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The article discusses the implications of a recent appellate court ruling that holds companies liable for the actions of their algorithms. It questions whether social media platforms like TikTok should be considered publishers and therefore subject to liability for the content they host. The court ruling suggests that algorithms and artificial intelligence used by platforms like TikTok are not protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online service providers from being sued for content posted by others. The article argues that this ruling marks a significant change and calls for new legislation to address the role of algorithms and AI in content moderation. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil's Supreme Court has stated that Elon Musk's company, X, may be complying with the key requirement to allow the social media platform to return to the country. However, the court has requested further documents from X to prove its efforts. The ban on X was imposed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes for failing to block accounts spreading misinformation and hate speech, as well as refusing to pay fines and appoint a legal director in Brazil. Critics, including Musk, have accused the justice of censorship. The court has stated that X can return if it pays fines, appoints a new legal representative, and blocks flagged accounts. [Extracted from the article]

A report released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that social media companies such as Amazon, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), and X Corp. have been collecting user data without providing adequate privacy controls, including for children. The companies were found to collect data indefinitely and not delete user data upon request. The report recommended that Congress pass legislation to limit surveillance, address protections, and grant data rights for consumers. The FTC also called for companies to limit data collection and sharing with third parties, as well as provide greater privacy protections for children and teens. [Extracted from the article]

German media company Axel Springer has announced a decision to split its classifieds business from its media operations. CEO Mathias Döpfner and Vice Chairwoman Friede Springer will assume control of the media assets, including Politico, Business Insider, and German news publishers Bild and Die Welt. KKR, the company's largest shareholder, will take the classified assets. The split will allow Axel Springer to focus on expanding its media portfolio in the U.S., while KKR will acquire the more-profitable classifieds business. The final agreement is expected in the coming months, with the transaction set to close in the second quarter of 2025. [Extracted from the article]

A group of companies, including Meta Platforms, Spotify, and Prada, have written an open letter warning that the European Union's tech regulations could hinder the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). The letter states that Europe is becoming less competitive and innovative compared to other regions due to inconsistent regulatory decision-making. The signatories call on the EU to harmonize its rules and provide a modern interpretation of data protection laws. The European Commission has responded by stating that it is increasing efforts to support AI innovation. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil's Supreme Court has fined Elon Musk's social media platform, X, almost $1 million per day for allowing users to access the banned platform in the country. The court accused Musk of using a technical maneuver to circumvent the ban after X switched network providers. X claims that the restoration of service to Brazilian users was inadvertent and temporary. The court's crackdown on X is part of broader efforts to "clean up the internet" and protect Brazil's democracy following violent attacks on the capital in 2023. Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have criticized the ban, accusing the Supreme Court of censorship and silencing conservatives. [Extracted from the article]

The fate of TikTok, a popular Chinese-owned social media app, is being decided by three judges at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Congress passed a law in April requiring TikTok to cut ties with China or be banned from U.S. app stores. During the oral argument, TikTok's lawyer argued that the speech being banned is that of a U.S. entity, but the judges seemed skeptical and focused on the issue of Chinese control. The judges compared the case to previous instances of foreign ownership restrictions and questioned whether Congress can bar foreign adversaries from owning major media sources in the U.S. It is uncertain how the court will rule, but TikTok's lawyer may need to appeal to the Supreme Court. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida. It explores the toxic state of American politics and the role that Democrats have played in contributing to this atmosphere. The article suggests that the constant attacks on Trump, including the Russian collusion narrative, impeachment proceedings, and personal insults, have had a negative impact on the country's political climate. It also highlights the influence of social media and the addictive nature of online abuse and distrust. The article concludes by questioning whether the targeting of Trump will help or hurt his candidacy in the upcoming election. [Extracted from the article]

Instagram is implementing new changes to protect teens on its platform. Starting this week, all youth accounts will be automatically set to private with the most restrictive settings. Teens will only be able to direct message people they follow or are already connected to, and there will be a reduction in adult-oriented content. Instagram plans to use artificial intelligence to identify children lying about their age and place them in restricted teen accounts. These changes are not in response to legal pressure but are aimed at improving teen safety. [Extracted from the article]

Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, has banned Russia's state-owned media outlet RT from its apps, following U.S. sanctions against the channel for alleged attempts to interfere in foreign elections. Meta accused RT of "foreign interference activity" and stated that Russia uses social media to covertly manipulate public opinion. The ban will be rolled out globally in the coming days. The Kremlin criticized Meta's move, saying it discredited the social media platform and would complicate Moscow's efforts to normalize relations with the company. This ban is part of a broader crackdown on Kremlin media outlets that began after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, published and then deleted a post on his social media platform, X, wondering why no one was trying to assassinate President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This comment came on the same day that former President Donald Trump was the target of another apparent assassination attempt. Musk later claimed that the post was meant to be a joke. He has been increasingly involved in politics and has shared far-right talking points with his nearly 200 million followers on X. Musk's social media engagement has previously caused controversy, including endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory and sharing an interview with a Holocaust denier. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on Donald Trump's press conference intended to address California's public-safety issues instead focused on his association with right-wing figure Laura Loomer. Topics include Trump's responses to questions about Loomer's controversial statements, her presence on Trump's campaign activities; and the political risks of aligning with fringe figures.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been cracking down on hate speech online and recently called on Elon Musk to block accounts of criminals inciting attacks on police officers and their families. Musk refused and closed X's offices in Brazil, violating a 2002 law. De Moraes has been involved in a yearslong campaign to regulate social media, which has made him a household name in Brazil and sparked a global debate about free speech. He has ordered the arrest of over a thousand people, removed a state governor from office, and shut down WhatsApp temporarily. De Moraes has now targeted Musk, who has criticized the justice on X. The ban on X has been criticized as arbitrary and has led to tensions in Brazil, with right-wing supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro calling for de Moraes's impeachment. Some members of Congress also support his impeachment. De Moraes's approach to the law has been seen as heavy-handed, and his clash with Musk is a major test for him. [Extracted from the article]

Telegram, a messaging app, has become a popular platform for criminals to buy and sell illegal goods and services, including hacked data, weapons, drugs, and child sexual abuse material. The arrest of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, has brought attention to the app's use by pedophile rings, identity thieves, and drug traffickers. While Telegram claims to actively combat illegal content, researchers have found that it is widely used by offenders to view and share child-sex content. The app's ease of use and functionality have made it a preferred marketplace for criminals, surpassing the darknet as a hub for illicit activities. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil is facing a crackdown on free speech and due process, with Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes shutting down Elon Musk's social media site, X (formerly Twitter), and freezing the financial accounts of Starlink, owned by Musk's SpaceX. Judge de Moraes is targeting social media influencers who use irreverence and derision against the ruling establishment, considering them purveyors of disinformation and a threat to democracy. Musk refuses to comply, arguing that it violates Brazil's constitution, which protects speech. This conflict highlights the issue of the separation of powers and the role of the high court in Brazilian politics. [Extracted from the article]

Tens of thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro protested in São Paulo against the ban of Elon Musk's social-media platform X by Brazil's Supreme Court. The court accused Musk of allowing hate speech and misinformation on the platform. The protest highlighted the ongoing debate on social media regulation and served as an indicator of Bolsonaro's ability to draw support as the opposition prepares for upcoming elections. The ban has divided Brazil, with some calling for the impeachment of the judge who issued the ban. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Telegram Chief executive officer (CEO) Pavel Durov's rebuttal of French charges accusing his platform of facilitating illegal content. Topics include Durov's defense against claims of Telegram being an "anarchic paradise" for illicit activities, his assertion that the platform actively removes millions of harmful posts daily, and the legal issues he faces in France, including charges of complicity and failure to cooperate with authorities.

The article details how Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered a freeze on Starlink's financial transactions, intensifying the conflict between Elon Musk and Brazil's judiciary. Topics include Starlink's response to the financial freeze and its decision to provide free service in Brazil, the Supreme Court's threat to ban Musk's social media platform X unless it appoints a new legal representative, and the broader implications of these legal battles on Musk's businesses and X's operations in Brazil.

The article focuses on Mark Zuckerberg's letter to Congress where he acknowledges Meta's error in yielding to government censorship pressures. Topics include the specifics of government pressure on social media content, the impact of this pressure on Meta's policies, and the broader implications for free speech.

The article discusses a ruling by the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that TikTok could be held liable for recommending a "blackout challenge" video, which led to the death of a 10-year-old girl, challenging the legal immunity social-media companies have under Section 230. Topics include the potential liability of social-media platforms, criticisms of Section 230's broad protections, and proposed legislative changes to limit the use of algorithms targeting children.

The article reports on Meta Platforms chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg's statement that it was improper for the U.S. government under the leadership of President Joe Biden to pressure social media service Facebook to censor certain COVID-19 pandemic-related content in 2021. Topics discussed include Facebook's frustration over the censorship including the censor of humor and satire, Facebook's promotion of COVID-19 vaccines, and Zuckerberg's decision not to fund local elections.

The article reports that Pavel Durov, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Telegram messaging app, was detained in France, escalating tensions with Russia. Topics discussed include the investigation into Telegram's alleged role in illegal activities and its non-compliance with European regulations, the significance of Telegram in Russian and Ukrainian media and intelligence operations, and the reaction from Russian officials to Durov's arrest.

The article examines how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are using social media to appeal to digital-first voters. Topics include the competitive social media strategies of both candidates, their efforts to engage influencers to boost their online presence, and their use of digital platforms to connect with young voters.

The article focuses on Elon Musk's decision to close X's operations in Brazil due to escalating conflicts with the Brazilian government over content regulation. Topics include the clash between Musk and Brazilian authorities regarding content moderation, the impact of this decision on X's operations in Brazil, and the broader implications for Musk's interactions with global governments and regulators.

Chinese technology giant Tencent Holdings reported an 82% increase in net profit for the second quarter, driven by a turnaround in its domestic gaming division. The company's domestic game sales grew by 9% from the previous year, thanks to the success of the blockbuster game "Dungeon & Fighter Mobile." Tencent's revenue also increased by 8.0% to 161.12 billion yuan. The company's stock has risen nearly 30% this year, with investors attracted by the success of the hit game. Tencent's online advertising sales also climbed 19%, benefiting from its TikTok-style video accounts embedded in its WeChat app. However, its fintech and business services division saw slower revenue growth due to China's stricter risk-control measures. Overall, analysts view Tencent's earnings as a strong set of results, demonstrating the company's continued effort in delivering sustainable profit growth. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk and Donald Trump engaged in a lengthy conversation on the social-media platform X, discussing topics such as national security, energy policy, and immigration. The interview, which was delayed due to technical issues, allowed Trump to launch personal attacks on his political rivals while expressing his shared vision with Musk for the country. Trump used the interview as an opportunity to regain attention and spotlight, as he is currently in competition with Vice President Kamala Harris. The conversation touched on various issues, with Musk taking a more nuanced approach while Trump remained largely in attack mode. [Extracted from the article]

Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest is suing Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, alleging that the company's AI-powered ad systems amplify scams that use his likeness to promote fraudulent investment schemes. This lawsuit is one of the first cases to challenge the broad immunity protections afforded to technology companies under Section 230. Forrest has pledged to spend vast sums on his legal campaign and believes that Meta must be forced to do more to police its platform. The case raises questions about the role of AI in litigation and whether AI-generated content should be viewed as originating from the user or the platform. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been involved in a series of conflicts related to free speech on social media. Musk has positioned himself as a defender of free speech, even if it is offensive to many. He has taken on high-profile fights against the UK government and major advertisers who have stopped advertising on his platform. Musk's means of attack include his social media platform, which has nearly 200 million followers, and a series of lawsuits against his perceived enemies. While governments are pursuing social media content regulation, Musk is fighting back on free speech grounds, although his actions sometimes undermine his cause. [Extracted from the article]

During the 2024 Olympics, several male athletes have gained viral fame as "internet boyfriends" or eye candy. Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon, German track athlete Leo Neugebauer, and American gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik are among those who have attracted attention for their looks. These athletes are now receiving offers from fashion brands and other companies to capitalize on their newfound fame. The rise of social media has created more opportunities for athlete sponsorships, with brands estimated to spend $1.34 billion in sponsorship revenue for the Olympics. However, gold medalists still receive more attention than viral sensations. Some athletes, like French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, have faced potentially embarrassing viral moments, but these incidents can also present opportunities for sponsorships. [Extracted from the article]

Reddit's ad business has experienced significant growth, with ad revenue reaching $253.1 million in the second quarter. However, marketers believe that Reddit still has room for improvement in areas such as measurement and targeting compared to its rivals. The company's recent acquisition of Memorable AI aims to help advertisers select the most effective ad creative. While Reddit has a passionate and engaged user base, it still needs to enhance its ad capabilities and expand its mid- and low-funnel offerings to attract more brands. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the Chinese-owned social media platform violated child privacy laws. The lawsuit, brought by the Justice Department in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission, claims that TikTok failed to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which requires parental notification and consent before collecting personal information from children under 13. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is also named as a defendant in the case. The lawsuit seeks monetary penalties, but does not specify the amount. TikTok has denied the allegations and stated that it is committed to protecting children and improving its platform. [Extracted from the article]

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to increase its capital expenditures to between $37 billion and $40 billion this year. This represents a 3% raise from the previous range. While this level of spending is significant, it is in line with other tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Meta's stock jumped over 7% following the announcement, indicating investor confidence in the company's ability to sustain its core business and manage costs. However, there are concerns about the expensive race to build generative-AI services, and Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has stated that the direct payoff from these services may take years. [Extracted from the article]

Don Lemon, former CNN host, is suing Elon Musk and X for breach of contract after Musk canceled a partnership deal following a contentious interview. Lemon and X had agreed to a one-year deal for Lemon to produce content on the platform, with X agreeing to pay Lemon $1.5 million and a cut of advertising revenue. However, Musk called off the partnership after the interview, stating that he was not happy with their conversation. Lemon alleges that Musk and X never intended to fulfill the deal. Musk had courted Lemon as part of his efforts to make X a go-to site for news. [Extracted from the article]