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☆ TikTok Is Bad, but WeChat Is Worse
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Seth D. Kaplan | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

WeChat is the most popular communications platform in the world for Chinese speakers. Congress banned the use of TikTok on government devices recently, and the Biden administration is reportedly seeking to go further by, for instance, limiting access to user data to mitigate the app’s dangers. Given the zeal to address threats emanating from a Chinese app, why is WeChat being ignored? But since it is a China-based technology product, WeChat is also a prominent part of Beijing’s mass-surveillance network. User activity is tracked, analyzed, censored and handed over to the government in line with Communist Party mandates.

☆ Companies Tap Tech Behind ChatGPT to Make Customer-Service Chatbots Smarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Katie Deighton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Businesses hope the artificial-intelligence technology behind ChatGPT can turn ordinary chatbots into impressive fonts of information, potentially transforming customer service. But customer-experience executives said overreliance on such AI models could lead to companies dishing out incorrect information to customers online without knowing they are doing so. Some executives hope the technology that drives ChatGPT might also improve customer-service chatbots. But companies should exercise care when dealing with the new AI, Mr. Truog said. Nice is also working on building OpenAI’s language models into chatbots, Mr. Willcutts said, adding that the company plans to run more tests and fine-tune more models before selling its own take on ChatGPT to clients.

☆ AI bot that lets you chat with Jesus, Hitler is latest GPT-3 controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( David Ingram | David Ingram Covers Tech For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

But this week, it sparked viral controversy online over its inclusion of Hitler, his Nazi lieutenants and other dictators from the past. Historical Figures, which also uses GPT-3, launched the first week of January, and as of Wednesday, it had about 9,000 signups, app creator Sidhant Chadda said in a phone interview. “People expect these historical figures to be truthful, but in reality, people are not always 100% honest,” he said. Asking a question costs one coin, and the app charges extra to get access to high-profile historical figures. The possibility of digitally re-animating historical figures has been gaining ground ever since, from the “The Simpsons” to holograms of dead idols such as Buddy Holly and Whitney Houston.

☆ Who is Shou Zi Chew? Mounting scrutiny on TikTok could put new spotlight on its CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Catherine Thorbecke | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Months later, when TikTok was grilled by Congress over privacy and security concerns, Pappas was the TikTok executive in the hot seat fielding questions. But Chew, who took over as TikTok CEO in April 2021, has largely stayed out of the spotlight at a time when the app he leads can’t seem to avoid it. He eventually went on to become the CFO of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which he helped take public in 2018. While Chew is not a Chinese national, Quint noted Chinese tech companies and leaders that have drawn too much attention to themselves have faced tough government crackdowns. Ultimately, Quint said, “I don’t think the CEO of TikTok has much relevance at all” for US lawmakers scrutinizing its ties to China.

☆ Matt Schlapp slapped with a lawsuit after an allegation of fondling a GOP operative
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Jonathan-Allen-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Jonathan Allen | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

In an interview with NBC News earlier this month, the operative said Schlapp invited him to meet at an Atlanta bar. As the operative drove Schlapp to a hotel near the Atlanta airport at the end of the night, Schlapp put his hand on operative's leg, the operative said. Eventually, the operative said in a video he recorded later that night, Schlapp "grabbed my junk and pummeled it at length." When Schlapp texted to say he was in the lobby ready to be driven, the operative replied with language suggested by campaign officials. I would appreciate it,” Schlapp texted, according to the suit.

Most people are aware of gift cards for restaurants or retail stores, but the purchasing power of gift cards is nearly limitless. Throughout the year, we gifted the kids gift cards for Valentine's Day and Easter while also purchasing gift cards whenever our family budget allowed. Cash App Investing does not trade bitcoin and Cash App is not a member of FINRA or SIPC. Show more Minimum Deposit Amount $0 Editor's Rating 4 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4 out of 5 Stars Pros & Cons Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Whether you're using gift cards to save up for your family's dream vacation or for a major purchase, buying gift cards is an ideal alternative to conventional saving.

Featured Partner Offer Cash App - Send Gift Cards to Friends and Family Instantly A tooltip *Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Gift cards are not separate physical cards. However, if a customer does not have a Cash App Card, they can instead convert their gift card to cash in the app. With gift cards, it's easy to make it look like everyone is getting the same gift, but since many gift cards don't state the denomination on the card, you can give anywhere from $5 to $500 and the recipients won't know how much they got in the moment. By buying gift cards from small businesses, you're essentially front-loading sales and guaranteeing income that they might not otherwise receive.

I used to get annoyed when people bought gift cards for gift swaps. I put serious time into finding the right gift, so when people wrapped up gift cards, I felt a flush of annoyance. Cash App - Send Gift Cards to Friends and Family Instantly A tooltip *Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. I realized it wasn't about the gift cards at allI challenged myself to think about why gift cards bothered me. I can get my mom a gift card for tickets to see a show and buy my daughter a gift card for a local pottery painting studio.

