Tech

Trump extends TikTok sale deadline by 90 days

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

Published

4 months ago

June 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

In Short:
President Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by 90 days, allowing it to operate in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. He hopes for a deal with China while maintaining TikTok’s presence for its 170 million U.S. users amidst security concerns.

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by another 90 days.

The executive order signed by Trump allows the Chinese company to continue operating in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. Trump announced the extension on Truth Social, expressing hope for a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a flight on Air Force One, Trump suggested that Xi would be willing to approve a sale if a buyer appeared. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised the administration’s aim to keep TikTok available for American users while ensuring data security.

TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S., with declining support for a ban, according to Pew Research. An initial ban on the app, instituted under the Biden Administration over national security issues, briefly took effect but was reversed after Trump indicated he would allow TikTok to continue.

TikTok has asserted that it does not pose any security threats to the U.S. and that American data is not stored in China. Following the extension, users have returned to TikTok, with reduced engagement on competing platforms.

Past potential buyers include Amazon and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, though no sale was finalised due to trade tensions. Under U.S. law, ByteDance must sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer, but the company has remained silent about its intentions.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

7 days ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.