Since the 2024 US presidential election, Bluesky has experienced explosive growth, adding over 14 million users to reach 30 million by January 31st. This surge follows significant changes to X (formerly Twitter), including altered blocking features and updated terms of service, prompting many users to migrate. Notable figures like Mark Hamill and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have joined, highlighting Bluesky’s increasing popularity and its similarity to X in design and function. Despite its rapid growth, Bluesky still lags behind established competitors like X and Threads in overall user numbers.
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Growing concerns regarding foreign interference in the upcoming German elections, particularly through social media disinformation campaigns targeting the AfD, are prompting action. Recent events, including the cancelled Romanian election due to suspected Russian influence, highlight the urgency of the situation. Elon Musk’s support of the AfD is under investigation as a potential illegal donation, further fueling anxieties. To address these risks, a stress test involving major online platforms was conducted, evaluating their compliance with the Digital Services Act’s requirements for mitigating election-related threats.
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Following a tragic helicopter-airplane collision in Washington, D.C., Chief Warrant Officer Jo Ellis, a transgender Black Hawk pilot with the Virginia National Guard, was falsely identified on social media as one of the deceased service members. Ellis publicly refuted these claims, emphasizing the disrespect shown to the actual victims and their families. The identities of the three soldiers killed in the crash have yet to be officially released, while an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. President Trump offered commentary blaming diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a claim not yet supported by investigative findings.
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At the Jubilee of the World of Communications, Pope Francis cautioned against the detrimental effects of excessive social media use, likening it to “brain rot,” while simultaneously urging journalists to be courageous truth-tellers. He emphasized the critical role of hope-filled storytelling in countering misinformation and division, highlighting the sacrifices of media professionals, particularly the over 120 journalists killed in 2024, many in Gaza. The Pope concluded by calling for narratives that inspire, heal, and foster unity.
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The provided text is not an article; it’s a teaser or headline, likely for a news piece. Therefore, a summary is not possible. The phrase “DID NAZI THIS COMING” is provocative and suggests an upcoming exposé, but lacks the content necessary for summarization. More information is needed to create a summary.
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Le Monde has ceased sharing its content on X (formerly Twitter) due to Elon Musk’s increasingly partisan use of the platform, which has rendered Le Monde’s presence less effective and more vulnerable to negative consequences. This decision follows the platform’s transformation into an extension of Musk’s political actions, blurring the lines between commerce and ideology. The resulting rise in toxicity and reduced visibility prompted Le Monde to prioritize its content elsewhere, recommending similar action to its journalists. Concerns about other platforms, particularly TikTok and Meta, are also prompting increased vigilance.
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Following a brief shutdown, TikTok resumed service after President-elect Trump intervened, pledging an executive order to allow more time for a sale to a US buyer. This action has been met with skepticism, with critics alleging the situation is a calculated “scam” to portray Trump as a savior of the app, despite his prior calls for a ban. The incident raises concerns about potential influence over tech companies and the circumvention of existing federal laws. Trump’s shift in stance, coinciding with increased TikTok following and his claim of its electoral impact, underscores the political complexities surrounding the app.
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TikTok Starts Going Dark in the U.S.
TikTok’s sudden disappearance from the U.S. digital landscape has sent shockwaves through the internet, leaving millions wondering what just happened. The experience has been likened to the snap disappearance of characters in *Infinity War*, with countless users expressing their bewilderment online with posts like, “Wait, WTF is actually happening?”. It’s a situation evoking similar mass online searches seen after Brexit (“What is the EU?”) and the last U.S. election (“What is an oligarchy?”), showcasing the widespread confusion and uncertainty.
The official message appearing on the app, suggesting President Trump’s intervention to reinstate TikTok, feels disingenuous.… Continue reading
A truly horrifying case has emerged from Australia: a woman is accused of poisoning a one-year-old girl with prescription medication over several months. The alleged motive is even more chilling – to exploit the child’s suffering for online donations and gain social media followers. The sheer cruelty of this act leaves one speechless.
This isn’t just a case of neglect or even simple abuse; it’s a calculated, sustained campaign of poisoning, meticulously documented and shared online to garner sympathy and financial support. The woman filmed the child’s deteriorating health, using the videos to tug at the heartstrings of potential donors, leveraging the inherent human desire to help those in need to line her own pockets.… Continue reading
The Supreme Court is considering a case challenging a law mandating TikTok’s sale due to national security concerns, with arguments focusing on free speech versus national security. President Trump, despite previously supporting a ban, now urges a delay to allow for a political resolution, a highly unusual intervention. TikTok argues the law violates free speech and that a shutdown would severely harm users and the platform. The court must decide on the appropriate level of legal review, with a strict scrutiny standard likely leading to the law’s invalidation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood