Appeals court upholds federal government ban on TikTok
Millions of TikTok users could be in for a bit of shock come late January 2025. A federal appeals court ruled the ban or forced sale of TikTok by the Justice Department is constitutional and can move forward.
Back in April 2025, The Biden Administration argued that the law is necessary to protect national security interests from TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance. Such threats include data security breaches and possible foreign influence on American political campaigns.
TikTok lawyers countered and appealed, claiming the law infringes on free speech rights of millions of users on the popular app. They deny it could be used by the Chinese government to spy on, or manipulate, Americans.
However, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. on Friday, Dec. 6, sided with the Biden administration. The court ruled that the first amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States. It determined the government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.
TikTok now has until Jan. 19, 2025 to find a buyer and break ties with its China-based parent company or get an extension from the Biden administration if there is progress toward a sale. Ultimately, the social media platform could become unavailable in the United States.
This high profile case could wind-up in front of the U.S Supreme Court. It’s worth noting that President-elect Donald Trump said on the campaign trail that he is against a ban on TikTok, having initially been in favor of one.
Meta executive admits to over-moderating COVID-19, election content
Is Meta moderating its content too much? A top executive at the company shared regrets over removing posts about the pandemic.
Meta’s President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg admitted the company has wrongfully taken down posts across its apps, pointing to the height of COVID-19.
He told reporters Monday, Dec. 2, “No one during the pandemic knew how the pandemic was going to unfold, so this really is wisdom in hindsight. But with that hindsight, we feel that we overdid it a bit.”
Meta and other social media companies face increasing pressure to improve the safety of their platforms amid hateful or misleading information, while also making sure users have free speech online.
The moderation impacted political posts as well. Meta recently apologized after its systems suppressed photos of President-elect Donald Trump after his attempted assassination.
Clegg also commented on Meta’s election content in a blog post Tuesday, Dec. 3, “Too often harmless content gets taken down or restricted and too many people get penalized unfairly.“
He added the company has worked throughout the past year to update content policies fairly. He noted that no platform will ever strike this balance “100% of the time.”
FBI investigating mystery drones flying in New Jersey
Residents in New Jersey say they have spotted unidentified, bright drones in the sky at night. The FBI and local are now investigating after many residents say it’s become unnerving.
Since the middle of November, witnesses said almost every night, large drones were reportedly flying in formation. They said they could see multiple drones lighting up part of the airspace.
“When I would get up and look out my window at 2 a.m., 4 a.m., they were still hovering,” resident Julie Shavalier said.
The constant sightings have unnerved the community, according to Shavalier.
Many on social media have already begun speculating what the drones are doing. Many have wondered if the objects are some form of surveillance.
A representative with the FBI described the sightings as a “cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft.”
Concern surrounding the drones grew due to their proximity to President-elect Donald Trump’s national golf club, a common stop for the president-elect.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Department updated the public on the investigation on Facebook Monday, Dec. 2. In the post, it reassured the community there’s no safety threat at this time.
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.
Most social media influencers don’t check sources before sharing info: Report
Nowadays, people turn to social media for everything from makeup and hair tips to getting their news. However, a new United Nations study highlights why influencers shouldn’t influence what we think too much.
At a time when digital content creators have become a major source of information for people, a @UNESCO survey published today reveals that 62% do not carry out rigorous and systematic fact-checking of information prior to sharing it. But 73% express the wish to be… pic.twitter.com/YYQhzA55TZ
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) November 26, 2024
About a third of influencers said they’d share content without checking if it came from a source or creator they trust. Four out of 10 said they use popularity to judge the credibility of online sources.
The survey found only 1 in 5 used documentation or evidence to determine credibility.
The U.N.’s report said online influencers need “urgent” help checking their facts before they pass them on to followers to help stop the spread of mis- and disinformation.
To help, UNESCO partnered with the University of Texas’ Knight Center for Journalism to offer a free online course on “how to be a trusted voice online.” The month-long course includes lessons on fact-checking and creating content about elections or crises.
UNESCO said 9,000 influencers have already registered for the course.
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!
Dictionary.com chooses ‘demure’ as word of the year
Dictionary.com has named “demure” as its 2024 Word of the Year. The word went viral after a video was posted on TikTok by user @JoolsLebron in August. Dictionary.com said demure saw a nearly 1,200% increase in usage in digital web media alone between January and the end of August, mainly attributed to the video.
“The rise and spread of the term on social media resulted in a similar increase in search interest on Google. Between August 2023 and July 2024, there was no significant trend in the usage of the word demure. By the week of August 18, 2024, however, there was almost 14 times more interest in the term, highlighting the term’s almost overnight explosion in popularity. At the peak of the trend, demure had 200 times more searches on Dictionary.com than it did on dates preceding August,” Dictionary.com said.
