President Trump signed an executive order facilitating a deal that would transfer majority ownership of TikTok to American investors. The agreement stipulates that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, will hold less than 20% ownership, with American investors controlling the remaining 80% and the algorithm. Notable figures involved include Oracle and its co-founder Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and Rupert Murdoch, though the finer details are still being finalized. This deal follows years of scrutiny over data security and potential Chinese government influence, with the extended ban’s non-enforcement lasting until January 23 to allow for completion.
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The White House has outlined a deal with TikTok that would grant US companies control of the platform’s algorithm. Under this agreement, Americans will hold six out of seven board seats for the app’s US operations, and Oracle will manage data and privacy concerns. Former President Trump has expressed support for the deal, stating that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping approved of the plan; however, the Chinese government has yet to comment definitively. The US had previously sought to take TikTok’s US operations away from ByteDance due to national security concerns related to user data.
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X (formerly Twitter) is refusing to cooperate with a French probe into alleged foreign interference and bias, deeming the investigation politically motivated. The probe, initiated after complaints of manipulated data and “reduced diversity of voices,” involves suspected crimes like manipulating and extracting data. X has declined to provide access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, claiming it has a legal right to do so. The social network also raised concerns about the impartiality of the chosen experts and objected to the use of the “organized gang” aggravating circumstance.
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Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging racial bias in pay and promotions. The settlement, preliminarily approved by a California court, covers at least 6,632 employees who worked at Google between February 15, 2018, and December 31, 2024. The lawsuit, initiated by a former Google employee, claimed that employees from underrepresented ethnic groups received lower starting salaries and job levels compared to their white and Asian counterparts. While Google denies the allegations of discrimination, the settlement reflects a resolution to the claims.
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LaDonna Crutchfield filed a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest based on flawed facial recognition technology. Police, using a partial license plate, connected Crutchfield to an attempted murder investigation despite discrepancies in age and height between her and the actual suspect. The lawsuit claims the arresting officers failed to conduct basic investigative steps that could have readily exonerated Crutchfield, leading to her detainment, fingerprinting, and DNA collection. The Detroit Police Department denies using facial recognition but admits insufficient investigation led to the erroneous arrest.
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Following user reports of increased violent and graphic content appearing in their Instagram Reels feeds, Meta acknowledged a system error responsible for the inappropriate recommendations. The company issued an apology, stating the error has been rectified. Users reported seeing this content despite having sensitive content controls enabled to the highest setting. Meta employs a large team and AI technology to moderate content, aiming to prevent such issues, but this instance highlights a lapse in their system.
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Rising insurance denials in the US, fueled by AI-powered algorithms, are prompting lawsuits against major insurers like UnitedHealth and Cigna, alleging widespread improper claim denials. The extremely low appeal rate, despite a high reversal rate upon appeal, highlights the system’s inherent flaws and the difficulty patients face navigating complex appeals processes. New AI tools are emerging to automate appeals, but lasting change requires broader healthcare reform, addressing high costs and ensuring equitable access to coverage. Experts emphasize the need for human oversight of automated systems and industry standardization to reduce denials stemming from administrative errors.
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The rise of a second Trump presidency is a complex issue, but a significant factor often overlooked is the role of influential YouTubers and podcasters in mobilizing a substantial segment of the male population towards the political right. An analysis of thousands of videos reveals a clear pattern of how this influence operates, subtly yet effectively shaping political views and driving increased voter turnout.
The ease with which viewers can be drawn into this content without initially recognizing the underlying political agenda is concerning. Many platforms subtly push this type of content through algorithms designed to maximize engagement, inadvertently creating a highly effective echo chamber.… Continue reading
Senate Bill 1120, the “Physicians Make Decisions Act,” prohibits California health insurers from denying claims based solely on AI algorithms. Driven by a high rate of claim denials (approximately 26% in California) and concerns about AI misuse, the law ensures human oversight in coverage decisions for medically necessary care. While not banning AI entirely, SB 1120 mandates that human judgment remains central, safeguarding patient access to quality care. The Department of Managed Health Care will enforce the law, auditing denial rates and imposing deadlines for authorizations, with potential fines for violations. This California law is garnering national attention, with other states and Congress considering similar legislation.
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The Physicians Make Decisions Act (SB 1120) mandates that licensed healthcare providers, not AI algorithms, make final decisions regarding medical necessity for treatments in California. This law addresses concerns about algorithmic bias and inaccuracies in insurance claim processing, preventing potential harm from AI-driven denials of care. SB 1120 requires physician review of all AI-influenced decisions impacting patient care, ensuring human oversight and equitable standards. Effective January 1, 2025, the act establishes a national precedent for responsible AI implementation in healthcare.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood