently Baker Acted. His family confirmed that the celebrity is able to communicate, which they stated has given them hope for his recovery.
- SoftBank posts profit beat boosted by stakes in Intel and TikTok-owner ByteDance
SoftBank reported its profit for the fiscal first quarter, resulting in a beat against market expectations. This positive financial outcome was noted as being boosted by stakes held in Intel and TikTok-owner ByteDance.
- Disney, TikTok partner for content creation sharing deal
Disney and TikTok have formed a partnership for content creation sharing. The deal will enable content creators on TikTok to make videos utilizing characters from major franchises including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
- Convicted murderer’s TikTok account deleted after investigative story
A convicted murderer on death row had their TikTok account deleted following an investigative report that revealed they were hosting live sessions from a correctional center in violation of established laws.
- TikTok fight escalates into gunfire; Miami woman arrested, police say
A Miami woman was arrested after firing the first shots during a confrontation linked to an ongoing TikTok Live dispute, which escalated into a gunfight leaving a woman injured. The incident occurred after two groups of women met at a park to resolve their argument, with an unidentified man from the opposing group later pulling a firearm before the arrestee opened fire.
- Mexican TikTok influencer shot dead during livestream
Mexican TikTok influencer César Gastélum was shot dead while live streaming in front of a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, a northwestern Mexican city.
- TikTok influencer César Gastélum shot, killed during livestream
TikTok influencer César Gastélum was shot and killed during a livestream in Culiacán, Mexico. Two people on a motorcycle approached him outside a fast food restaurant, fired a gun, and fled. Mexican authorities are investigating whether the attack relates to his social media posts referencing a criminal group.
- El Jalapeño: Sheinbaum warns of the dangers of social media on her social media platforms
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a nationwide campaign to address social media's psychological hazards, using platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube to deliver warnings. The initiative includes regional forums, educational livestreams, and offline activities like board games to combat screen addiction among youth.
- TikTok closes Nashville office as tech giant realigns its operations
TikTok is closing its Nashville office, two years after leasing the space as part of its operational realignment.
- Perez Hilton's family speaks out after he appears to harm himself on livestream
Perez Hilton's family issued a statement after he was hospitalized in the Miami area following an apparent self-harm incident during a TikTok livestream. He was receiving medical attention at the time.
- Perez Hilton's family speaks out after he appears to harm himself on livestream
Perez Hilton's family issued a statement after he was hospitalized in a Miami area hospital following an apparent self-harm incident during a TikTok livestream.
- Perez Hilton's family speaks out after he appears to harm himself on livestream
Perez Hilton's family issued a statement after he was hospitalized in a Miami area hospital following an apparent self-harm incident during a TikTok livestream. He was receiving medical attention at the time.
- Perez Hilton's family speaks out after he appears to harm himself on livestream
Perez Hilton's family issued a statement after he was transported to a Miami area hospital for medical attention following an apparent self-harm incident during a TikTok livestream.
- Disney and TikTok ink short-form content deal
Disney and TikTok have formed a strategic partnership allowing creators to use Disney's content in short-form videos on both TikTok and Disney+. The deal grants access to Disney's library of movies and series for short-form content creation.
- Disney, TikTok strike deal to let creators use Disney characters in videos
Disney and TikTok announced a new deal allowing creators to use Disney characters in videos. The agreement enables creators to incorporate Disney assets and characters into their TikTok content.
- Disney, TikTok strike deal to let creators use Disney characters in videos
Disney and TikTok announced a new deal allowing creators to work with Disney assets and characters in their videos. The agreement enables content creators to incorporate Disney's intellectual property into TikTok videos.
- Disney, TikTok strike deal to let creators use Disney characters in videos
Disney and TikTok announced a new deal allowing creators to use Disney characters in videos. The agreement enables creators to work with Disney assets and characters.