FCC Commissioner calls for TikTok ban

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2022

FCC Commissioner calls for urgent TikTok ban amid national security risks

FCC Commissioner, Brendan Carr has called for U.S. Council on Foreign Investment in the U.S. to apply pressure Congress to ban TikTok.

It comes amid ongoing concerns of risks to national security and the use (or misuse) of user data.

Concerns surrounding TikTok have continued to grow in line with its rapid adoption rate with the platform downloaded more than 200 million times within the U.S.

Security fears originate from TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, being a Chinese Owned company.

However, TikTok is currently in negotiations to see if can be dismantled by its Chinese company.

They are also suggesting it be transferred to a U.S. company so that it can continue to legally operate throughout the United States.

An agreement has not yet been reached with Department of Justice official Lisa Monaco citing concerns over a strong link to Beijing still inherent in the current deal proposal.

Commissioner Carr stated in relation to TikTok’s bid to continue to operate in the U.S.,

“I don’t believe there is a path forward for anything other than a ban.”

TikTok hits back

Now, TikTok has hit back at the claims by commenting,

“Commissioner Carr has no role in the confidential discussions with the U.S. government related to TikTok and appears to be expressing views independent of his role as an FCC commissioner.

We are confident that we are on a path to reaching an agreement with the U.S. Government that will satisfy all reasonable national security concerns.“

TikTok has repeatedly denied providing any user data to the Chinese Government claiming data is stored outside of China.

However, recent reports have suggested TikTok employees have accessed personal, non-public available user data.

There are also concerns they’re pushing pro-Beijing messaging to U.S. users.

At this stage it seems TikTok will continue to operate in the United States.

This is despite the ongoing calls for the platform to be banned.

Dr. Karen Sutherland, University of the Sunshine Coast & Dharana Digital contributed to this report.

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

Published

23 hours ago

September 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.

A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.

Money

Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.

Money

RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.