Small business owners concerned as TikTok ban looms
The popular social media app TikTok could be banned in the U.S. in a matter of days and the looming threat has some small business owners concerned. Since the app launched in 2017, small business owners say they have used TikTok in several ways, from advertising and marketing to selling goods directly.
TikTok estimates the ban would cost the company more than $1 billion in revenue in a single month.
If the ban does take effect, small businesses could still turn to alternatives like Instagram Reels, Snapchat and YouTube Shorts. However, owners raised concerns that it may be harder to reach teens since TikTok tends to be their preferred social media app.
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over whether the ban violates the First Amendment on Jan. 10.
President-elect Donald Trump, who is not set to take office until Jan. 20, the day after the ban is scheduled to take effect, asked the Supreme Court to consider a delay on the ban taking effect.
Social media could use facial recognition to root out underage users in UK
Social media platforms in the U.K. could be tasked with using facial recognition technology to “drive out” underage users. Ofcom, Britain’s communications regulator, will officially lay out plans next month to keep kids off social media, as research shows an increased number of young children on the sites.
“The sort of thing that we might look to in that space is some of this facial age estimation technology that we see companies bringing in now, which we think is really pretty good at determining who is a child and who is an adult,” Ofcom’s Online Safety Policy Director Jon Higham told The Telegraph.
“So we’re going to be looking to drive out the use of that sort of content, so platforms can determine who’s a child and who isn’t, and then put in place extra protections for kids to stop them seeing toxic content,” he added.
Ofcom researched the number of children using social media platforms across the U.K. It estimates 60% of 8 to 11-year-olds have social media accounts. That would mean platforms could lose as many as 1.6 million users once the rules are implemented.
Meanwhile, Higham says more than 20% of underage children, who have social media accounts, claim they are adults.
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out that children are going to lie about their age. So we think there’s a big issue there,” he told The Telegraph.
Scrutiny of social media’s effects on young children has ramped up in recent years. In response, platforms have rolled out more ways to verify a user’s age, including scanning IDs, facial age estimation and even having an adult confirm the child’s age.
Next month, Ofcom will officially lay out exactly what it expects from social media sites to do to make sure their users aren’t underage.
But Higham says the regulator will expect “the technology to be highly accurate and effective. We’re not going to let people use poor or substandard mechanisms to verify kids’ age.”
Failure to comply with these rules could result in a big bill for tech giants. Under the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, Ofcom can fine tech companies that fail to protect children up to 10% of global revenue. That could run around $12 billion for a company like Facebook. For persistent failures to protect kids, executives could be jailed for up to 2 years.
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo push to keep sugary drinks in food stamp program
Some major corporations, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr. Pepper, are urging lawmakers to keep allowing food stamp recipients to buy sugary drinks. The push comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Health and Human Services Department, pledged to remove soda and processed foods from the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
The Wall Street Journal reported lobbyists from the American Beverage Association, which represents the beverage industry in the United States, are making a case on Capitol Hill. They pointed out that soda brands are selling more zero-sugar drinks.
Coke said it had an 11% jump in the sale of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar during this year’s third quarter.
Lobbyists claim the increase in sales, combined with clear calorie labels on beverages, allows people to make healthier choices.
Anti-hunger advocacy group Share Our Strength also argues that instead of restricting SNAP recipients options, Congress should fund programs that help low-income families access healthier foods.
Lawmakers have tried to restrict soda, desserts and candy from food assistance programs for years. Most recently, Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a letter to the incoming health and agricultural departments.
In the letter, she called for a ban on buying junk food with food stamps. She claimed these foods contribute to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
Coke told The Journal it’s always active in engaging on policies important to its business. Representatives from Pepsi and Dr. Pepper declined to comment.
Congress has a big to-do list before it leaves for holidays
Government funding runs out Friday, Dec. 20, at midnight and there’s still no bill on the table for lawmakers to consider. Congress is going to have to pass a continuing resolution into 2025 to prevent a government shutdown.
However, once lawmakers leave at the end of the week, they’re not scheduled to return to Washington for the rest of 2024.
