Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, citing his history of sexual assault allegations and recent liability finding in a civil case. Ocasio-Cortez also criticizes TikTok’s apparent collaboration with Trump, viewing it as a sign of a burgeoning authoritarian regime. She further highlighted Trump’s planned executive order extending the TikTok ban deadline as evidence of this trend. The congresswoman’s absence and criticisms underscore her strong opposition to Trump’s presidency and policies.
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Donald Trump’s return to power marks a pivotal moment requiring robust and unbiased news coverage. HuffPost remains committed to delivering critical reporting on the new administration, ensuring accessibility for all. Continued support is crucial to uphold this mission of providing free, fair journalism. Readers’ contributions directly enable HuffPost to maintain its commitment to fearless reporting during this critical period.
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Despite initial bipartisan concerns regarding Chinese government surveillance and subsequent attempts to ban the app, TikTok’s status in the U.S. has shifted. The Supreme Court upheld a law allowing the government to regulate foreign-owned apps operating within the country. However, former President Trump, initially advocating for a ban, now champions TikTok due to its effectiveness in disseminating disinformation, a tactic beneficial to his political strategies. This shift highlights the platform’s capacity for manipulating users’ emotions and promoting divisive content, potentially undermining civic engagement and mental well-being. Ultimately, TikTok’s influence, while initially viewed through a national security lens, is now recognized for its potential to manipulate public discourse.
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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
China’s reported consideration of selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk has sparked a firestorm of online reactions, ranging from outright panic to cynical resignation. The sheer notion of Musk, already controlling Twitter, gaining access to TikTok’s massive user base fuels deep anxieties about the future of online discourse and information control. Many fear a consolidation of power, leading to a drastically altered, potentially authoritarian-leaning online narrative.
The potential deal is viewed by many as a dangerous step towards a dystopian future, mirroring concerns about unchecked power and the suppression of dissenting voices. The idea that one individual could control such a significant portion of online communication channels is deeply unsettling, especially given Musk’s publicly expressed political views and his history of controversial decisions at Twitter.… Continue reading
Venezuela’s Supreme Court levied a $10 million fine against TikTok for failing to prevent viral challenges resulting in the deaths of three children, ordering the platform to establish a Venezuelan office for content supervision within eight days. The court’s enforcement methods remain unclear, though Venezuela has a history of blocking websites for non-compliance. The ruling follows several reported child deaths linked to TikTok challenges, prompting government accusations of negligence. TikTok has yet to publicly respond to the court’s decision.
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During his first post-election press conference, President-elect Trump falsely claimed a 34-point victory among young voters, a claim contradicted by AP VoteCast data showing Vice President Harris winning this demographic. He attributed his purported success in part to TikTok and podcast appearances, stating he had “a warm spot” for the platform. Considering this, and the upcoming TikTok ban deadline, Trump announced his administration would review the situation. He also credited his son, Barron, for advising on media appearances that allegedly enhanced his youth appeal.
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Olivia Rodrigo swiftly removed her song “deja vu” from a Donald Trump victory video on TikTok, demonstrating her strong stance against the former president. The pop star, a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, previously endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and was deeply unimpressed by the use of her music in a video celebrating Trump’s win. Rodrigo’s swift action highlights the significant impact artists can have in expressing their political views and the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity endorsements in politics.
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In the wake of the 2024 election, a sexist twist on the pro-choice slogan “my body, my choice” has emerged on TikTok, fueled by far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes. This twisted version, “your body, my choice,” is being used to taunt Democratic women and celebrate the potential rollback of reproductive rights under a Republican government. This offensive catchphrase, popularized by Fuentes, is gaining traction amongst his followers, who are using it to express their views on women’s bodies and rights. The use of this phrase highlights the disturbing trend of online harassment and the amplification of hateful rhetoric on social media platforms.
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The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in Canada, citing national security concerns. The decision is based on advice from security and intelligence agencies, who believe TikTok’s activities in the country could pose a threat. While users will still be able to access the app, the government has urged Canadians to be aware of potential risks, including the potential for Chinese government access to user data. TikTok has disputed the allegations and plans to challenge the order in court. This decision follows a national security review and a previous ban on the platform for government devices, echoing similar concerns raised by US lawmakers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood