Washington's crackdown on WeChat will disrupt communications between millions of people in the United States and their friends, families and business partners in China.

But the app had not managed to reproduce in the US its success in China as the dominant smartphone-based payments platform.

The US Commerce Department announced partial bans on Friday on WeChat as well as video app TikTok.

The order will slow down WeChat to make it unuseable in the United States for videochats with family and friends.

"They are slowing the speed to technically make it virtually impossible to use audio, video, or send images," said Wu Ziyi, a Chinese graduate student in political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

- Universal app -

In China, WeChat took the country toward cashless commerce in just a few years, and it is used by hundreds of millions for everyday payments.

It is a kind of universal app, a digital bank account and identification card, for ordering food or a car, sending gifts, managing medical issues, and interfacing government services.

Owned by technology giant TenCent, WeChat in the United States has around 19 million active daily users, said Adam Blacker of Apptopia, a mobile apps consultant.

"It's mostly used by Chinese visiting or working here or by Chinese-Americans staying in touch with their relatives," said William Reinsch of the Center for Strategic and international Studies in Washington.

That includes several hundred thousand Chinese students in the US, who use it for "at least 90 percent" of their daily online conversations, according to Wu.

He said that it can be used to exchange small amounts of money.

But it cannot be connected to a US bank account or credit or debit card, and because it only works in Chinese yuan.

US businesses also use WeChat for communications with Chinese suppliers, and can possibly use it for payments, though other services -- like the Alipay function of TenCent rival Alibaba -- are better built to handle large sums and foreign exchange.

If US businesses do use its payments function, said Reinsch, "I haven't heard of anybody complaining that they might be stopped from doing that."

Now, under the Commerce Department order, WeChat cannot be used for transferring money inside the United States.

Reinsch said US businesses were mainly concerned that the long-flagged crackdown would apply to use of WeChat outside the United States, which would hamstring their China businesses.

That usage appears to still be allowed.

- Tough competition in US -

WeChat did once try to break into the US payments market, but made few inroads due to resistance by banks and merchants, regulations that favor credit and debit cards over digital wallets, and stiff competition.

In 2018 the company declared its WeChat Pay app was poised to take off, especially in brand-name shops where Chinese tourists abound, hoping to leverage that for a broader expansion.

The gambling and tourism conglomerate Caesars Entertainment began taking WeChat payments at restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in Las Vegas, aiming to help Chinese tourists spend their money.

But with US-based rivals like Zelle, Venmo and Apple Pay contesting the market, WeChat barely registered, and Caesars appears to have given it up.

The company did not respond to a query on WeChat.

Wu said Chinese in the United States might still find ways to use the app, through VPN networks or by other means, but most are already moving to other chat apps for communications with families back home.

"My family is very traditional, so we will probably just go back to the phone call," he sighed.

Washington's crackdown on WeChat will disrupt communications between millions of people in the United States and their friends, families and business partners in China.

Washington's crackdown on WeChat will disrupt communications between millions of people in the United States and their friends, families and business partners in China. But the app had not managed to reproduce in the US its success in China as the dominant smartphone-based payments platform. The US Commerce Department announced partial bans on Friday on WeChat as well as video app TikTok. The order will slow down WeChat to make it unuseable in the United States for videochats with family and friends. "They are slowing the speed to technically make it virtually impossible to use audio, video, or send images," said Wu Ziyi, a Chinese graduate student in political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. - Universal app - In China, WeChat took the country toward cashless commerce in just a few years, and it is used by hundreds of millions for everyday payments. It is a kind of universal app, a digital bank account and identification card, for ordering food or a car, sending gifts, managing medical issues, and interfacing government services. Owned by technology giant TenCent, WeChat in the United States has around 19 million active daily users, said Adam Blacker of Apptopia, a mobile apps consultant. "It's mostly used by Chinese visiting or working here or by Chinese-Americans staying in touch with their relatives," said William Reinsch of the Center for Strategic and international Studies in Washington. That includes several hundred thousand Chinese students in the US, who use it for "at least 90 percent" of their daily online conversations, according to Wu. He said that it can be used to exchange small amounts of money. But it cannot be connected to a US bank account or credit or debit card, and because it only works in Chinese yuan. US businesses also use WeChat for communications with Chinese suppliers, and can possibly use it for payments, though other services -- like the Alipay function of TenCent rival Alibaba -- are better built to handle large sums and foreign exchange. If US businesses do use its payments function, said Reinsch, "I haven't heard of anybody complaining that they might be stopped from doing that." Now, under the Commerce Department order, WeChat cannot be used for transferring money inside the United States. Reinsch said US businesses were mainly concerned that the long-flagged crackdown would apply to use of WeChat outside the United States, which would hamstring their China businesses. That usage appears to still be allowed. - Tough competition in US - WeChat did once try to break into the US payments market, but made few inroads due to resistance by banks and merchants, regulations that favor credit and debit cards over digital wallets, and stiff competition. In 2018 the company declared its WeChat Pay app was poised to take off, especially in brand-name shops where Chinese tourists abound, hoping to leverage that for a broader expansion. The gambling and tourism conglomerate Caesars Entertainment began taking WeChat payments at restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in Las Vegas, aiming to help Chinese tourists spend their money. But with US-based rivals like Zelle, Venmo and Apple Pay contesting the market, WeChat barely registered, and Caesars appears to have given it up. The company did not respond to a query on WeChat. Wu said Chinese in the United States might still find ways to use the app, through VPN networks or by other means, but most are already moving to other chat apps for communications with families back home. "My family is very traditional, so we will probably just go back to the phone call," he sighed.

Millions of US users to be hit by WeChat ban

China said Saturday it had officially implemented a mechanism enabling it to restrict foreign entities, a much-anticipated move seen as retaliation to US penalties against Chinese companies such as telecom giant Huawei.

An announcement by the Ministry of Commerce did not mention any specific foreign entities, but broadly spelled out the factors that could trigger punitive measures, which may include fines, restriction of business activities and investment in China, and the entry of personnel or equipment into the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-us-to-stop-bullying-after-trump-bans-tiktok-and-wechat-threatens-retaliation-328547">Also read:&nbsp;China asks US to stop 'bullying' after Trump bans TikTok and WeChat; threatens retaliation</a>

The launch of China's "unreliable entities list" ups the ante in the escalating commercial fight with the Trump administration, which has used its own "entity list" to bar Huawei from the US market on national security grounds.

The announcement also came a day after the United States ordered a ban on downloads of popular video app <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tiktok">TikTok</a> and effectively <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">blocked the use</a> of the Chinese super-app WeChat on similar grounds, which prompted a threat by China to strike back.

China would consider sanctions on entities whose activities "harm China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests" or violate "internationally accepted economic and trade rules".

That language closely tracks wording that Beijing has used to repeatedly denounce US actions against Chinese companies.

China said Saturday it had officially implemented a mechanism enabling it to restrict foreign entities, a much-anticipated move seen as retaliation to US penalties against Chinese companies such as telecom giant Huawei.

China said Saturday it had officially implemented a mechanism enabling it to restrict foreign entities, a much-anticipated move seen as retaliation to US penalties against Chinese companies such as telecom giant Huawei. An announcement by the Ministry of Commerce did not mention any specific foreign entities, but broadly spelled out the factors that could trigger punitive measures, which may include fines, restriction of business activities and investment in China, and the entry of personnel or equipment into the country. Also read: China asks US to stop 'bullying' after Trump bans TikTok and WeChat; threatens retaliation The launch of China's "unreliable entities list" ups the ante in the escalating commercial fight with the Trump administration, which has used its own "entity list" to bar Huawei from the US market on national security grounds. The announcement also came a day after the United States ordered a ban on downloads of popular video app TikTok and effectively blocked the use of the Chinese super-app WeChat on similar grounds, which prompted a threat by China to strike back. China would consider sanctions on entities whose activities "harm China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests" or violate "internationally accepted economic and trade rules". That language closely tracks wording that Beijing has used to repeatedly denounce US actions against Chinese companies.

China launches counter-mechanism to US sanctions list

After weeks of planning a way out, TikTok is coming close to a deadline. While TikTok is still trying to work out a deal with American companies that satisfies&nbsp;the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, he has ordered a ban of the Chinese apps TikTok and WeChat from&nbsp;Sunday citing national security concerns.&nbsp;

However, China accused the Trump administration of&nbsp;"bullying" and has threatened&nbsp;countermeasures against the decisions taken by Trump in the last few weeks against the Chinese companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">Also read:&nbsp;US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20</a>

"China urges the US to abandon bullying, cease (its) wrongful actions and earnestly maintain fair and transparent international rules and order," a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

"If the US insists on going its own way, China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the statement continued.

As per the orders, all US locals will be unable to download any updates of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tiktok">TikTok</a> from Sunday and WeChat app would lose functionality in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-happy-with-oracle-having-minority-shares-in-tiktok-328040">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok</a>

Both the apps are facing the harsh treatment from Trump due to the worsening diplomatic ties between the US and China.&nbsp;

TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and WeChat belongs to Tencent — another Chinese companies. The Trump administration has accused the two companies of sharing their data with the Chinese government, and has decided to ban the apps citing national security concerns.

ByteDance, meanwhile, is trying to make a deal with Oracle for the US operations of TikTok, according to which the Chinese company&nbsp;would&nbsp;retaining majority shares.

After weeks of planning a way out, TikTok is coming close to a deadline. While TikTok is still trying to work out a deal with American companies that satisfies the US President Donald Trump, he has ordered a ban of the Chinese apps TikTok and WeChat from Sunday citing national security concerns.

After weeks of planning a way out, TikTok is coming close to a deadline. While TikTok is still trying to work out a deal with American companies that satisfies the US President Donald Trump, he has ordered a ban of the Chinese apps TikTok and WeChat from Sunday citing national security concerns. However, China accused the Trump administration of "bullying" and has threatened countermeasures against the decisions taken by Trump in the last few weeks against the Chinese companies. Also read: US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20 "China urges the US to abandon bullying, cease (its) wrongful actions and earnestly maintain fair and transparent international rules and order," a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said. "If the US insists on going its own way, China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the statement continued. As per the orders, all US locals will be unable to download any updates of TikTok from Sunday and WeChat app would lose functionality in the country. Also Read: Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok Both the apps are facing the harsh treatment from Trump due to the worsening diplomatic ties between the US and China. TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and WeChat belongs to Tencent — another Chinese companies. The Trump administration has accused the two companies of sharing their data with the Chinese government, and has decided to ban the apps citing national security concerns. ByteDance, meanwhile, is trying to make a deal with Oracle for the US operations of TikTok, according to which the Chinese company would retaining majority shares.

China asks US to stop 'bullying' after Trump bans TikTok and WeChat; threatens retaliation

Popular video-sharing app TikTok has filed a complaint to block the Trump administration's ban on the Chinese social-media network.

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., filed a complaint in a Washington federal court challenging the recent prohibitory moves by the Trump administration.

The US Commerce Department announced a ban on Friday blocking people in the United States from downloading Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and TikTok starting September 20.

A Bloomberg&nbsp;report cited the complaint as saying that Trump exceeded his authority when he banned the app, and that he did so for political reasons rather than to stop an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US, as the law requires.

US President Donald Trump, who has been locked in a long-running trade dispute with China, issued an executive order on August 6 that prohibited US transactions with the Chinese owners of messaging app WeChat and TikTok.

Both ByteDance and TikTok are seeking a "declaratory" judgment and an order "invalidating and preliminarily and permanently enjoining the Prohibitions and the August 6 order," according to the complaint.

TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the United States, said the ban would "irreversibly destroy the TikTok business in the US."

Popular video-sharing app TikTok has filed a complaint to block the Trump administration's ban on the Chinese social-media network. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Ltd.

Popular video-sharing app TikTok has filed a complaint to block the Trump administration's ban on the Chinese social-media network. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., filed a complaint in a Washington federal court challenging the recent prohibitory moves by the Trump administration. The US Commerce Department announced a ban on Friday blocking people in the United States from downloading Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and TikTok starting September 20. A Bloomberg report cited the complaint as saying that Trump exceeded his authority when he banned the app, and that he did so for political reasons rather than to stop an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US, as the law requires. US President Donald Trump, who has been locked in a long-running trade dispute with China, issued an executive order on August 6 that prohibited US transactions with the Chinese owners of messaging app WeChat and TikTok. Both ByteDance and TikTok are seeking a "declaratory" judgment and an order "invalidating and preliminarily and permanently enjoining the Prohibitions and the August 6 order," according to the complaint. TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the United States, said the ban would "irreversibly destroy the TikTok business in the US."

TikTok files complaint against Trump administration to block US ban

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns the popular video-sharing app TikTok, is inching towards the deadline of selling its US shares to an American company. However, TikTok has not been able to secure a deal with any company yet.

Rumours had it that Microsoft will be taking over the US shares of the company, but that deal fell out after weeks of planning and research. Oracle Corp, now, will be holding the minority shares in the company. However, that deal does not play well with the US President Donald Trump — who implemented the ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bytedance-says-china-will-have-to-approve-its-us-tiktok-deal-328151">Also read:&nbsp;ByteDance says China will have to approve its US TikTok deal</a>

Now, people working closely in this matter have told the local agencies that TikTok is planning to offer an initial public offering of TikTok Global. The plans will be finalised only after the Trump administration agrees to the already proposed deal by TikTok.

This new company&nbsp;will have a majority of American directors, a US chief executive and a security expert on the board — the company hopes this will be in agreement with Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-happy-with-oracle-having-minority-shares-in-tiktok-328040">Also read:&nbsp;Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok</a>

Donal Trump had, yesterday, expressed discomfort with Oracle holding minority shares in TikTok's new deal, especially after several lawmakers advised him to not take the deal.

The new deal will give Oracle and Walmart a chance to get a seat in the board of the new and US-based TikTok Global, with Oracle owning a 20 per cent stake in the company.

The final details of the deal will be revealed soon. As of now, Trump has provided no details except saying,&nbsp;"nothing much has changed."

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns the popular video-sharing app TikTok, is inching towards the deadline of selling its US shares to an American company. However, TikTok has not been able to secure a deal with any company yet.

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns the popular video-sharing app TikTok, is inching towards the deadline of selling its US shares to an American company. However, TikTok has not been able to secure a deal with any company yet. Rumours had it that Microsoft will be taking over the US shares of the company, but that deal fell out after weeks of planning and research. Oracle Corp, now, will be holding the minority shares in the company. However, that deal does not play well with the US President Donald Trump — who implemented the ban. Also read: ByteDance says China will have to approve its US TikTok deal Now, people working closely in this matter have told the local agencies that TikTok is planning to offer an initial public offering of TikTok Global. The plans will be finalised only after the Trump administration agrees to the already proposed deal by TikTok. This new company will have a majority of American directors, a US chief executive and a security expert on the board — the company hopes this will be in agreement with Trump. Also read: Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok Donal Trump had, yesterday, expressed discomfort with Oracle holding minority shares in TikTok's new deal, especially after several lawmakers advised him to not take the deal. The new deal will give Oracle and Walmart a chance to get a seat in the board of the new and US-based TikTok Global, with Oracle owning a 20 per cent stake in the company. The final details of the deal will be revealed soon. As of now, Trump has provided no details except saying, "nothing much has changed."

TikTok plans US IPO; hopes to launch TikTok Global for US operations

The US Commerce Department said it will issue an order Friday that will bar people in the United States from downloading Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok starting on September 20. Commerce officials said the ban on new U.S. downloads of TikTok could be still rescinded by President Donald Trump before it takes effect late Sunday as TikTok owner ByteDance races to clinch an agreement over the fate of its US operations.

WION Dispatch: US to block TikTok downloads from September 20

TikTok's deadline to sell its US shares is fast approaching,&nbsp;but the deal has still not been finalised. Hoewever, the US President&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has made it clear that the Chinese-owned company will not get any extensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsofts-offer-to-buy-tiktok-rejected-oracle-likely-to-partner-327307">After Microsoft's bid was rejected</a> after extended talks between between the America-based tech giant Microsoft and the Chinese parent company ByteDance, news about Oracle Corp partnering with ByteDance started making the headines.

However, that deal may be in danger too as Trump has raised questions about this deal as he is not in favour of a Chinese company sharing the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oracle-very-close-to-deal-on-tiktok-donald-trump-327804">Also read|&nbsp;Oracle ‘very close’ to deal on TikTok: Donald Trump</a>

As per the deal, ByteDance may keep a majority of the US operations, and Trump's administration has warned him against it. He said he is aware about the ongoing deal but is not happy with the idea of the Chinese firm retaining the majority control.

Senator Marco Rubio and five other Republican senators on Wednesday urged the administration to reject the deal as long as ties remained to Chinese owner ByteDance, and asked the President to block the proposal.

"Conceptually, I can tell you that I don't like that," Trump told reporters. "I'm not prepared to sign off on anything. They're going to be reporting to me tomorrow morning and I'll let you know."

Senator Ted Cruz, too, has opposed the Oracle deal claiming it undermines the President's executive orders and raises questions about national security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-officially-launches-its-own-tiktok-competitor-327616">Also read|&nbsp;YouTube officially launches its own TikTok competitor</a>

"We remain opposed to any deal that would allow China-based or controlled entities to retain, control or modify the code or algorithms that operate any US-based version of TikTok," Senator Marco Rubio wrote.

"We are heartened that this deal still requires government approval, and if reports indicating this proposed deal will retain links to ByteDance or other Chinese-controlled entities, we strongly urge the administration to reject such a proposal on national security grounds," he added.

Lawmakers fear if Oracle gets minority shares and ByteDance continues to own majority shares, the alleged practice of continuing to supply data to China will not stop.

However, this decision is coming very close to the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a> that are few weeks away. Donald Trump, who is competing against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, would not want to make his young voters, who are addicted to TikTok, to feel alienated and be angry at him.

The decision to allow TikTok to continue will partially hold the power to decide whether or not Trump gets majority votes this November.

TikTok's deadline to sell its US shares is fast approaching, but the deal has still not been finalised. Hoewever, the US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the Chinese-owned company will not get any extensions.

