A Dallas TikTok user was terminated from her job at the Hilton Anatole after posting a viral video alleging the presence of ICE agents at the hotel. The user, identified only as Gia, expressed concerns about potential family separations and detentions, while also sharing video footage of unmarked cars leaving the hotel. Following the posting of her video, Gia was fired by Towne Park, the hotel’s third-party valet company, after refusing to remove the content. This event has generated both controversy and calls for boycotts, mirroring a similar incident where a Minnesota hotel lost its Hilton affiliation for allegedly refusing to accommodate ICE.
Read More
The European Commission is investigating TikTok’s compliance with EU rules after Poland raised concerns about AI-generated videos advocating for a “Polexit.” Polish officials allege these videos, featuring young women in national symbols, constitute a coordinated disinformation campaign and a threat to public order and democratic processes. The Commission has already requested information from TikTok regarding its measures to address AI-related risks. Polish authorities believe the videos are likely Russian disinformation, due to their message and linguistic indicators, which could violate the Digital Services Act.
Read More
The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential area of interest for CTV News viewers, focusing on consumer shopping habits. This team, separate from CTV News journalists, reviews various products and services to highlight noteworthy trends. Readers should be aware that the Shopping Trends team may receive commissions from purchases made through provided links. Further information about the team’s operations is available in the “Read about us” section.
Read More
TikTok CEO Shou Chew informed employees of an agreement to spin off its US assets into a new entity with primarily American investors. This move, which comes after a law mandated divestiture from parent company ByteDance, aims to secure TikTok’s future in the US. The joint venture will be 50% owned by a group including Oracle and Silver Lake, with ByteDance retaining nearly 20% ownership. The deal, which includes data storage and content moderation by the new entity, is expected to close by January 22, 2026, pending approvals from both the US and Chinese governments.
Read More
Recent investigations have revealed a concerning trend of AI-generated deepfake videos on platforms like TikTok, manipulating the likeness of doctors and influencers to promote health supplements and spread misinformation. Fact-checking organization Full Fact uncovered numerous videos featuring impersonated health experts, directing viewers to a supplements firm called Wellness Nest. These deepfakes utilize existing footage, altering both the visual and audio elements to endorse the company’s products. The discovery has ignited calls for social media platforms to strengthen their vigilance against AI-generated content, and to swiftly remove any content that misrepresents individuals.
Read More
Authorities have reported that TikTok influencer Girlalala was fatally shot in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, following an argument with her boyfriend, Shanoyd Whyte Jr. The 21-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a car and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. According to arrest documents, the argument escalated from verbal to physical, with Whyte admitting to pulling out a firearm. Whyte was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.
Read More
A social media creator is facing criticism after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok in a Chicago suburb. Following the incident, the creator solicited donations for “mental leave,” prompting outrage from viewers. The 59-year-old pedestrian, Darren Lucas, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being struck at an intersection. Authorities are investigating the crash and are aware of a video appearing to show the incident, but no charges have been filed.
Read More
The Shopping Trends team has observed a growing trend in consumer behavior. Their research indicates that shoppers are increasingly influenced by online reviews and social media recommendations when making purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the team has found that consumers are prioritizing value and convenience, leading to a rise in demand for subscription services and online retailers. This shift in priorities is reshaping the retail landscape, impacting both in-store and online shopping experiences.
Read More
On Monday evening, a 59-year-old man was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Zion, Illinois. The driver, a 43-year-old woman, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Following the incident, a video surfaced appearing to show the driver live-streaming on TikTok at the time of the crash. Police are now investigating the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident, as the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) continues its reconstruction and investigation.
Read More
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US and China have finalized a deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations to new ownership, with details agreed upon in Madrid and awaiting finalization between leaders. The deal, part of a broader trade framework, follows a September executive order by Trump facilitating US-based ownership with American investors holding a majority stake. This transfer, valued at approximately $14 billion, will see new investors oversee the app’s algorithm and control the majority of board seats. The agreement is expected to be formalized during a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, where trade balance and the fentanyl crisis will also be discussed.
Read More
Dallas Woman Fired by Hilton After TikTok Warning of ICE Presence
A Dallas TikTok user was terminated from her job at the Hilton Anatole after posting a viral video alleging the presence of ICE agents at the hotel. The user, identified only as Gia, expressed concerns about potential family separations and detentions, while also sharing video footage of unmarked cars leaving the hotel. Following the posting of her video, Gia was fired by Towne Park, the hotel’s third-party valet company, after refusing to remove the content. This event has generated both controversy and calls for boycotts, mirroring a similar incident where a Minnesota hotel lost its Hilton affiliation for allegedly refusing to accommodate ICE.
