TikTok

Australia investigates tech giants over social media ban compliance

Tech companies can face a fine of up to A$49.5 million (S$43.9 million)

Three of the most successful Chinese firms – Temu, Shein and TikTok – have tried to distance themselves from their roots. None has succeeded, the writer notes.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Why firms are pivoting from ‘China-shedding’ to ‘China-maxxing’

The approach of hiding one’s ties to Beijing has run its course for the bigger players

About 20 per cent of 13-to-15-year-olds in Australia are still using TikTok and SnapChat, according to parental control software maker Qustodio.

One-fifth of Australian teens still use TikTok, SnapChat after social media ban

Platforms must block people aged under 16 or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million (S$45 million)

Britain has been weighing tougher curbs on children’s access to social media, with the government considering barring under 16s from such platforms.

UK watchdogs press Meta, TikTok, Snap and YouTube to block children

ICO fined Reddit nearly £14.5 million (S$24.8 million) last month

TikTok has 16 million users in Canada.

TikTok gets green light to stay in Canada, reversing earlier ban

The social media company’s operations and ownership have come under scrutiny around the world

South-east Asia’s young population and rising disposable income make the region a prime market for Chinese beauty brands looking to expand overseas.
BRUNCH

Aiming for the right blend: C-beauty’s challenge to K-beauty can’t be brushed off

Lower prices, rapid launches and a strong social media game support growth of Chinese cosmetic and skincare brands in S-E Asia

ByteDance, the parent company of video sensation TikTok, launched on Feb 7 its newest iteration AI video creation app Seedance 2.0.

ByteDance’s new video model sparks rally in China AI app stocks

Demand for shares of Chinese firms with killer apps has grown in recent months

TikTok was told that it risks a fine of up to 6% of owner ByteDance’s global turnover if it continues to flout the rules under the Digital Services Act.

TikTok accused of breaching EU online content rules

EU tech regulators say the app may have to change its ‘addictive design’ featuring infinite scroll and autoplay

The TikTok sale is the first high-profile instance of a Chinese tech platform agreeing to cede control of its foreign subsidiary business under regulatory pressure.

Forced TikTok US sale may turbocharge ByteDance’s Asia expansion, with S-E Asia to gain: analysts

Other emerging markets have also been identified as potential beneficiaries of the divestment

ByteDance is expected to maintain control over valuable parts of its US TikTok business, including its advertising division and fast-growing e-commerce arm TikTok Shop.

What the TikTok deal means for the app’s future in the US

The social media platform is used by about 200 million Americans