TikTok's deadline to sell its US shares is fast approaching, but the deal has still not been finalised. Hoewever, the US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the Chinese-owned company will not get any extensions. After Microsoft's bid was rejected after extended talks between between the America-based tech giant Microsoft and the Chinese parent company ByteDance, news about Oracle Corp partnering with ByteDance started making the headines. However, that deal may be in danger too as Trump has raised questions about this deal as he is not in favour of a Chinese company sharing the deal. Also read| Oracle ‘very close’ to deal on TikTok: Donald Trump As per the deal, ByteDance may keep a majority of the US operations, and Trump's administration has warned him against it. He said he is aware about the ongoing deal but is not happy with the idea of the Chinese firm retaining the majority control. Senator Marco Rubio and five other Republican senators on Wednesday urged the administration to reject the deal as long as ties remained to Chinese owner ByteDance, and asked the President to block the proposal. "Conceptually, I can tell you that I don't like that," Trump told reporters. "I'm not prepared to sign off on anything. They're going to be reporting to me tomorrow morning and I'll let you know." Senator Ted Cruz, too, has opposed the Oracle deal claiming it undermines the President's executive orders and raises questions about national security. Also read| YouTube officially launches its own TikTok competitor "We remain opposed to any deal that would allow China-based or controlled entities to retain, control or modify the code or algorithms that operate any US-based version of TikTok," Senator Marco Rubio wrote. "We are heartened that this deal still requires government approval, and if reports indicating this proposed deal will retain links to ByteDance or other Chinese-controlled entities, we strongly urge the administration to reject such a proposal on national security grounds," he added. Lawmakers fear if Oracle gets minority shares and ByteDance continues to own majority shares, the alleged practice of continuing to supply data to China will not stop. However, this decision is coming very close to the upcoming US elections that are few weeks away. Donald Trump, who is competing against Joe Biden, would not want to make his young voters, who are addicted to TikTok, to feel alienated and be angry at him. The decision to allow TikTok to continue will partially hold the power to decide whether or not Trump gets majority votes this November.

Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok

China will need to approve ByteDance`s proposed deal with Oracle Corp for its TikTok app, the Chinese company said on Thursday, indicating how its bid to stave off a ban in the United States could be further complicated.

Oracle has submitted a proposal to the Trump administration that will allow it to become a technology partner in the TikTok app, as ByteDance hopes to head off a Trump order that it divest TikTok`s U.S. operations. The proposal envisages making TikTok Global a U.S.-headquartered company.

But U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday raised questions about ByteDance`s plans to keep a majority stake in TikTok`s U.S. operations and said he did not favor the idea of the Chinese firm retaining control, after six Republican lawmakers urged him to reject the proposal.

Trump has said he would ban TikTok in the United States as early as Sunday if ByteDance does not comply amid U.S. concerns that the company could pass user data to China`s Communist Party government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-happy-with-oracle-having-minority-shares-in-tiktok-328040">Also read|&nbsp;Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok</a>

An outright sale of TikTok`s operations or technologies was not included in ByteDance`s proposal to the United States, Chinese state media reported on Thursday citing a separate statement from the company.

ByteDance declined to comment when asked about this by Reuters.

When asked about ByteDance`s comments regarding the need for China`s approval, the foreign ministry on Thursday urged the United States to respect the principles of the market economy and fair competition, and to stop politicising normal economic and trade cooperation.

China late last month updated its export control rules to give it a say over the transfer of technology such as TikTok’s user recommendation algorithm to foreign buyers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oracle-very-close-to-deal-on-tiktok-donald-trump-327804">Also read|&nbsp;Oracle ‘very close’ to deal on TikTok: Donald Trump</a>

Reuters has reported that the Oracle deal would not require ByteDance to apply to Chinese authorities for an export licence for TikTok`s algorithm.

ByteDance and its founder Zhang Yiming have faced public criticism in China for seeming to give in to U.S. pressure after it was reported it was contemplating a sale of TikTok`s U.S. operations to Microsoft Corp. Some netizens said they would stop using Douyin, ByteDance`s Chinese version of TikTok.

"ByteDance, as it works to find a solution to keep TikTok`s U.S. business alive, is walking a tightrope between the demands of the U.S. government on the one side and the expectations of both the Chinese government and public on the other," said Mark Natkin, managing director at Marbridge Consulting.

"It can`t afford to make any missteps along the way."

China will need to approve ByteDance`s proposed deal with Oracle Corp for its TikTok app, the Chinese company said on Thursday, indicating how its bid to stave off a ban in the United States could be further complicated.

China will need to approve ByteDance`s proposed deal with Oracle Corp for its TikTok app, the Chinese company said on Thursday, indicating how its bid to stave off a ban in the United States could be further complicated. Oracle has submitted a proposal to the Trump administration that will allow it to become a technology partner in the TikTok app, as ByteDance hopes to head off a Trump order that it divest TikTok`s U.S. operations. The proposal envisages making TikTok Global a U.S.-headquartered company. But U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday raised questions about ByteDance`s plans to keep a majority stake in TikTok`s U.S. operations and said he did not favor the idea of the Chinese firm retaining control, after six Republican lawmakers urged him to reject the proposal. Trump has said he would ban TikTok in the United States as early as Sunday if ByteDance does not comply amid U.S. concerns that the company could pass user data to China`s Communist Party government. Also read| Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok An outright sale of TikTok`s operations or technologies was not included in ByteDance`s proposal to the United States, Chinese state media reported on Thursday citing a separate statement from the company. ByteDance declined to comment when asked about this by Reuters. When asked about ByteDance`s comments regarding the need for China`s approval, the foreign ministry on Thursday urged the United States to respect the principles of the market economy and fair competition, and to stop politicising normal economic and trade cooperation. China late last month updated its export control rules to give it a say over the transfer of technology such as TikTok’s user recommendation algorithm to foreign buyers. Also read| Oracle ‘very close’ to deal on TikTok: Donald Trump Reuters has reported that the Oracle deal would not require ByteDance to apply to Chinese authorities for an export licence for TikTok`s algorithm. ByteDance and its founder Zhang Yiming have faced public criticism in China for seeming to give in to U.S. pressure after it was reported it was contemplating a sale of TikTok`s U.S. operations to Microsoft Corp. Some netizens said they would stop using Douyin, ByteDance`s Chinese version of TikTok. "ByteDance, as it works to find a solution to keep TikTok`s U.S. business alive, is walking a tightrope between the demands of the U.S. government on the one side and the expectations of both the Chinese government and public on the other," said Mark Natkin, managing director at Marbridge Consulting. "It can`t afford to make any missteps along the way."

ByteDance says China will have to approve its US TikTok deal

American online video-sharing platform YouTube has announced that it will launching a new video sharing platform called YouTube Shorts.

According to a blogpost shared by YouTube, "Shorts is a new short-form video experience for creators and artists who want to shoot short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones."

YouTube Shorts is a short-format video feature that lives right within the main app. The platform will allow users to upload 15-second or less short-form videos using a new set of creator tools, including a multi-segment camera, similar to TikTok, speed controls and a timer and a countdown feature.

"This is an early version of the product, but we're releasing it now to bring you — our global community of users, creators and artists — on our journey with us as we build and improve Shorts," YouTube said in a statement.

According to YouTube, every month 2 billion viewers visit YouTube, with several creators who have built their entire businesses on the video-sharing platform.

"We want to enable the next generation of mobile creators to also grow a community on YouTube with Shorts. It will have a multi-segment camera to string multiple video clips together as well as the option to record with music from a large library of songs that will continue to grow. It will also have speed controls that will give the user flexibility to be creative with their performance and a timer and countdown to easily record hands-free," the blogpost said.

(With inputs from agencies)

American online video-sharing platform YouTube has announced that it will launching a new video sharing platform called YouTube Shorts. According to a blogpost shared by YouTube, "Shorts is a new short-form video experience for creators and artists who want to shoot short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones.

American online video-sharing platform YouTube has announced that it will launching a new video sharing platform called YouTube Shorts. According to a blogpost shared by YouTube, "Shorts is a new short-form video experience for creators and artists who want to shoot short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones." YouTube Shorts is a short-format video feature that lives right within the main app. The platform will allow users to upload 15-second or less short-form videos using a new set of creator tools, including a multi-segment camera, similar to TikTok, speed controls and a timer and a countdown feature. "This is an early version of the product, but we're releasing it now to bring you — our global community of users, creators and artists — on our journey with us as we build and improve Shorts," YouTube said in a statement. According to YouTube, every month 2 billion viewers visit YouTube, with several creators who have built their entire businesses on the video-sharing platform. "We want to enable the next generation of mobile creators to also grow a community on YouTube with Shorts. It will have a multi-segment camera to string multiple video clips together as well as the option to record with music from a large library of songs that will continue to grow. It will also have speed controls that will give the user flexibility to be creative with their performance and a timer and countdown to easily record hands-free," the blogpost said. (With inputs from agencies)

YouTube officially launches its own TikTok competitor

Alphabet Inc's YouTube is set to roll out its version of social media rival TikTok -- a new short-form video service called Shorts.

The feature will be enabled within its video-sharing platform.

YouTube's entry into the short-form video service space coincides with TikTok's ban in one of its biggest market, India, following the country's escalating tensions with China.

YouTube's new product will let users record short mobile-friendly vertical videos and then add special effects and soundtracks pulled from a music library.

YouTube will first test the feature in India over the next few days and then expand to more countries in the coming months, it said in a blog post on Monday.

The announcement also comes as Oracle Corp and China's ByteDance team up to keep TikTok operating in the United States, beating Microsoft Corp in a deal structured as a partnership rather than an outright sale.

The new product will compete with Facebook Inc's Reels and TikTok.

Alphabet Inc's YouTube is set to roll out its version of social media rival TikTok -- a new short-form video service called Shorts. The feature will be enabled within its video-sharing platform.

Alphabet Inc's YouTube is set to roll out its version of social media rival TikTok -- a new short-form video service called Shorts. The feature will be enabled within its video-sharing platform. YouTube's entry into the short-form video service space coincides with TikTok's ban in one of its biggest market, India, following the country's escalating tensions with China. YouTube's new product will let users record short mobile-friendly vertical videos and then add special effects and soundtracks pulled from a music library. YouTube will first test the feature in India over the next few days and then expand to more countries in the coming months, it said in a blog post on Monday. The announcement also comes as Oracle Corp and China's ByteDance team up to keep TikTok operating in the United States, beating Microsoft Corp in a deal structured as a partnership rather than an outright sale. The new product will compete with Facebook Inc's Reels and TikTok.

Alphabet Inc's YouTube to launch TikTok-like product

Microsoft on Sunday said its offer to buy TikTok has been rejected, with reports suggesting coming Oracle and Bytedance are likely to notch a deal.&nbsp;

"ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft," the US tech giant, in a statement, said, adding that their proposal was would have been "good" for TikTok users while "protecting national security interests".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-months-after-tiktok-influencers-busy-rebuilding-fan-base-as-homegrown-apps-enjoy-gold-rush-327178">Two months after TikTok: Influencers busy rebuilding fan base as homegrown apps enjoy 'gold rush'</a>

Earlier, Microsoft was amongst the major contenders to buy TikTok after US President Donald Trump last month gave a deadline to the video-platform company of September 15 to get sold or be banned.&nbsp;

The Washington Post reported that ByteDance has chosen Oracle as a "technology partner" and news agency Reuters quoted a source, claiming there would be a restructuring rather than a sale, with Oracle responsible for handling TikTok's data of US users.&nbsp;

Reuters also reported that Walmart is still interested in investing in TikTok and discussions with ByteDance have been ongoing.&nbsp;

Microsoft on Sunday said its offer to buy TikTok has been rejected, with reports suggesting coming Oracle and Bytedance are likely to notch a deal. "ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft," the US tech giant, in a statement, said, adding that their proposal was would have been "good" for TikTok users while "protecting national security interests".

Microsoft on Sunday said its offer to buy TikTok has been rejected, with reports suggesting coming Oracle and Bytedance are likely to notch a deal. "ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft," the US tech giant, in a statement, said, adding that their proposal was would have been "good" for TikTok users while "protecting national security interests". Also read | Two months after TikTok: Influencers busy rebuilding fan base as homegrown apps enjoy 'gold rush' Earlier, Microsoft was amongst the major contenders to buy TikTok after US President Donald Trump last month gave a deadline to the video-platform company of September 15 to get sold or be banned. The Washington Post reported that ByteDance has chosen Oracle as a "technology partner" and news agency Reuters quoted a source, claiming there would be a restructuring rather than a sale, with Oracle responsible for handling TikTok's data of US users. Reuters also reported that Walmart is still interested in investing in TikTok and discussions with ByteDance have been ongoing.

Microsoft's offer to buy TikTok rejected; Oracle likely to partner

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday&nbsp;said that popular mobile phone app TikTok is being "encircled" and "coerced" as its parent company ByteDance picked Oracle as partner to try to save its business in the United States.

The ministry's spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to comment on the news, but urged the US&nbsp;government to provide an "open, fair and non-discriminatory international business environment for foreign enterprises".

Oracle beat Microsoft in the battle for the US&nbsp;arm of TikTok with a deal structured as a partnership rather than an outright sale to try to navigate geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsofts-offer-to-buy-tiktok-rejected-oracle-likely-to-partner-327307" hreflang="en">Microsoft's offer to buy TikTok rejected; Oracle likely to partner</a>

Microsoft on Sunday said its offer to buy TikTok has been rejected. The US tech giant issued a statment saying "ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft".

ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, had been in talks to divest the US&nbsp;business of its hugely popular short-video app to Oracle&nbsp;or a consortium led by Microsoft Corp&nbsp;after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump ordered the sale last month and said he might otherwise shut it down.

While TikTok is best known for dancing videos that go viral among teenagers, US&nbsp;officials are concerned user information could be passed to China's communist government. TikTok, which has as many as 100 million US&nbsp;users, has said it would never share such data with Chinese authorities.

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said that popular mobile phone app TikTok is being "encircled" and "coerced" as its parent company ByteDance picked Oracle as partner to try to save its business in the United States.

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said that popular mobile phone app TikTok is being "encircled" and "coerced" as its parent company ByteDance picked Oracle as partner to try to save its business in the United States. The ministry's spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to comment on the news, but urged the US government to provide an "open, fair and non-discriminatory international business environment for foreign enterprises". Oracle beat Microsoft in the battle for the US arm of TikTok with a deal structured as a partnership rather than an outright sale to try to navigate geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington. Also read: Microsoft's offer to buy TikTok rejected; Oracle likely to partner Microsoft on Sunday said its offer to buy TikTok has been rejected. The US tech giant issued a statment saying "ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft". ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, had been in talks to divest the US business of its hugely popular short-video app to Oracle or a consortium led by Microsoft Corp after US President Donald Trump ordered the sale last month and said he might otherwise shut it down. While TikTok is best known for dancing videos that go viral among teenagers, US officials are concerned user information could be passed to China's communist government. TikTok, which has as many as 100 million US users, has said it would never share such data with Chinese authorities.

China says TikTok being 'encircled' and 'coerced' after ByteDance drops sale

More than two months after Tik Tok was banned, the story of short video apps in India is moving on two tracks influencers are struggling to rebuild their fan base and compensate for the dip in their incomes while similar homegrown apps are enjoying the spike in the number of users.

So, 24-year-old beatboxer Jesus Mehta is trying to find a new home for his talents but Indian short video companies look at the absence of Tiktok as an opportunity to grow.

On June 29, the government banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, leaving over 200 million users of the short video app feeling a little bereft and those like Mehta with significantly reduced earnings.

A month before joining a job that would have paid him a little under Rs 10,000, Mehta last January decided to make TikTok videos showcasing his beatboxing talent instead.

A year later, he had a following of over two million.

And what had so far been a hobby paid him at least Rs 60,000 a month.

Those glory days are over, at least for the moment, the Surat-based beatboxer said.

The last two months haven't been smooth. TikTok was one of my sources of income. I also take online classes. TikTok alone earned me over Rs 60,000 monthly, and now it barely reaches Rs 20,000, Mehta told PTI over the phone.

He would do brand collaborations and live performances on TikTok, where the audience could send gift points redeemable in cash rewards.

He is now trying to rebuild his fanbase on Instagram and has so far got a little over 17,000 followers.

While there is no dearth of options, including Chingari, Roposo, Rizzle and Instagram Reels, many TikTok creators are still looking for the right platform.

But they will have to start from scratch and wait for a long time before money starts coming in.

Yamuna Nagar-based TikTok creator Abheshek Garg said there are plenty of options available to create content but nothing comes close to TikTok in terms of audience reach and monetary benefits.

"A lot of people were actually relying on TikTok for their bread and butter. So it has been a huge setback. The reach that platform had was immense. No application comes close to that,Garg, a fashion and travel blogger who had over a million followers on TikTok, said.

"If you join any new platform, we won't get any monetary benefits because no brand associates with such new accounts or new applications. TikTok was well established, and it was growing massively in monetary terms, he added.

Though several similar apps existed in India along with TikTok, it was only after the ban that they registered a sudden spike in new users.

Roposo, a leading short-video platform in India, was launched in 2014.

While it already had over 50 million downloads on Google Play Store, another 40 million users downloaded the app in the next two months after the TikTok ban.

However, the Bangalore-based social video platform doesn't think the entire credit goes to the ban.

According to Bikash Chowdhury, chief marketing officer of Glance, the parent company of Roposo, the application was already at the number one spot on the Google Play Store in the social app category in mid-June.

Additionally, a few weeks back we introduced the Pride of India programme, a collaboration with Indian achievers like Babita Phogat, Chandro Tomar, Neel Ghose and Sangram Singh. The multifaceted programme provides these remarkable Indians a platform to mentor and inspire fellow Indians. This programme has seen a lot of engagement, he said.

Vidya Narayanan, CEO and co-founder of Rizzle which was launched in June 2019, also believes it wasn't the TikTok ban that made the app popular but the content by its creators who continue to set new records and inspire new creators to join the tribe.

Finding hundreds and even thousands of videos per creator profile on the feed is not uncommon on Rizzle. Our users surprised us with tweet storms for Rizzle and now it's a regular regime for them. They even started fan pages on Instagram and Facebook. This is a community that is going to town for this app. It is their initiative, Narayanan said.

Since the ban on the popular app, some leading TikTokers', including Khushi Punjaban, who had over 18 million followers for her comedy and dance videos on the banned app, model Neetu Bisht with nearly seven million followers, and chef Rashika Punjabi with 2.8 lakh followers, joined Roposo.

Masterchef India finalist Geetha Sridhar, who had over a million followers, and This is Sumesh' (short comic videos) with one million followers on TikTok, joined the Rizzle app.

Sumit Ghosh, founder of Chingari, sees the scattered migration of top TikTok creators as an opportunity for short-video companies to coexist and even grow together.

TikTok ban has created a kind of a gold rush, hundreds of tech startups are rushing to this space...In this space, we believe there can be multiple players, and they can coexist. Our plan anyway was to coexist with TikTok and grow so I think the differentiating factor will be the content genre, Ghosh said.