☆ Biden signs TikTok ban for government devices amid security concerns
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( David Ingram | David Ingram Covers Tech For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

President Joe Biden approved a limited TikTok ban Thursday when he signed the 4,126-page spending bill into law. The ban prohibits the use of TikTok by the federal government’s nearly 4 million employees on devices owned by its agencies, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, national security and security research purposes. Since 2020, a bubbling movement led largely by conservatives has maintained a minor interest in a TikTok ban. “We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices — a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests — rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review,” the company said in a statement. It added that the proposed security agreement with the Biden administration would address the security concerns of lawmakers and regulators.

☆ U.S. House Bans TikTok on Phones of Representatives and Staff
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Eliza Collins | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Bans on downloading TikTok onto government-issued smartphones and other devices have been in place in many executive branch agencies on the grounds that users’ data could be shared with China’s government. WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives is banning TikTok on all House-managed devices, moving to get in sync with a new law banning the app on executive branch government phones amid mounting national-security concerns. The Chief Administrative Officer advised House members and their staff that the social-media application was banned from phones for all House members and staff effective immediately. U.S. officials and lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the app’s owner, Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd.

I can often get Disney gift cards at a discountBuying gift cards at a discount means paying less for the gift card than the face value of the card. If you pay any amount less than $50 for a $50 gift card, then that's a discounted gift card. If I buy a $100 Disney gift card at Target each month, I'll have $1,200 after a year. However, if a customer does not have a Cash App Card, they can instead convert their gift card to cash in the app. While Costco doesn't sell Disney gift cards, they sometimes have Landry's gift cards, which can be used at the Rainforest Café and T-Rex Café at Disney World.

Then, I started receiving gift cards from people occasionally and found that I love this idea as a gift. 5 practical reasons I like to give gift cardsSome people may think gift cards are losing their charm, but I disagree. I can get gift cards at a discount that stretches my budget furtherI love to get gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, and Target at a discount thanks to holiday sales. Walmart also has discounted gift cards for popular retailers and restaurants, like buying a $25 gift card for $20. I don't buy gift cards for everyoneThe truth is, most people want cash or gift cards for Christmas, but may not admit it out loud.

☆ Eyeliner Out of Stock? Blame TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Liz Young | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Sonya Dube went to buy more of one of her favorite makeup products, a Charlotte Tilbury highlighter, this summer only to find it was out of stock—again. So, it was only natural that Ms. Dube turned to TikTok to document her exasperation at not being able to find another bottle. Viewers often can click a link to buy an item right away, making the shopping experience nearly seamless—if the product is in stock. Charlotte Tilbury has sought to adapt its supply chain to respond to customer demand as products go viral, a company spokesperson said. “We do our best to hold enough stock to get us through moments like these,” Ms. Schakler said.

☆ Washington moved fast to crack down on TikTok but has made little progress with Big Tech
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

But in fast-tracking the bill, Congress can’t help but draw attention to its notable lack of progress on regulating American tech giants more broadly — despite years of reports, hearings and proposed legislation. Washington finds a different tech villainThe tech industry’s largest players have faced a kitchen sink of allegations in recent years. The central allegation against TikTok is that the company poses a potential national security risk. But earlier this year, it acknowledged that China-based employees can access TikTok user data and declined to commit to cutting off those data flows in general. “We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices—a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests—rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review,” said Brooke Oberwetter, a TikTok spokesperson.

I figure out which restaurant or retailer they like, purchase a gift card, and gift the card to them. Featured Partner Offer Cash App - Send Gift Cards to Friends and Family Instantly A tooltip *Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Gift cards can score deals for the giver, tooSo many retailers and restaurants offer bonuses when you purchase a gift card. I buy them a gift card, and in return, I get another gift card for myself and my wife. My home is still divided on whether or not gift cards are the best gift to give.

☆ TikTok executive refuses Jake Tapper’s multiple requests to acknowledge China’s Uyghur genocide
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( David Goldman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Critics argue China’s national security laws could force TikTok — or its parent, ByteDance — to hand over the personal data of customers in the United States. “I’m just not an expert on what’s happening in China,” Beckerman said. He again refused to acknowledge it, saying only that China is among many bad actors around the world. “Look, I think there are many human rights violations that are happening in China and around the world,” Beckerman said. I’m not here to be the expert on human rights violations around the world.”A TikTok spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

No one knows what they need better than they do, and gift cards give them the ability to choose it. Gift cards are requested for people in needGift cards can get a bad reputation. But, when it comes to charitable giving, I've realized that gift cards hold a lot of merit. Featured Partner Offer Cash App - Send Gift Cards to Friends and Family Instantly A tooltip *Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. However, if a customer does not have a Cash App Card, they can instead convert their gift card to cash in the app.

☆ Edgy Campaigns Are Out, TikTok Won’t Stop and Other 2023 Predictions for Marketers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Patrick Coffee | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +11 min

Newsletter Sign-up WSJ | CMO Today CMO Today delivers the most important news of the day for media and marketing professionals. Most campaigns will focus on discounts to customers or showcase the usefulness of a company’s products, he said. Under this form of marketing, ad firms generally get paid upon completion of a desired end, such as a sale or download. In short, consumers should expect less “vacuous virtue-signaling” from marketers in the coming months, according to Mr. Proulx. But these platforms’ very struggles could result in ad bargains for marketers, said Mr. Solomon of Therabody.

