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UK set to fine TikTok for breaching children safety

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The UK says it may fine the company $29 million for violating kids’ privacy

Ask anyone under the age of 18 to name their favourite app, and there’s a good chance they’ll say “TikTok.”

The short-form video platform has taken the world by storm in recent years, thanks to its addictive mix of user-generated content and algorithm-driven recommendations.

However, it turns out that TikTok may have crossed a line when it comes to its youngest users.

The UK’s data privacy regulator is investigating whether TikTok violated children’s privacy law by processing data of kids under 13 without parental consent.

If found guilty, the company could be fined up to £27 million (about $29 million).

In a legal document notifying TikTok of the possible fine, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office says TikTok may have processed sensitive categories of data “without legal grounds,” and may have failed to provide information to its users transparently enough.

So what does this mean for TikTok’s future in the UK?

According to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, TikTok may have violated children’s privacy law by processing data of kids under 13 without parental consent.

The ICO is also investigating whether TikTok collected sensitive categories of data without legal grounds and failed to provide information to its users transparently enough.

If found guilty, TikTok could be fined up to $29 million. That would be a drop in the bucket for a company like ByteDance, which is valued at over $75 billion.

However, it would be a big deal for TikTok in the UK, where the app has been downloaded over 32 million times.

How Did This Happen?

It’s important to note that there is no evidence that any user data was actually mishandled or misused by TikTok.

Rather, the ICO is concerned that TikTok may have collect children’s data without their parents’ knowledge or consent.

TikTok has always maintained that it has a separate app called “Tik Tok Kids” for users under the age of 13.

However, according to the ICO, some children were able to bypass these age restrictions and create accounts on the main TikTok app. As a result, their data may have been collected without their parents’ knowledge or consent.


What Happens Next?

It’s still unclear what will happen next in this case. The ICO is currently in talks with ByteDance about possible resolutions, but no decisions have been made yet.

In the meantime, TikTok will continue to operate as normal in the UK.

But if found guilty, this would be a big deal for TikTok in the UK, where the app has been downloaded over 32 million times.

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Apple unveils thinner iPhone Air to excite upgrades

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.

This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.Banner

The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.

The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.

Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.

Design Innovations

Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.

However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.

Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.

“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”

Other devices

The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.

Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.

Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.

Apple shares down after event concludes

Investors appeared indifferent to Apple’s latest product announcements, including the new iPhone Air model and Apple Series 11 Watch.

As a result, Apple shares fell by approximately 1.5% after the event concluded.


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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite tariff management

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.Banner

Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.

CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.

Pricing Trends

Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.

While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.

Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.


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Google avoids major penalties in U.S. antitrust case

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.

Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.

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The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.

This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.

Future Innovations

The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.

Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.

In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.


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