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Technology News
Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology
ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, has made a deal with American and global investors to keep its business running in the United States. This follows pressure from the U.S. government to sell its operations due to national security concerns. It is not yet clear how this deal will affect TikTok users in the United States.
Key Facts
ByteDance owns TikTok, a popular social media app.
ByteDance made a deal with investors to operate TikTok in America.
The U.S. government wanted ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. part due to security worries.
TikTok's future user experience in the U.S. is not clear.
The pressure came from Washington, D.C., which is the capital of the U.S.
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Elon Musk is under scrutiny for posting comments on social media about actress Sydney Sweeney's appearance after her appearance at a movie premiere. Musk's comments involved sharing memes and images that many saw as inappropriate, leading to divided opinions online.
Key Facts
Elon Musk posted several comments about Sydney Sweeney's physical appearance on social media.
The posts included a meme and an image, both of which were widely shared and viewed millions of times.
Some people criticized Musk for focusing on Sweeney's appearance rather than her work.
Others viewed the situation more humorously or dismissed the remarks.
Sydney Sweeney has faced heightened public scrutiny, partly because of her political affiliations and past public controversies.
Though Sweeney has not commented on Musk's recent posts, she has previously responded to public attention regarding her body.
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The U.S. Navy launched a new type of attack drone from a ship for the first time. The drone, called LUCAS, is designed to be a "suicide" or one-way attack vehicle, similar to drones used in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. This development is part of efforts to improve U.S. military strategies using unmanned technology in areas where Iranian drones are a threat.
Key Facts
The drone launched is known as a LUCAS, which stands for Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System.
It was launched from the USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf.
The LUCAS drone is modeled after Iranian "suicide drones" used in Ukraine.
This launch marks the first time the U.S. Navy has launched this kind of drone from a ship.
The drone is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, which focuses on developing these types of drones in the Middle East.
LUCAS can be launched using various methods, including catapults and rocket-assisted takeoff.
Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw highlighted the launch as an important step for affordable unmanned military capabilities.
The U.S. military aims to use these drones to counter threats from Iranian drones in the region.
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Keith Lee won the Creator of the Year award at the first TikTok Awards held in Los Angeles. The awards, voted by fans, honored creators in various categories and coincided with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, agreeing to sell its U.S. operations. This sale involves significant stakes being sold to U.S. and global investors.
Key Facts
Keith Lee won the Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards in Los Angeles.
The awards featured 14 categories, including Storyteller of the Year and Live Creator of the Year.
The event was streamed on TikTok and Tubi and hosted by La La Anthony.
Paris Hilton, Jordan Chiles, and Bethenny Frankel were among the presenters.
The awards took place the same day TikTok's owner, ByteDance, agreed to sell its U.S. operations.
ByteDance's sale involves investors such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX taking major stakes.
ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake in the U.S. operations.
The deal aims to address U.S. national security concerns and is expected to close by January 22.
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TikTok has agreed to sell its U.S. operations to a joint venture led by American investors. This decision follows ongoing concerns about national security linked to TikTok's Chinese ownership. The deal, valued at around $14 billion, will result in changes to how TikTok manages data and content in the U.S.
Key Facts
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. unit to an American-led group.
The joint venture will be called "TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC."
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX will own a combined 45%.
Existing ByteDance investors will hold about one-third, and ByteDance will keep nearly 20%.
The U.S. venture will handle data protection, algorithm security, and content moderation.
Oracle will act as the trusted security partner for auditing compliance.
The sale was prompted by U.S. national security concerns regarding TikTok's Chinese ownership.
The transaction values TikTok's U.S. operations at approximately $14 billion.
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The article discusses how technology is impacting traditional baking operations, particularly at a factory like Tunnock's near Glasgow. While Tunnock's uses automation for many processes, it combines this with human tasks to maintain quality and tradition. New technological advancements, such as a robot arm designed for cake decoration, show how technology could further integrate into food production.
Key Facts
Tunnock's is a family-run business that produces caramel for its wafer biscuits using both human workers and machines.
The factory uses automation but still relies on human skills for tasks like checking caramel consistency.
Machines and human workers together produce about seven million wafer bars and 4.5 million tea cakes each year.
Technology helps Tunnock's compete with larger companies in the snack industry.
A new robot arm called HIRO from Canada's Unifiller is designed to bridge the gap between traditional baking and modern efficiency by decorating cakes.
The robot arm focuses on hygiene and can handle various toppings, which is a challenge in the food industry.
Food industry equipment must be easy to clean to maintain hygiene standards, which is a design focus for the developers of the robot arm.
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TikTok has finalized a deal to sell its U.S. business to American investors Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. This agreement will let TikTok continue operating in the U.S. while ensuring data protection and meeting national security standards. Half of the new TikTok U.S. joint venture will be owned by these investors, with the rest distributed among other stakeholders including the original Chinese owners, ByteDance.
Key Facts
TikTok signed a deal to sell its U.S. unit to American investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.
The deal will close on January 22, ensuring TikTok continues to operate in the U.S.
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX will own 15% each of the new joint venture.
ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake in the U.S. business.