Launched in November 2018, the Chingari app currently registers two-three million daily active users.

Ghosh added that Chingari's focus is to build micro creators instead of going after influencers or TikTok stars.

The very multiplicity of options can also be a problem.

Without disclosing details, mental health speaker Gaurav Jain said his earnings had reduced "significantly" after the TikTok ban.

He sees the availability of multiple platforms as a reason behind the division of his follower base on TikTok, which may further cause a delay in getting back the same popularity.

"I think that followers have got distributed on so many different platforms since the TikTok ban. If I had a million followers on TikTok, two lakh might be using Roposo, another lakh might be using Takatak.

"The creator will have to kind of recreate their audience. Some might recognise you from your face maybe, but I don't think the exact one million followers come back to me on another platform. I totally have to rebuild my audience," the Delhi-based influencer, with over a million TikTok followers, said.

More than two months after Tik Tok was banned, the story of short video apps in India is moving on two tracks influencers are struggling to rebuild their fan base and compensate for the dip in their incomes while similar homegrown apps are enjoying the spike in the number of users.

More than two months after Tik Tok was banned, the story of short video apps in India is moving on two tracks influencers are struggling to rebuild their fan base and compensate for the dip in their incomes while similar homegrown apps are enjoying the spike in the number of users. So, 24-year-old beatboxer Jesus Mehta is trying to find a new home for his talents but Indian short video companies look at the absence of Tiktok as an opportunity to grow. On June 29, the government banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, leaving over 200 million users of the short video app feeling a little bereft and those like Mehta with significantly reduced earnings. A month before joining a job that would have paid him a little under Rs 10,000, Mehta last January decided to make TikTok videos showcasing his beatboxing talent instead. A year later, he had a following of over two million. And what had so far been a hobby paid him at least Rs 60,000 a month. Those glory days are over, at least for the moment, the Surat-based beatboxer said. The last two months haven't been smooth. TikTok was one of my sources of income. I also take online classes. TikTok alone earned me over Rs 60,000 monthly, and now it barely reaches Rs 20,000, Mehta told PTI over the phone. He would do brand collaborations and live performances on TikTok, where the audience could send gift points redeemable in cash rewards. He is now trying to rebuild his fanbase on Instagram and has so far got a little over 17,000 followers. While there is no dearth of options, including Chingari, Roposo, Rizzle and Instagram Reels, many TikTok creators are still looking for the right platform. But they will have to start from scratch and wait for a long time before money starts coming in. Yamuna Nagar-based TikTok creator Abheshek Garg said there are plenty of options available to create content but nothing comes close to TikTok in terms of audience reach and monetary benefits. "A lot of people were actually relying on TikTok for their bread and butter. So it has been a huge setback. The reach that platform had was immense. No application comes close to that,Garg, a fashion and travel blogger who had over a million followers on TikTok, said. "If you join any new platform, we won't get any monetary benefits because no brand associates with such new accounts or new applications. TikTok was well established, and it was growing massively in monetary terms, he added. Though several similar apps existed in India along with TikTok, it was only after the ban that they registered a sudden spike in new users. Roposo, a leading short-video platform in India, was launched in 2014. While it already had over 50 million downloads on Google Play Store, another 40 million users downloaded the app in the next two months after the TikTok ban. However, the Bangalore-based social video platform doesn't think the entire credit goes to the ban. According to Bikash Chowdhury, chief marketing officer of Glance, the parent company of Roposo, the application was already at the number one spot on the Google Play Store in the social app category in mid-June. Additionally, a few weeks back we introduced the Pride of India programme, a collaboration with Indian achievers like Babita Phogat, Chandro Tomar, Neel Ghose and Sangram Singh. The multifaceted programme provides these remarkable Indians a platform to mentor and inspire fellow Indians. This programme has seen a lot of engagement, he said. Vidya Narayanan, CEO and co-founder of Rizzle which was launched in June 2019, also believes it wasn't the TikTok ban that made the app popular but the content by its creators who continue to set new records and inspire new creators to join the tribe. Finding hundreds and even thousands of videos per creator profile on the feed is not uncommon on Rizzle. Our users surprised us with tweet storms for Rizzle and now it's a regular regime for them. They even started fan pages on Instagram and Facebook. This is a community that is going to town for this app. It is their initiative, Narayanan said. Since the ban on the popular app, some leading TikTokers', including Khushi Punjaban, who had over 18 million followers for her comedy and dance videos on the banned app, model Neetu Bisht with nearly seven million followers, and chef Rashika Punjabi with 2.8 lakh followers, joined Roposo. Masterchef India finalist Geetha Sridhar, who had over a million followers, and This is Sumesh' (short comic videos) with one million followers on TikTok, joined the Rizzle app. Sumit Ghosh, founder of Chingari, sees the scattered migration of top TikTok creators as an opportunity for short-video companies to coexist and even grow together. TikTok ban has created a kind of a gold rush, hundreds of tech startups are rushing to this space...In this space, we believe there can be multiple players, and they can coexist. Our plan anyway was to coexist with TikTok and grow so I think the differentiating factor will be the content genre, Ghosh said. Launched in November 2018, the Chingari app currently registers two-three million daily active users. Ghosh added that Chingari's focus is to build micro creators instead of going after influencers or TikTok stars. The very multiplicity of options can also be a problem. Without disclosing details, mental health speaker Gaurav Jain said his earnings had reduced "significantly" after the TikTok ban. He sees the availability of multiple platforms as a reason behind the division of his follower base on TikTok, which may further cause a delay in getting back the same popularity. "I think that followers have got distributed on so many different platforms since the TikTok ban. If I had a million followers on TikTok, two lakh might be using Roposo, another lakh might be using Takatak. "The creator will have to kind of recreate their audience. Some might recognise you from your face maybe, but I don't think the exact one million followers come back to me on another platform. I totally have to rebuild my audience," the Delhi-based influencer, with over a million TikTok followers, said.

Two months after TikTok: Influencers busy rebuilding fan base as homegrown apps enjoy 'gold rush'

Beijing opposes a forced sale of TikTok`s U.S. operations by its Chinese owner ByteDance, and would prefer to see the short video app shut down in the United States, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

ByteDance has been in talks to sell TikTok`s U.S. business to potential buyers including Microsoft and Oracle since U.S. President Donald Trump threatened last month to ban the service if it was not sold.

Trump has given ByteDance a deadline of mid September to finalise a deal.

However, Chinese officials believe a forced sale would make both ByteDance and China appear weak in the face of pressure from Washington, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

ByteDance said in a statement to Reuters that the Chinese government had never suggested to it that it should shut down TikTok in the United States or in any other markets.

Two of the sources said China was willing to use revisions it made to a technology exports list on Aug. 28 to delay any deal reached by ByteDance, if it had to.

China`s State Council Information Office and its foreign and commerce ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent after working hours.

Asked on Friday about Trump and TikTok, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing that the United States was abusing the concept of national security, and urged it to stop oppressing foreign companies.

CLASH BETWEEN POWERS

Reuters has reported that TikTok’s prospective buyers were discussing four ways to structure an acquisition from ByteDance.

Within these, ByteDance could still push ahead with a sale of TikTok`s U.S. assets without approval from China`s commerce ministry by selling them without key algorithms.

ByteDance and its founder Zhang Yiming have been caught in a clash between the world`s two preeminent powers.&nbsp; 
Trump last month issued two executive orders that require ByteDance to sell TikTok`s U.S. assets or face being banned in the country, where the app is hugely popular among teenagers.

U.S. officials have criticised the app`s security and privacy, suggesting that user data might be shared with Beijing. TikTok has said it would not comply with any request to share user data with the Chinese authorities.

Beijing has said it firmly opposes Trump`s executive orders and on Aug. 28 moved to give itself a say in the process, revising a list of technologies that will need Chinese government approval before they are exported. Experts said TikTok`s recommendation algorithm would fall under this list.

Chinese regulators said last week the rules were not targeted at specific companies but they reaffirmed their right to enforce them.

Beijing opposes a forced sale of TikTok`s U.S. operations by its Chinese owner ByteDance, and would prefer to see the short video app shut down in the United States, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

Beijing opposes a forced sale of TikTok`s U.S. operations by its Chinese owner ByteDance, and would prefer to see the short video app shut down in the United States, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday. ByteDance has been in talks to sell TikTok`s U.S. business to potential buyers including Microsoft and Oracle since U.S. President Donald Trump threatened last month to ban the service if it was not sold. Trump has given ByteDance a deadline of mid September to finalise a deal. However, Chinese officials believe a forced sale would make both ByteDance and China appear weak in the face of pressure from Washington, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. ByteDance said in a statement to Reuters that the Chinese government had never suggested to it that it should shut down TikTok in the United States or in any other markets. Two of the sources said China was willing to use revisions it made to a technology exports list on Aug. 28 to delay any deal reached by ByteDance, if it had to. China`s State Council Information Office and its foreign and commerce ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent after working hours. Asked on Friday about Trump and TikTok, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing that the United States was abusing the concept of national security, and urged it to stop oppressing foreign companies. CLASH BETWEEN POWERS Reuters has reported that TikTok’s prospective buyers were discussing four ways to structure an acquisition from ByteDance. Within these, ByteDance could still push ahead with a sale of TikTok`s U.S. assets without approval from China`s commerce ministry by selling them without key algorithms. ByteDance and its founder Zhang Yiming have been caught in a clash between the world`s two preeminent powers. Trump last month issued two executive orders that require ByteDance to sell TikTok`s U.S. assets or face being banned in the country, where the app is hugely popular among teenagers. U.S. officials have criticised the app`s security and privacy, suggesting that user data might be shared with Beijing. TikTok has said it would not comply with any request to share user data with the Chinese authorities. Beijing has said it firmly opposes Trump`s executive orders and on Aug. 28 moved to give itself a say in the process, revising a list of technologies that will need Chinese government approval before they are exported. Experts said TikTok`s recommendation algorithm would fall under this list. Chinese regulators said last week the rules were not targeted at specific companies but they reaffirmed their right to enforce them.