The temporary funding measure will last until mid-March. That means Republicans will have a trifecta in Washington when government funding for 2025 is finalized.
Congress is also on track to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill lawmakers pass every year to fund the Defense Department. This year’s NDAA has an $895.2 billion price tag. It includes measures Democrats fought against, including a restriction on new diversity, equity and inclusion programs, as well as a ban on the Pentagon’s health insurance plan from covering gender dysphoria treatments for minors.
Democrats argued the provisions are unnecessary because, as commander-in-chief, President-elect Donald Trump wouldn’t allow those types of programs anyway.
Despite the controversial measures, 80 Democrats voted for the legislation when it passed the House. It’s unclear how many will vote for it in the Senate, but the legislation expected to get well over the 60 votesneeded for approval.
Finally, Congress needs to approve the Farm Bill, which sets food and farm policy for five years. The previous version expired in September. Just like government funding, lawmakers appear on track to provide a temporary remedy that lasts until 2025, when they’ll come up with a permanent solution.
The Farm Bill impacts everyone. There are products grown in America that cost more to produce than they can be sold for, so farmers rely on assistance from the government to make up for the losses. Without that help, it will impact the availability and price of those products.
SNAP food benefits for lower-income families are also approved within the Farm Bill, so that’s where lawmakers will make an increase in payments to help offset inflationary cost increases.
Hackers demand ransom in cyberattack on Rhode Island’s benefits system
Hundreds of thousands of people could be the victims of a major cyberattack in Rhode Island. Officials confirmed the government benefits system was targeted, revealing the private data of anyone who used a state program within the last eight years.
The hackers behind the leak are demanding a ransom, but authorities haven’t confirmed how much money they are asking for.
The cybercrime group gained thousands of social security and bank account numbers, as well as personal data, which investigators said could be released within the coming week.
Breached programs include:
Medicaid
SNAP
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
The Child Care Assistance Program
Rhode Island Works
Long-term Services and Supports
At HOME Cost Share Program
Health insurance purchased through HealthSource RI
McKee held a press conference on Saturday, Dec. 14, urging the public to proactively protect their information, saying the data could be exposed at any time.
“There are things that can be done right now in advance of when potentially something could happen,” McKee said.
Deloitte, which maintains Rhode Island’s benefits system, said it’s currently in ongoing negotiations with the cybercriminals.
“We know this situation is alarming, and it’s stressful,” McKee said.
The government shut down its RIBridges system and set up a toll-free hotline to help Rhode Islanders protect their information. Those directly impacted will receive a letter in the mail.
Arkansas Gov. Sanders calls for a ban on buying junk food with SNAP
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is calling for a ban on buying junk food with food stamps. Sanders sent a letter to the incoming Health and Agriculture departments, asking for a waiver to reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program –– also known as SNAP.
The program allows low-income families to buy a large variety of foods. However, Sanders cites a study from the Department of Agriculture that shows almost 23% of a SNAP household’s grocery bill is spent on unhealthier foods like candy, snacks, desserts and soda.
“Unfortunately, this nutrition assistance program is undermining the health of millions of Americans, on the taxpayer’s dime, by encouraging families to eat highly processed, unhealthy junk food,” Sanders wrote in the letter.
Sanders went on to say, “Given the relationship between junk food and poor health, our federal food assistance policies are fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a wide range of chronic health conditions across America.”
Sanders also mentioned a study by Stanford University that found taking away sugary drinks and soda from SNAP would prevent obesity in 141,000 children and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
Debate over junk food and food stamps
The conversation around restricting SNAP purchases has been debated for years. People who support it say the program should more closely align with its original goal of improving nutrition amongst low-income families.
Meanwhile, people against the restrictions say it would be too complicated to categorize foods as “healthy” and “unhealthy.”
“Make America Healthy Again”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is lined up to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services, is likely to be receptive to Sanders’ proposal.
He recently introduced his “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which is focused on increasing access to healthier food. He is also vowing to crack down on food dyes and pesticides.