The website said while demure was traditionally used to describe those who are reserved and quiet, however, the new usage seen on social media is meant to describe refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior.
Other words on Dictionary.com’s 2024 Word of the Year shortlist were: brainrot, brat, extreme weather, Midwest nice, and weird. The word of the year in 2023 was “hallucinate.”
Biden admin spent $267 million on ‘misinformation research’: Report
Since President Joe Biden took office, his administration has spent more than $267 million “combating misinformation,” according to a new report from OpenTheBooks, a government transparency watchdog group. This comes as a major initiative under President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration takes shape.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to reduce government waste.
The $267 million spent on combating misinformation went to universities, nonprofits and private companies, according to the report. The largest increase in spending occurred in 2021, with $126 million allocated to “studying and countering COVID-related speech” at a time when public health officials were pushing mandates related to COVID-19.
According to OpenTheBooks, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spent the most money on misinformation research, specifically targeting what it classified as COVID misinformation.
Other federal agencies that reportedly spent millions in grants to fight misinformation include the National Science Foundation, the State Department and the Pentagon.
The report shows that most of the funds were directed to universities. For example, nearly $4 million was awarded to the City University of New York to study how people with anxiety and depression were impacted by vaccine misinformation online. This project is set to conclude in August 2025.
The University of Michigan received $14 million to examine the impact of misinformation on American politics and social polarization.
The federal government also partnered with private companies. According to OpenTheBooks, HHS granted $300,000 to the tech firm Melax Technologies to monitor vaccine misinformation on social media.
The Department of Homeland Security awarded more than $1 million to Guidehouse, a defense contractor, to analyze “misinformation and disinformation.”
There are significant differences between how the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration view misinformation and the role of government in addressing it.
President-elect Trump has vowed to dismantle what he calls the “censorship cartel” within the federal government. On his first day in office, Trump says he will issue an executive order banning federal agencies from collaborating with outside groups to censor or restrict speech. He has also promised to halt taxpayer-funded misinformation research.
The debate over how to handle misinformation remains divisive. Supporters of regulating misinformation argue it is crucial for protecting the public, while critics say it undermines free speech.
TikTok CEO contacts Elon Musk over Trump admin’s tech policies: Report
TikTok CEO Shou Chew has turned to Elon Musk for guidance amid growing uncertainty about the app’s future in the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal. Chew reportedly reached out to Musk for insight on the incoming Trump administration’s stance on tech policy, how it could impact TikTok and what regulatory changes might be on the horizon.
The bill would force TikTok to sever ties with its China-based parent ByteDance. If the company refused to comply by January it would face a ban in the U.S.
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about potential Chinese government influence on TikTok’s content. In response, TikTok filed a lawsuit, arguing that the law infringes on free speech.
Chew and Musk haven’t discussed specific ways for TikTok to remain operational in the U.S., according to the Journal. However, ByteDance executives are said to be “cautiously optimistic” a solution could be found.
TikTok executives have met with people close to both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election. Now, the company is engaging with Musk and other influential figures as it works to stay connected to U.S. policymakers.
Musk’s influence has only grown since the election. He’s been staying at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and reportedly participated in key discussions about the administration’s transition, including weighing in on cabinet appointments.
Musk’s proximity to Trump has made him a valuable figure for business leaders. Many of those leaders have sought insight from Musk into the next four years of U.S. policy.
No singing allowed in AMC Theatres as ‘Wicked’ releases
The wait is over! Fans are heading to theaters for the release of “Wicked.” But AMC Theatres is asking moviegoers to keep their excitement in check. Singing along during the movie is against the rules.
AMC is announcing the no-singing policy in a 30-second advisory playing ahead of the film. It features scenes from “Wicked” and reminds audiences of theater etiquette. It reads, in part: “No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling.”
In a statement to the Indianapolis Star, AMC says the policy aims to prevent disruptive behavior. The goal is to ensure everyone enjoys the movie in peace.
This reminder comes after moviegoers made headlines in the Fall of 2023 during the releases of both “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” Both concert films similarly brought fans to their feet.
Social media reacts
On social media, users are already preparing for what could happen. Some videos show funny reactions to people who might break the no-singing policy.
But for those eager to sing, there’s good news. Variety first reported Universal Pictures will host sing-along screenings of “Wicked” starting Christmas Day. These special showings will take place in 1,000 theaters across North America.
Straight Arrow News has reached out to AMC for further comment and is awaiting a response.