China would rather see TikTok US close than a forced sale, sources say

After news broke out that ByteDance may miss the deadline set for the&nbsp;TikTok deal, the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> has said there will be no extensions for the China-owned company.

According to a report published in Bloomberg on Thursday, ByteDance may&nbsp;need few more days after September 20&nbsp;to reach an agreement with either of the parties due to the Chinese regulatory review.

However, Donald Trump has said&nbsp;"It'll either be closed up or they'll sell it.&nbsp;There will be no extension of the TikTok deadline."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bytedance-may-miss-us-deadline-for-tiktok-deal-says-report-326587">Also read:ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report</a>

The Chinese company has been looking for the best buyer to sell its US assets to, after Trump asked the company to leave the country alleging it of working as a secret intelligence for China. Trump administration believes TikTok has been used to supply US information to China — a country with whom the US is on a diplomatic and trade war.

However, ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations stating that the company never has, and never will share any data with the Chinese or any other government.

"I'm sure there are any number of backdoors that are built into the code and of course ByteDance knows exactly what they are, so there needs to be a clean, clear, total separation," Republican Senator Josh Hawley, a close ally of Trump, said while supporting Trump's decision.

Companies such as Microsoft and&nbsp;Oracle Corp are the potential new buyers.

After news broke out that ByteDance may miss the deadline set for the TikTok deal, the US President Donald Trump has said there will be no extensions for the China-owned company.

After news broke out that ByteDance may miss the deadline set for the TikTok deal, the US President Donald Trump has said there will be no extensions for the China-owned company. According to a report published in Bloomberg on Thursday, ByteDance may need few more days after September 20 to reach an agreement with either of the parties due to the Chinese regulatory review. However, Donald Trump has said "It'll either be closed up or they'll sell it. There will be no extension of the TikTok deadline." Also read:ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report The Chinese company has been looking for the best buyer to sell its US assets to, after Trump asked the company to leave the country alleging it of working as a secret intelligence for China. Trump administration believes TikTok has been used to supply US information to China — a country with whom the US is on a diplomatic and trade war. However, ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations stating that the company never has, and never will share any data with the Chinese or any other government. "I'm sure there are any number of backdoors that are built into the code and of course ByteDance knows exactly what they are, so there needs to be a clean, clear, total separation," Republican Senator Josh Hawley, a close ally of Trump, said while supporting Trump's decision. Companies such as Microsoft and Oracle Corp are the potential new buyers.

'There will be no extension': Trump says on TikTok deadline

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The company’s plans about setting up a new data centre in the city-state is untrue, the source said, adding that the Beijing-based firm had stepped up the purchase of cloud-computing servers in Singapore to backup US&nbsp;data for contingency.

Separately, a company source said TikTok had moved some engineers to Singapore from China, starting this year.

Bloomberg earlier reported&nbsp;that ByteDance was planning to make Singapore its beachhead for the rest of Asia as part of its global expansion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-no-extension-trump-says-on-tiktok-deadline-326736">Also read|&nbsp;'There will be no extension': Trump says on TikTok deadline</a>

Singapore has been ramping up efforts over the last few years to attract tech firms and investors. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the global trade and transport hub hard, accelerating the need to reinvent itself.

The city-state is likely to become more attractive to companies seeking a neutral ground amid rising tensions between the United States and China, according to analysts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bytedance-may-miss-us-deadline-for-tiktok-deal-says-report-326587">Also read: ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report</a>

The investment comes as ByteDance is being forced to sell TikTok’s US assets under pressure from the Trump administration, which has cited potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US&nbsp;consumers.

According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, the company is likely to miss the September 20 deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump for the sale of assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

ByteDance, the owner of popular short-video app TikTok, is planning to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. The company’s plans about setting up a new data centre in the city-state is untrue, the source said, adding that the Beijing-based firm had stepped up the purchase of cloud-computing servers in Singapore to backup US data for contingency. Separately, a company source said TikTok had moved some engineers to Singapore from China, starting this year. Bloomberg earlier reported that ByteDance was planning to make Singapore its beachhead for the rest of Asia as part of its global expansion. Also read| 'There will be no extension': Trump says on TikTok deadline Singapore has been ramping up efforts over the last few years to attract tech firms and investors. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the global trade and transport hub hard, accelerating the need to reinvent itself. The city-state is likely to become more attractive to companies seeking a neutral ground amid rising tensions between the United States and China, according to analysts. Also read: ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report The investment comes as ByteDance is being forced to sell TikTok’s US assets under pressure from the Trump administration, which has cited potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US consumers. According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, the company is likely to miss the September 20 deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump for the sale of assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

ByteDance to invest billions, recruit hundreds in Singapore in three years: Source

ByteDance is likely to miss the deadline imposed by the Trump administration for the sale of TikTok's US assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

According to a report published in Bloomberg on Thursday, the company likely needs beyond the U.S. executive order ban on September 20 to reach an agreement with either of the parties due to the Chinese regulatory review, the report said.

The Trump administration is seeking to ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells the short-video app's US operations, citing potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US consumers.

ByteDance has said the Chinese government does not have any jurisdiction over TikTok content.

ByteDance is likely to miss the deadline imposed by the Trump administration for the sale of TikTok's US assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp.

ByteDance is likely to miss the deadline imposed by the Trump administration for the sale of TikTok's US assets as new Chinese regulations have complicated deal talks with bidders Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp. According to a report published in Bloomberg on Thursday, the company likely needs beyond the U.S. executive order ban on September 20 to reach an agreement with either of the parties due to the Chinese regulatory review, the report said. The Trump administration is seeking to ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells the short-video app's US operations, citing potential national security risk due to the vast amount of private data the app is compiling on US consumers. ByteDance has said the Chinese government does not have any jurisdiction over TikTok content.

ByteDance may miss US deadline for TikTok deal, says report

SoftBank Group is exploring assembling a group of bidders for TikTok's assets in India. SoftBank Group has been looking for local partners. Watch this video to know more.

SoftBank Group may bid for TikTok's India assets

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US&nbsp;operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment.

ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest short video app TikTok, which is challenging the order,&nbsp;in the United States amid security concerns over the personal data it handles.

Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp are among the suitors for the assets, which also includes TikTok's Canada, New Zealand and Australia operations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-says-it-has-not-received-a-bid-from-centricus-and-triller-323843" hreflang="en">TikTok says it has not received a bid from Centricus and Triller</a>

However, China late on Friday revised a list of technologies that are banned or restricted for export for the first time in 12 years and Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the changes would apply to TikTok.

"If ByteDance plans to export related technologies, it should go through the licensing procedures," Cui said in an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/if-wechat-is-banned-no-reason-why-chinese-shall-keep-iphone-and-apple-products-foreign-ministry-323596">If WeChat is banned, no reason why Chinese shall keep iPhone and apple products: Foreign ministry</a>

China's Ministry of Commerce added 23 items,&nbsp;including technologies such as personal information push services based on data analysis and artificial intelligence interactive interface technology,&nbsp;to the restricted list.

It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export the technology.

TikTok's secret weapon is believed to be its recommendation engine that keeps users glued to their screens. This engine, or algorithm, powers TikTok's "For You" page, which recommends the next video to watch based on an analysis of your behaviour.

Cui noted that ByteDance's development overseas had relied on its domestic technology that provided the core algorithm and said the company may need to transfer software codes or usage rights to the new owner of TikTok from China to overseas.

"Therefore, it is recommended that ByteDance seriously studies the adjusted catalogue and carefully considers whether it is necessary to suspend" negotiations on a sale, he added.

ByteDance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

China's foreign ministry has said that it opposes the executive orders Trump has placed on TikTok and that Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment.

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment. ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest short video app TikTok, which is challenging the order, in the United States amid security concerns over the personal data it handles. Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp are among the suitors for the assets, which also includes TikTok's Canada, New Zealand and Australia operations. Also read: TikTok says it has not received a bid from Centricus and Triller However, China late on Friday revised a list of technologies that are banned or restricted for export for the first time in 12 years and Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the changes would apply to TikTok. "If ByteDance plans to export related technologies, it should go through the licensing procedures," Cui said in an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday. Also read: If WeChat is banned, no reason why Chinese shall keep iPhone and apple products: Foreign ministry China's Ministry of Commerce added 23 items, including technologies such as personal information push services based on data analysis and artificial intelligence interactive interface technology, to the restricted list. It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export the technology. TikTok's secret weapon is believed to be its recommendation engine that keeps users glued to their screens. This engine, or algorithm, powers TikTok's "For You" page, which recommends the next video to watch based on an analysis of your behaviour. Cui noted that ByteDance's development overseas had relied on its domestic technology that provided the core algorithm and said the company may need to transfer software codes or usage rights to the new owner of TikTok from China to overseas. "Therefore, it is recommended that ByteDance seriously studies the adjusted catalogue and carefully considers whether it is necessary to suspend" negotiations on a sale, he added. ByteDance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. China's foreign ministry has said that it opposes the executive orders Trump has placed on TikTok and that Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

China's new tech export controls could give Beijing a say in TikTok sale

Investment firm Centricus Asset Management Ltd and social media app Triller Inc have not submitted an offer for the TikTok assets that China`s ByteDance is seeking to a divest, a spokesman for the short video app said on Friday.

