Trump OKs American acquisition of TikTok, but only if the U.S. gets a cut of the deal

Aug 4, 2020
Microsoft can "go ahead" with efforts to buy TikTok, Trump said, so long as the U.S. Treasury pockets "a substantial amount of money."
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Why Microsoft wants TikTok and how the U.S. government feels about that

Aug 3, 2020
In the tech world, Microsoft is seen as the serious company that does grown-up stuff, so why does it want the social media platform?
Microsoft's potential acquisition of TikTok could put it in the leagues of Facebook and YouTube.
Photo Illustration by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

The latest on TikTok: Microsoft takeover talks, a potential U.S. ban and more

Aug 3, 2020
A leaked memo from ByteDance’s CEO to its staff says TikTok has no choice but to sell its U.S. operations.
The founders were concerned countries would try to meddle in the U.S., so they passed measures like the Emoluments Clause which prohibits office holders from taking gifts from foreign officials.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

TikTok fans and K-pop stans deluge Trump campaign with bad data

Jun 22, 2020
While it's unclear whether the social media campaign affected turnout at the president's Tulsa rally, fake signups to campaign events can corrupt data used for voter outreach.
The upper section of the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is partially empty as President Donald Trump speaks at his campaign rally on June 20.
Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

China's livestream sales: How brands reach consumers during COVID-19

Apr 6, 2020
Consumer spending plummeted while people stayed home. But Taobao saw livestream sales sessions double on its app.
Songzi during a marathon six-hour livestream broadcast selling cosmetics.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

TikTok helps songs go viral, but does it make them hits?

Feb 12, 2020
Billboard doesn't track plays on TikTok, but viral memes can help drive listens on other platforms.

Here's why Washington is concerned about TikTok

Nov 4, 2019
National security officials are reportedly investigating the popular social video app because of its user data practices.
AFP via Getty Images

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