☆ Bill to Ban TikTok on Government Devices Faces Uncertain Future in House
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( John D. Mckinnon | Dustin Volz | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

TikTok has said it safeguards the data of its users and wouldn’t share it with the Chinese government. WASHINGTON—The Senate’s move to expand a ban on TikTok being downloaded on government-issued smartphones and other devices faces a doubtful future in the House, despite widening concerns over the Chinese-owned video app’s security risks. The Senate passed a similar bill in 2020, and the legislation stalled out in the House. With just days left in the current session, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) was noncommittal Thursday when asked whether the bill would receive a House vote before adjournment.

☆ TikTok may push potentially harmful content to teens within minutes, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —TikTok may surface potentially harmful content related to suicide and eating disorders to teenagers within minutes of them creating an account, a new study suggests, likely adding to growing scrutiny of the app’s impact on its youngest users. The CCDH said the app recommended videos about body image and mental health about every 39 seconds within a 30-minute period. TikTok said it continues to roll out new safeguards for its users, including ways to filter out mature or “potentially problematic” videos. TikTok said it does not allow content depicting, promoting, normalizing, or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide or self-harm. Still, the CCDH says more needs to be done to restrict specific content on TikTok and bolster protections for young users.

☆ How Republicans are 'playing to the Fox News crowd' with attacks on TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Republicans are escalating their attacks on TikTok. “It’s playing to the Fox News crowd,” a person close to TikTok, who requested anonymity because they were not publicly authorized to speak on the matter, said on Tuesday. The posturing comes at a pivotal moment in the years-long negotiations between TikTok and the US government on a potential deal that aims to address national security concerns and allow the app’s continued use in the US. But, as The WSJ recently reported, the national security talks have hit a snag as pressure mounts on the company. But the type of action being taken by Republicans seems more geared toward playing to their base than anything else.

☆ TikTok Faces U.S. Clampdowns After South Dakota Restrictions
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Stu Woo | Ben Kesling | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

U.S. politicians from both parties in Washington are threatening a ban on TikTok. South Dakota is already implementing a partial one. Kristi Noem , a Republican, issued an executive order banning TikTok from state agencies over national-security concerns stemming from the app’s Chinese ownership. The state tourism department has since deleted its TikTok account, which had 60,000 followers. The state’s six public universities are evaluating next steps later this week.

☆ Indiana Attorney General files lawsuits against TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN Business —Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita on Wednesday announced he has filed two separate lawsuits against TikTok, which accuse the company of making false claims about the safety of user data, and age-appropriate content. “The TikTok app is a malicious and menacing threat unleashed on unsuspecting Indiana consumers by a Chinese company that knows full well the harms it inflicts on users,” Rokita said in a statement. “With this pair of lawsuits, we hope to force TikTok to stop its false, deceptive, and misleading practices, which violate Indiana law.”The lawsuits mark the most serious action taken yet by a state against TikTok, amid increasing attention to and concern about TikTok from state and federal officials in recent months. TikTok does not comment on pending litigation, but said, “the safety, privacy and security of our community is our top priority,” according to a statement from a company spokesperson. And there has been renewed criticism of TikTok this year, stemming from a Buzzfeed News report in June that said some US user data has been repeatedly accessed from China.

☆ Lensa, the AI portrait app, has soared in popularity. But many artists question the ethics of AI art.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Morgan Sung | Morgan Sung Is A Trends Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +12 min

Social media has been flooded with Lensa AI portraits, from photorealistic paintings to more abstract illustrations. In a lengthy Twitter thread posted Tuesday morning, Prisma addressed concerns of AI art replacing art by actual artists. For some artists, AI models are a creative tool. While the value of art is subjective, the crux of the AI art controversy is the right to privacy. Without decades of examples to learn from, he said, the AI images that looked just like his illustrations would never exist.

☆ Lizzo is TikTok’s top music artist for 2022
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

TikTok users also pushed “Jiggle Jiggle” and the “It’s corn!” kid to the top viral trends on the app in the U.S.Lizzo, who has 26 million TikTok followers, was the No. 1 music artist on TikTok this year, based on total video views. 1 trending song in the U.S. was “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre and Dazy, with TikTok users making some 8.9 million videos featuring the track. “Jiggle Jiggle,” the rap created more than two decades ago by documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, gained a new life after it was remixed by DJ duo Duke & Jones (No. TikTok Top Artists 2022, U.S.@lizzo @bellapoarch @badbunny @charlieputh @dojacat @selenagomez @nessaabarrett @yunggravy @billieeilish @meghantrainorTikTok Top Trending Videos 2022, U.S.@amauryguichon: Constructing a very large chocolate giraffe @chipmunksoftiktok: Squishy’s back after hibernation!

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