Australia passes landmark social media ban for kids under 16
Australia has made history as the first country to pass a social media ban for children under the age of 16. The law creates one of the toughest restrictions on digital companies to date.
A total of 34 senators voted yes to the ban, with just 14 opposed to the legislation. The world-first law passed in the Australian Parliament on Friday, Nov. 29, making platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and X subject to fines if kids aren’t being properly protected.
The Australian Senate passed the bill on Thursday, Nov. 28, just one day after the House of Representatives sent their stamp of approval with a 102 to 13 vote.
Companies could face up to $50 million in fees if their systems don’t stop kids under 16 years or younger from having an account or being logged into one. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation makes the safety of kids a top priority.
In a press conference, he said it’s now the responsibility of these platforms to protect kids and ensure their safety.
“We’ve got your back is our message to Australian parents,” Albanese said.
The ban sparked opposition and heated debates, bringing the mental health of children into question. Both the prime minister and other senators cited global trends of excessive social media use and the harmful risks to kids, especially girls.
“We know there is widespread concern and evidence about the severe mental health impact of social media on children,” Australian Sen. Sarah Henderson said.
The owner of Facebook and Instagram, Meta, called the legislation “rushed.”
“We are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people,” Meta said.
TikTok also spoke in opposition of the ban and said young people could be pushed to “darker corners of the internet.”
In a statement, Snapchat said there are many unanswered questions.
“We will engage closely with the Government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety and practicality.”
Statement by Snapchat
Amendments passed with the law include legislation to increase privacy among users. Platforms can no longer compel users to provide government issued ID’s like passports or driver’s licenses.
Australian Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young said it creates a false sense of security for parents.
“It’s also obvious that the people who have drafted and fought for the particular elements of this bill actually have no idea how young people engage with the internet,” Hanson-Young said.
Opponents also said children may become isolated due to the restrictions in place and reduce incentives for social media platforms to improve online safety.
Educational and health services are exempt from the ban. Apps like WhatsApp, Google Classroom, Messenger Kids and YouTube are exempt. Australia will conduct a trial on age enforcement methods in January ahead of the legislation taking effect in one year.
Cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah holding so far
The cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah marks a step toward peace in the Middle East, but what happens now in Gaza where Israel is still at war with Hamas? And rain or shine — but not wind — revelers get ready to celebrate in New York City at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
Cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah holding so far
A cease-fire deal between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon is holding, so far.
President Joe Biden announced the deal — which the United States and France helped broker — on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Israel and Hezbollah have agreed on an initial 60-day cease-fire, which sets the stage for a lasting truce.
Already, long-displaced residents of parts of Lebanon have started returning to their homes, hopeful the tenuous agreement will be extended beyond two months. That’s despite the Israeli military warning people to stay away from previously evacuated areas.
Israel has said if Hezbollah breaks the cease-fire agreement, it will attack.
Following the directive of the political echelon, the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon took effect at 04:00 today, and the IDF has been operating accordingly. IDF troops are stationed at their positions in southern Lebanon.
Over the past hour, the IDF identified a vehicle with…
During the 60-day truce, Hezbollah fighters are to retreat at least 25 miles from the border with Israel and Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanese territory.
The agreement does not address the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, another Iran-backed militant group, in Gaza. However, Hamas has said it is ready for a truce.
“So, now Hamas has a choice to make,” President Biden said on Tuesday. “Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold. In the process, bring an end to the fighting, which would make possible a surge of humanitarian relief. Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Biden told reporters he’s hopeful he’ll help achieve a cease-fire in Gaza before the end of his term in January. If not, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, though he has not yet said how.
Trump picks nominations for NIH, trade
President-elect Trump has kept busy this holiday week. On Tuesday night, he announced new picks to join his administration.
Among them, Trump nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to serve as the director of the National Institutes of Health. As head of the NIH, the Stanford University professor would work alongside Trump’s pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Bhattacharya, who also has a doctorate in economics, became known for opposing lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 27, 2024
Trump also selected Jamieson Greer to lead the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Greer is no stranger to the department, having served as chief of staff to the trade representative during Trump’s first term — which saw tariffs imposed on Chinese goods and the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement.