Read More
Brussels Investigates TikTok Over AI-Generated Videos Alleging EU Exit, Fuels Calls for Ban
The European Commission is investigating TikTok’s compliance with EU rules after Poland raised concerns about AI-generated videos advocating for a “Polexit.” Polish officials allege these videos, featuring young women in national symbols, constitute a coordinated disinformation campaign and a threat to public order and democratic processes. The Commission has already requested information from TikTok regarding its measures to address AI-related risks. Polish authorities believe the videos are likely Russian disinformation, due to their message and linguistic indicators, which could violate the Digital Services Act.
Read More
Judge Dismisses Charges Against TikTok Streamer in Immigration Detention Due to Rights Violations
The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential area of interest for CTV News viewers, focusing on consumer shopping habits. This team, separate from CTV News journalists, reviews various products and services to highlight noteworthy trends. Readers should be aware that the Shopping Trends team may receive commissions from purchases made through provided links. Further information about the team’s operations is available in the “Read about us” section.
Read More
TikTok US Entity Sold to American Investor Group Amid Concerns
TikTok CEO Shou Chew informed employees of an agreement to spin off its US assets into a new entity with primarily American investors. This move, which comes after a law mandated divestiture from parent company ByteDance, aims to secure TikTok’s future in the US. The joint venture will be 50% owned by a group including Oracle and Silver Lake, with ByteDance retaining nearly 20% ownership. The deal, which includes data storage and content moderation by the new entity, is expected to close by January 22, 2026, pending approvals from both the US and Chinese governments.
Read More
AI Deepfakes: Health Misinformation Spreads Via Fake Doctors on Social Media
Recent investigations have revealed a concerning trend of AI-generated deepfake videos on platforms like TikTok, manipulating the likeness of doctors and influencers to promote health supplements and spread misinformation. Fact-checking organization Full Fact uncovered numerous videos featuring impersonated health experts, directing viewers to a supplements firm called Wellness Nest. These deepfakes utilize existing footage, altering both the visual and audio elements to endorse the company’s products. The discovery has ignited calls for social media platforms to strengthen their vigilance against AI-generated content, and to swiftly remove any content that misrepresents individuals.
Read More
Transgender TikTok Influencer Killed in Florida: Domestic Violence Concerns
Authorities have reported that TikTok influencer Girlalala was fatally shot in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, following an argument with her boyfriend, Shanoyd Whyte Jr. The 21-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a car and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. According to arrest documents, the argument escalated from verbal to physical, with Whyte admitting to pulling out a firearm. Whyte was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.
Read More
TikTok Livestreamer Asks for Donations After Fatal Car Crash: Outrage and Calls for Action
A social media creator is facing criticism after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok in a Chicago suburb. Following the incident, the creator solicited donations for “mental leave,” prompting outrage from viewers. The 59-year-old pedestrian, Darren Lucas, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being struck at an intersection. Authorities are investigating the crash and are aware of a video appearing to show the incident, but no charges have been filed.
Read More
TikTok Post Leads to Abduction, Execution of Malian Woman: Reactions and Religious Reflections
The Shopping Trends team has observed a growing trend in consumer behavior. Their research indicates that shoppers are increasingly influenced by online reviews and social media recommendations when making purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the team has found that consumers are prioritizing value and convenience, leading to a rise in demand for subscription services and online retailers. This shift in priorities is reshaping the retail landscape, impacting both in-store and online shopping experiences.
Read More
Driver Livestreaming on TikTok Hits and Kills Man: Outrage and Calls for Stricter Enforcement
On Monday evening, a 59-year-old man was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Zion, Illinois. The driver, a 43-year-old woman, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Following the incident, a video surfaced appearing to show the driver live-streaming on TikTok at the time of the crash. Police are now investigating the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident, as the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) continues its reconstruction and investigation.
Read More
TikTok Sale “Deal” Sparks Corruption Concerns and Right-Wing Fears
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US and China have finalized a deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations to new ownership, with details agreed upon in Madrid and awaiting finalization between leaders. The deal, part of a broader trade framework, follows a September executive order by Trump facilitating US-based ownership with American investors holding a majority stake. This transfer, valued at approximately $14 billion, will see new investors oversee the app’s algorithm and control the majority of board seats. The agreement is expected to be formalized during a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, where trade balance and the fentanyl crisis will also be discussed.
Read More