A new board of directors will be majority-American, focusing on protecting U.S. data and national security.
U.S. user data will be stored in a system run by Oracle.
The TikTok algorithm will be adjusted to ensure content is free from outside influences.
President Trump signed executive orders to keep TikTok running while finalizing the deal.
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The UK government plans to ban AI "nudification" apps, which allow users to edit images to remove clothing. This ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls online. The new rules will make it illegal to create or distribute these apps.
Key Facts
The UK government announced a plan to ban "nudification" apps as part of efforts to address online misogyny.
These apps use AI to make images look like a person has no clothing.
Creating sexually explicit deepfake images without consent is already illegal under the Online Safety Act.
The new ban aims to prevent the creation and distribution of nudifying apps.
The government will work with tech companies to tackle intimate image abuse.
UK company SafeToNet develops AI to block sexual content in images and videos.
Calls for the ban come after increases in manipulated explicit imagery being reported by victims.
The new laws are part of a wider strategy to enhance online safety for women and girls.
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Viral videos in 2025 created by artificial intelligence (AI) have gained significant popularity and viewership. These videos often depict historical events, fictional scenarios, and AI-generated personalities. However, the accuracy of these depictions is sometimes questioned, and AI's role in media is a topic of debate.
Key Facts
In 2025, many popular viral videos used AI to create content.
A popular type of video was "point of view" (POV), depicting scenes like historical events.
Some of these videos had inaccuracies, such as incorrect historical details.
An AI actress named Tilly Norwood created by Particle6 has over 68,000 Instagram followers.
The AI music creation named TaTa Taktumi, created by Timbaland, released music despite being virtual.
AI-generated animal videos, like cats playing instruments, gained millions of views for their entertainment value.
AI videos on TikTok featuring celebrities with their famous characters gained significant popularity.
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The article discusses Erik Brynjolfsson's insights into artificial intelligence (AI) and its economic potential. He believes that AI should enhance human work rather than replace it and that such augmentation is key to economic growth. Brynjolfsson's background in economics and AI helps him explore these ideas at Stanford University and the Institute for Human Centered AI.
Key Facts
Erik Brynjolfsson is a leading economist and AI expert.
He works at Stanford University and the Institute for Human Centered AI.
Brynjolfsson believes AI should enhance human work rather than replace it.
Augmenting human tasks with AI may lead to significant economic benefits.
Brynjolfsson's insights are based on economic facts and analysis.
He has a diverse cultural background, having been born in Denmark and moved to the U.S.
His academic journey includes studying applied mathematics at Harvard and a Ph.D. at MIT.
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A government body in the UK reports that one in three adults use AI for emotional support or social interaction. Many people use chatbots like ChatGPT and voice assistants for these purposes. The report also discusses AI's growing capabilities in cybersecurity and scientific fields.
Key Facts
One-third of UK adults use AI for emotional support or social interaction.
One in 25 people use AI for these purposes every day.
The study was conducted by the AI Security Institute (AISI) over two years.
They tested 30+ advanced AI systems in areas like cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.
Chatbots and voice assistants are the most common AI tools used by people for emotional support.
Users felt anxious or depressed when AI companions were unavailable.
AI's ability to detect security flaws is improving rapidly, doubling every eight months.
The report discusses concerns about AI self-replication and hidden capabilities but found no current real-world evidence of these threats.
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Facebook is testing a new feature that limits how many links some users can share without a subscription. The subscription starts at £9.99 per month and includes additional features like a blue verification tick. This move is seen as a way for Facebook to generate more revenue by charging for certain platform functions.
Key Facts
Facebook is testing a limit on the number of links users can share without a subscription.
The subscription costs start at £9.99 per month.
The feature includes a blue verification tick and extra account support.
Notifications about the test have been sent to some users, starting from December 16.
The test targets users in "professional mode" or those using Facebook Pages.
This is part of Meta's strategy to monetize more platform features.
Similar moves have been made by Twitter under Elon Musk, requiring payment for verification.
The test affects how creators and businesses can use Facebook to promote content.
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Nearly 3,000 new data centers in the United States are planned or under construction, adding to the existing 4,000. These centers support the growing AI industry but face opposition due to concerns about energy use and environmental impact. Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania are major locations for these developments.
Key Facts
About 3,000 new data centers are being planned or built in the U.S.
There are already over 4,000 data centers in operation in the country.
Virginia has the most data centers, with 663 running and 595 more planned or being built.
Texas follows closely with 405 current and 442 additional data centers being planned or built.
Georgia and Pennsylvania are expecting large increases in data centers if all planned projects proceed.
AI-related investments amounted to $560 billion across 27,000 deals from 2019 to 2025.
Data centers are expected to generate nearly $27 billion in tax revenue nationwide over the next decade.
Critics argue data centers can lead to environmental issues and use a lot of energy, with relatively few permanent jobs created.
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A study by psychologists at Keele University found that swearing can improve physical performance and help people endure challenging tasks. Using swearing during tasks enabled participants to feel more confident and focused, leading to better results.
Key Facts
Swearing helps people perform better physically during challenging tasks.