Greer served as a lawyer in the Air Force and is currently a partner in international trade at the law firm King and Spalding.
Both of these nominations will need Senate confirmation.
Australia’s House passes bill to ban kids under 16 from social media
The bill would make platforms such as Tiktok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to $50 million ($33 million USD) for failing to prevent young children from holding accounts.
Australia’s communications minister Michelle Rowland introduced a world-first law into Parliament on Thursday that would ban children younger than 16 from social media, saying online safety was one of parents’ toughest challenges. pic.twitter.com/K0zui1wHLv
The legislation passed 102-13 in Australia’s House of Representatives and now moves on to the Senate. If the bill becomes law, social media companies would have one year to figure out how to implement the age restrictions before they are enforced.
More than 3,000 fake name-brand electric guitars seized in California
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it seized more than 3,000 fake electric guitars in Southern California. CBP said the knockoffs were destined for the e-commerce market, just in time for holiday gift shopping.
CBP said if the guitars were real, they would be worth about $18 million. Most of the fakes look like Gibson brand guitars, but some were supposedly from other well-known companies such as Fender.
Federal authorities would not release any details about suspects in the investigation or where the counterfeit guitars came from.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to go on, rain or shine
A Macy’s spokesperson told the New York Post the parade will proceed regardless of wet weather — good news for the expected 3.5 million people who will be along the parade route and the estimated 30 million watching at home. However, wind could pose a problem.
The spokesperson told the Post, “Based on the city’s guidelines, no giant character balloon will be operated when there are sustained wind conditions exceeding 23 miles per hour and wind gusts greater than 34 miles per hour on the parade route.”
So far, according to weather reports, the winds should not be a problem, and all 32 balloons should be able to fly. New ones this year include Minnie Mouse and Spider-Man, which is marking its return to the parade for the first time in a decade.
Happy Thanksgiving from Straight Arrow News
With Thursday being Thanksgiving, as you get ready to gather around the table with your family, we wanted to take this time for you to get to know ours a little better. In the video above, members of our Straight Arrow News team have special messages about what they’re thankful for this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Australian Parliament considers law banning kids under 16 from social media
Australia’s communications minister has officially introduced a law that would ban children under 16 from social media. If passed, the law would be the first of its kind in the world.
The communications minister said government research shows 95% of Australian caregivers say online safety is one of their “toughest parenting challenges.”
When introducing the bill, she also told Parliament almost two-thirds of Australian teens 14 to 17 years old have viewed “extremely harmful content” online, including posts involving drug abuse, suicide or self-harm and violence. She added a quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.
The bill has wide political support and is expected to become law. Social media companies would have one year to figure out how to implement the age restriction, if passed.
The platforms would also face fines of up to AU$50 million if they misuse the personal information users give them for age verification purposes.
The age restriction law wouldn’t apply to messaging services, online games or platforms that “substantially support the health and education of users.”
A government statement added Australia is looking for ways to prevent children under 18 from accessing online pornography.
Judge rules school districts can sue tech giants over claims of harm to kids
A federal judge ruled that Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap must face lawsuits brought by school districts that claim the platforms are addictive to kids and harm their mental health. The school districts argue the companies designed their platforms to addict children with algorithms and features like the “like” button. The schools liken the tech companies’ societal harm to the damage done by cigarette manufacturers.
School districts in 19 states claim these social media companies fail to enforce age verification, parental controls and session timeouts on their platforms. They said this leads to kids endlessly scrolling through targeted algorithms.
According to the schools, these “addictive algorithms” are creating a mental health crisis among youth. School officials said they have to address these issues with their limited resources.
Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap have all fought to get the lawsuits thrown out. However, the judge will allow roughly 150 cases to proceed.
The judge noted that the social media companies are protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online companies from being held liable for content posted on their platforms. Because of this federal law, these social media giants will likely avoid liability for more than 600 other cases.
Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap haven’t yet commented on the judge’s ruling.