The study was conducted by Keele University psychologists, including Richard Stephens.
Participants who swore were able to hold their body weight longer during exercises.
Swearing increased feelings of confidence, focus, and psychological flow.
The study involved 192 participants who were divided into groups that did and did not swear.
Swearing was found to be a low-cost, easily accessible way to boost performance.
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The children's commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, urges parents to turn off their phones during family time this Christmas to engage more with their children. She highlights the importance of parents setting an example by reducing phone use during key moments like meals. A new guide has been released to help parents manage children's online safety and screen time effectively.
Key Facts
Dame Rachel de Souza is the children's commissioner for England.
She advises parents to have "phone-free time" during Christmas to focus on family.
A survey found nearly half of parents plan to allow phone use at the Christmas dinner table.
Research shows that smartphones disrupt Christmas for 40% of adults.
Dame Rachel launched a guide to help parents manage online safety and screen time for children.
Kids aged 13 to 18 acknowledged negative online experiences and the importance of early conversations about online presence.
Arabella Skinner suggests creating family plans for device use to promote attention to children.
A report by Ofcom says children aged 8-14 spend about three hours online daily, with significant use late at night.
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Episode 8 of the show "Pluribus," titled "Charm Offensive," will be released on December 19, 2025. The show, which is about an Earth invasion, can be watched exclusively on Apple TV. There are nine episodes in the first season, with Episode 8 being the second to last.
Key Facts
"Pluribus" Episode 8, "Charm Offensive," airs on December 19, 2025.
The show is available on Apple TV, with a subscription required.
The first season of "Pluribus" has nine episodes.
New episodes of "Pluribus" air every Friday until December 26, 2025.
Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol Sturka in the series.
The final episode of the season airs on December 26, 2025.
Vince Gilligan, known for creating "Breaking Bad," is behind the sci-fi drama.
The show premiered with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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The popular FIFA video game series will return in 2026 through Netflix, four years after ending its partnership with Electronic Arts (EA). Netflix will work with Delphi Interactive to develop the new game, which will be available to play through the Netflix app on mobile devices and some TVs.
Key Facts
The FIFA video game is set to return in 2026, with Netflix securing the rights.
FIFA ended its long-standing partnership with EA in 2023.
Delphi Interactive will develop and publish the new FIFA game.
Players can access the game on iOS and Android devices via the Netflix app and some TVs.
EA rebranded its version of the game series to EA Sports FC in 2023.
The FIFA game series originally released by EA in 1993 had about 150 million players.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed excitement about the collaboration with Netflix for the 2026 World Cup.
Delphi Interactive is also working on a new James Bond video game.
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Captain Puffy, a popular Minecraft streamer, posted a statement on social media about her past relationship with Josh Ellum, alleging misconduct. The statement claims that she experienced manipulation and exploitation, and it has received widespread attention online. Josh Ellum has not yet publicly responded to these accusations.
Key Facts
Captain Puffy is a well-known Minecraft streamer with many followers on Twitch and other platforms.
She released a six-page statement about her past relationship with Josh Ellum on social media.
Her post describing the relationship has been viewed 3.7 million times in less than a day.
Captain Puffy alleges manipulation and exploitation during her relationship with Ellum.
Ellum is also a content creator, working with the gaming brand 100 Thieves.
The allegations have not been proven, and Ellum hasn't publicly replied to them yet.
Captain Puffy claims she was used for content and had to cover expenses while living with Ellum in the U.K.
Her statement has received a lot of supportive feedback from people online.
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Actress Melissa Joan Hart ordered a festive dress online but received a different, low-quality version. She shared her experience on Instagram, highlighting the issue of deceptive AI-generated images in online shopping. Experts advise being cautious as AI images can be misleading.
Key Facts
Melissa Joan Hart ordered a dress online that looked different when it arrived.
She posted on Instagram, showing the dress was not as advertised.
AI-generated images are being used more in shopping and can be misleading.
Many people find it hard to tell real from AI-generated ads.
Experts recommend checking for overly perfect images and verifying website details.
Hart's Instagram post got attention with over 31,300 likes and 1,000 comments.
Online scams using fake images can lead to financial losses for buyers.
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The article discusses how Rivian, an electric vehicle company, is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create flexible and adaptable technology for autonomous vehicles. This involves developing a self-improving AI system that can upgrade over time, which highlights how AI is changing innovation and making some established companies seek partnerships for agility. The text also touches on the costs and limitations of AI, noting that true artificial general intelligence (AGI) is not yet achievable.
Key Facts
Rivian is developing an AI platform for autonomous vehicles that can improve continually without major product overhauls.
The platform includes hardware, perceptual technology, and a large model that updates through software instead of regular product changes.
AI impacts the economics of innovation by speeding up development and allowing continuous evolution of technology.
Established companies like Volkswagen are partnering with agile startups like Rivian to keep up with fast innovation.
Partnerships and flexibility are important as AI reshapes industry standards and best practices.
True artificial general intelligence (AGI), where AI mimics human-like understanding and learning, is still far off.
Current AI models, despite being costly, do not learn continuously and are limited outside specific kinds of tasks.
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