Bloomberg News reported earlier on Friday, citing a person familiar with the matter, that Centricus, which is seeking to partner with Triller and other investors, submitted a $20 billion (15.14 billion pounds) bid to ByteDance for TikTok`s assets in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and India.

The TikTok spokesman said Centricus and Triller had not contacted the company about an offer. Centricus and Triller could not be immediately reached for comment.

ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest TikTok in the United States, amid security concerns over the personal data it handles. Microsoft Corp&nbsp;and Oracle Corp&nbsp;are among the U.S. companies vying to acquire the assets of TikTok, which claims about 100 million monthly active users in the United States.

ByteDance is expected to pick a bidder to enter into exclusive talks soon.

Investment firm Centricus Asset Management Ltd and social media app Triller Inc have not submitted an offer for the TikTok assets that China`s ByteDance is seeking to a divest, a spokesman for the short video app said on Friday.

Investment firm Centricus Asset Management Ltd and social media app Triller Inc have not submitted an offer for the TikTok assets that China`s ByteDance is seeking to a divest, a spokesman for the short video app said on Friday. Bloomberg News reported earlier on Friday, citing a person familiar with the matter, that Centricus, which is seeking to partner with Triller and other investors, submitted a $20 billion (15.14 billion pounds) bid to ByteDance for TikTok`s assets in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and India. The TikTok spokesman said Centricus and Triller had not contacted the company about an offer. Centricus and Triller could not be immediately reached for comment. ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest TikTok in the United States, amid security concerns over the personal data it handles. Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp are among the U.S. companies vying to acquire the assets of TikTok, which claims about 100 million monthly active users in the United States. ByteDance is expected to pick a bidder to enter into exclusive talks soon.

TikTok says it has not received a bid from Centricus and Triller

The announcement comes hours after TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer quit his job as the video-sharing app faces criticism from US President Donald Trump

Walmart is joining Microsoft in Tiktok bid

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok.

The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance.&nbsp;

The move effectively set a deadline for a sale of TikTok to a US company.

"We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of US TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of US government regulators," the retailer told AFP.

Walmart is likely interested in TikTok to better connect with younger shoppers who turn to the internet for lifestyle trends, according to analysts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-in-trouble-again-with-an-offensive-holocaust-trend-323437">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend</a>

Younger people are much less likely to shop at Walmart, whether online or in real-world stores, according to GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders.

"A social platform like TikTok would give Walmart easy access to the very audience it wants and needs to attract," Saunders said.

Having access to the social media sensation could help Walmart's marketing campaigns while tapping into "a rich seam of data" or product development and more, according to Saunders.

Walmart teaming with US technology colossus Microsoft was "the final piece of the puzzle that ultimately cements Microsoft successfully acquiring TikTok's US operations for likely $35 billion to $40 billion," according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.

'High stakes poker'

"While deal negotiations will be complex with a number of technology and data privacy issues that need to be worked out before an agreement is inked, we believe ByteDance is playing a game of high stakes poker with Microsoft looking like the only true white knight around," Ives said in a note to investors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-decided-to-leave-the-company-tiktok-ceo-kevin-mayer-resigns-amid-us-government-crackdown-323355">Also read|&nbsp;'I have decided to leave the company': TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigns amid US government crackdown</a>

TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said Wednesday he had quit the company as tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over the Chinese-owned video platform.

Mayer's departure was taken by some in the market as a sign that a deal to sell TikTok is imminent. Oracle is also said to be in the bidding

Mayer's resignation came just days after TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging a crackdown by the US government over claims the wildly popular social media app can be used to spy on Americans.

TikTok, which has been downloaded 175 million times in the US and more than a billion times around the world, argued in the suit that Trump's order was a misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The platform — on which users share often playful short-form videos — is not "an unusual and extraordinary threat," it said.

The platform's kaleidoscopic feeds of clips feature everything from dance routines and hair-dye tutorials to jokes about daily life and politics.&nbsp;

The company holds firm that it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political.

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok. The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance.

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok. The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The move effectively set a deadline for a sale of TikTok to a US company. "We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of US TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of US government regulators," the retailer told AFP. Walmart is likely interested in TikTok to better connect with younger shoppers who turn to the internet for lifestyle trends, according to analysts. Also read| TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend Younger people are much less likely to shop at Walmart, whether online or in real-world stores, according to GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders. "A social platform like TikTok would give Walmart easy access to the very audience it wants and needs to attract," Saunders said. Having access to the social media sensation could help Walmart's marketing campaigns while tapping into "a rich seam of data" or product development and more, according to Saunders. Walmart teaming with US technology colossus Microsoft was "the final piece of the puzzle that ultimately cements Microsoft successfully acquiring TikTok's US operations for likely $35 billion to $40 billion," according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives. 'High stakes poker' "While deal negotiations will be complex with a number of technology and data privacy issues that need to be worked out before an agreement is inked, we believe ByteDance is playing a game of high stakes poker with Microsoft looking like the only true white knight around," Ives said in a note to investors. Also read| 'I have decided to leave the company': TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigns amid US government crackdown TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said Wednesday he had quit the company as tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over the Chinese-owned video platform. Mayer's departure was taken by some in the market as a sign that a deal to sell TikTok is imminent. Oracle is also said to be in the bidding Mayer's resignation came just days after TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging a crackdown by the US government over claims the wildly popular social media app can be used to spy on Americans. TikTok, which has been downloaded 175 million times in the US and more than a billion times around the world, argued in the suit that Trump's order was a misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The platform — on which users share often playful short-form videos — is not "an unusual and extraordinary threat," it said. The platform's kaleidoscopic feeds of clips feature everything from dance routines and hair-dye tutorials to jokes about daily life and politics. The company holds firm that it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political.

Walmart says teaming with Microsoft in bid for TikTok

CEO Kevin Mayer on Thursday resigned from Chinese video-sharing app TikTok. In a letter, Mayers said: "It is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company."

Kevin Mayer steps down as TikTok CEO amid US government crackdown

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble. But this time, it is a TikTok 'trend' that has crossed a line.

In a recently started TikTok trend, the users have started to dress-up and do a roleplay of&nbsp;Holocaust victims. The participants of the trend are recording short videos telling their made-up stories of how they survived the Holocaust, or how torturous the situation was during that time.&nbsp;

Some of them have gone to the limit of wearing the inmate uniform and/or also one of the armbands marked with the Star of David that Jews were ordered to wear. Some can even be seen sporting fake bruises and scars.

Also read:&nbsp;

However, while it has become popular on the ByteDance-owned app, this trend has attracted a lot of criticism from the non-TikTok users.&nbsp;The Auschwitz museum, which is&nbsp;at the site of the former Nazi death camp in Poland, took to Twitter to condemn this new trend. Calling it 'hurtful and offensive', the museum authorities said, "Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The 'victims' trend on TikTok can be hurtful &amp; offensive. Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history. 
 
But we should discuss this not to shame &amp; attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse. It's an educational challenge. <a href="https://t.co/CB4Ve2uRUK">pic.twitter.com/CB4Ve2uRUK</a>
— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) <a href="https://twitter.com/AuschwitzMuseum/status/1298625376084807680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Some were not created to commemorate anyone, but to become part of an online trend. This is very painful.," the statement read.

However, the authorities have also acknowledged that they understand that the intentions behind these videos were not to hurt anyone. “But we should discuss this, not to shame &amp; attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse,” it added.

The museum has requested youngsters to be more respectful towards the victims and their stories as "the stories of people who were imprisoned and murdered in Auschwitz are incredibly tragic, painful and emotional".

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble.

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble. But this time, it is a TikTok 'trend' that has crossed a line. In a recently started TikTok trend, the users have started to dress-up and do a roleplay of Holocaust victims. The participants of the trend are recording short videos telling their made-up stories of how they survived the Holocaust, or how torturous the situation was during that time. Some of them have gone to the limit of wearing the inmate uniform and/or also one of the armbands marked with the Star of David that Jews were ordered to wear. Some can even be seen sporting fake bruises and scars. Also read: However, while it has become popular on the ByteDance-owned app, this trend has attracted a lot of criticism from the non-TikTok users. The Auschwitz museum, which is at the site of the former Nazi death camp in Poland, took to Twitter to condemn this new trend. Calling it 'hurtful and offensive', the museum authorities said, "Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history." The 'victims' trend on TikTok can be hurtful & offensive. Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history. But we should discuss this not to shame & attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse. It's an educational challenge. pic.twitter.com/CB4Ve2uRUK — Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) August 26, 2020 × “Some were not created to commemorate anyone, but to become part of an online trend. This is very painful.," the statement read. However, the authorities have also acknowledged that they understand that the intentions behind these videos were not to hurt anyone. “But we should discuss this, not to shame & attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse,” it added. The museum has requested youngsters to be more respectful towards the victims and their stories as "the stories of people who were imprisoned and murdered in Auschwitz are incredibly tragic, painful and emotional".

TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend

Vietnamese technology firm VNG is suing TikTok, the popular short-form video app, saying it does not have adequate licences for the songs being used in its videos, sources said on Monday.

VNG is accusing the Chinese-owned company of using audio tracks owned by Zing, a VNG subsidiary, without the company`s consent, two sources familiar with the issue said.

A legal document from the people`s court of Ho Chi Minh City seen by Reuters seeks damages from TikTok and demands that it ceases use of Zing`s music.

"VNG requests TikTok remove all music segments taken from Zing records from both the TikTok application and website, and an indemnification for damages of over 221 billion dong ($9.5 million)," read the document.

TikTok and VNG did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

VNG Corporation is a Vietnam-based technology firm founded in 2004, known for its online games, music streaming and messaging applications.

TikTok has soared in popularity in Vietnam, where it recorded 10 million users as of August with millions of short-clip uploads to the platform, official data showed.

But some music rights-holders say TikTok does not have adequate licences for the songs being used in its videos.

"Notably, TikTok has introduced a very complicated business model to avoid copyright compliance in Vietnam," the Vietnam Music Association said in a response to questions from Reuters.

Vietnamese technology firm VNG is suing TikTok, the popular short-form video app, saying it does not have adequate licences for the songs being used in its videos, sources said on Monday.

Vietnamese technology firm VNG is suing TikTok, the popular short-form video app, saying it does not have adequate licences for the songs being used in its videos, sources said on Monday. VNG is accusing the Chinese-owned company of using audio tracks owned by Zing, a VNG subsidiary, without the company`s consent, two sources familiar with the issue said. A legal document from the people`s court of Ho Chi Minh City seen by Reuters seeks damages from TikTok and demands that it ceases use of Zing`s music. "VNG requests TikTok remove all music segments taken from Zing records from both the TikTok application and website, and an indemnification for damages of over 221 billion dong ($9.5 million)," read the document. TikTok and VNG did not immediately respond to requests for comment. VNG Corporation is a Vietnam-based technology firm founded in 2004, known for its online games, music streaming and messaging applications. TikTok has soared in popularity in Vietnam, where it recorded 10 million users as of August with millions of short-clip uploads to the platform, official data showed. But some music rights-holders say TikTok does not have adequate licences for the songs being used in its videos. "Notably, TikTok has introduced a very complicated business model to avoid copyright compliance in Vietnam," the Vietnam Music Association said in a response to questions from Reuters.

Vietnamese tech firm sues TikTok, alleging copyright infringement

TikTok is set to mount a legal challenge to US President Donald Trump's executive order prohibiting transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance.

TikTok's legal challenge pertains to an executive order, which Trump issued on August 6. The said order directed the Secretary of Commerce to come up with a list of transactions involving ByteDance and its holdings that should be banned after 45 days.

TikTok plans to argue that the August 6 executive order's reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act deprives it of due process. TikTok will also contest its classification by the White House as a national security threat, the sources added.

US officials have expressed concerns that information on users could be passed on to China's communist governmen from TikTok.

The Trump administration has stepped up its efforts to purge what it deems "untrusted" Chinese apps from US digital networks. Beyond TikTok, Trump has also issued an order that would prohibit transactions with Tencent Holding Ltd's WeChat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-removes-380000-videos-in-us-for-hate-content-322028">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok removes 380,000 videos in US for hate content</a>

Trump has said he would support an effort by Microsoft to buy TikTok's American operations if the US government got a "substantial portion" of the proceeds, but has also said there are other interested potential buyers such as Oracle.

Trump also issued an executive order on August 14 that gave ByteDance 90 days to divest the US operations of TikTok.&nbsp;

To this end, ByteDance has been making progress in talks with potential acquirers, including Microsoft Corp and Oracle. Some of ByteDance's US investors could also join the winning bid.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-to-possess-evidence-against-bytedance-orders-to-divest-interest-in-tiktok-within-90-days-320621">Also read |&nbsp;Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days</a>

TikTok is set to mount a legal challenge to US President Donald Trump's executive order prohibiting transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance.

TikTok is set to mount a legal challenge to US President Donald Trump's executive order prohibiting transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance. TikTok's legal challenge pertains to an executive order, which Trump issued on August 6. The said order directed the Secretary of Commerce to come up with a list of transactions involving ByteDance and its holdings that should be banned after 45 days. TikTok plans to argue that the August 6 executive order's reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act deprives it of due process. TikTok will also contest its classification by the White House as a national security threat, the sources added. US officials have expressed concerns that information on users could be passed on to China's communist governmen from TikTok. The Trump administration has stepped up its efforts to purge what it deems "untrusted" Chinese apps from US digital networks. Beyond TikTok, Trump has also issued an order that would prohibit transactions with Tencent Holding Ltd's WeChat. Also read | TikTok removes 380,000 videos in US for hate content Trump has said he would support an effort by Microsoft to buy TikTok's American operations if the US government got a "substantial portion" of the proceeds, but has also said there are other interested potential buyers such as Oracle. Trump also issued an executive order on August 14 that gave ByteDance 90 days to divest the US operations of TikTok. To this end, ByteDance has been making progress in talks with potential acquirers, including Microsoft Corp and Oracle. Some of ByteDance's US investors could also join the winning bid. Also read | Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days

TikTok may challenge US order banning transactions with its Chinese parent ByteDance

TikTok will file a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's executive order that prohibits transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance, confirming an earlier report.

It was reported a day before that TikTok may&nbsp;challenge Trump's executive order as early as Monday.

Now, TikTok has confirmed this, issuing a statement that says it had tried to engage with the US administration for nearly a year, but faced "a lack of due process" and that the government paid no attention to the facts.

"To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we have no choice but to challenge the executive order through the judicial system," the company spokesperson said.

While TikTok is best known for its anodyne videos of people dancing and going viral among teenagers, US officials have expressed concerns that information on users could be passed on to China's government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-to-challenge-us-order-banning-transactions-with-its-chinese-parent-bytedance-322282">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok may&nbsp;challenge US order banning transactions with its Chinese parent ByteDance</a>

TikTok's legal challenge pertains to an executive order, which Trump issued on August 6. The said order directed the Secretary of Commerce to come up with a list of transactions involving ByteDance and its holdings that should be banned after 45 days.

The Trump administration has stepped up its efforts to purge what it deems "untrusted" Chinese apps from US digital networks. Beyond TikTok, Trump has also issued an order that would prohibit transactions with Tencent Holding Ltd's WeChat.

Trump also issued an executive order on August 14 that gave ByteDance 90 days to divest the US operations of TikTok.&nbsp;

To this end, ByteDance has been making progress in talks with potential acquirers, including Microsoft Corp and Oracle. Some of ByteDance's US investors could also join the winning bid. 
&nbsp;

TikTok will file a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's executive order that prohibits transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance, confirming an earlier report.

TikTok will file a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's executive order that prohibits transactions with the popular short video app and its Chinese parent ByteDance, confirming an earlier report. It was reported a day before that TikTok may challenge Trump's executive order as early as Monday. Now, TikTok has confirmed this, issuing a statement that says it had tried to engage with the US administration for nearly a year, but faced "a lack of due process" and that the government paid no attention to the facts. "To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we have no choice but to challenge the executive order through the judicial system," the company spokesperson said. While TikTok is best known for its anodyne videos of people dancing and going viral among teenagers, US officials have expressed concerns that information on users could be passed on to China's government. Also read | TikTok may challenge US order banning transactions with its Chinese parent ByteDance TikTok's legal challenge pertains to an executive order, which Trump issued on August 6. The said order directed the Secretary of Commerce to come up with a list of transactions involving ByteDance and its holdings that should be banned after 45 days. The Trump administration has stepped up its efforts to purge what it deems "untrusted" Chinese apps from US digital networks. Beyond TikTok, Trump has also issued an order that would prohibit transactions with Tencent Holding Ltd's WeChat. Trump also issued an executive order on August 14 that gave ByteDance 90 days to divest the US operations of TikTok. To this end, ByteDance has been making progress in talks with potential acquirers, including Microsoft Corp and Oracle. Some of ByteDance's US investors could also join the winning bid.

TikTok confirms it will challenge Trump's executive order; issues statement

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has moved to ease tensions with Donald Trump, as he continues to threaten Chinese firms. 
 
Chief executive Daniel Zhang said the online retailer's policies "are fully aligned with the interests of both China and the United States".

“As the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Alibaba’s primary commercial focus in the U.S. is to support American brands, retailers, small businesses and farmers to sell to consumers and trade partners in China as well as other key markets around the world,” Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zhang said.

The comments came as Alibaba announced a better-than-expected jump in quarterly sales. 
 
Meanwhile, the US president has promised to impose tariffs on US firms that refuse to move jobs back from overseas. 
 
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he could exert pressure on more Chinese companies such as technology giant Alibaba after he moved to ban TikTok. 
 
Asked at a news conference whether there were other particular China-owned companies he was considering a ban on, such as Alibaba, Trump replied: "Well, we're looking at other things, yes." 
&nbsp; 
Trump has been piling pressure on Chinese-owned companies, such as by vowing to ban short-video app TikTok from the United States. The United States ordered its Chinese owner ByteDance on Friday to divest the US operations of TikTok within 90 days, the latest effort to ramp up pressure over concerns about the safety of the personal data it handles.

Trump, who has made changing the US-China trade relationship a central theme of his presidency, has been sharply critical of China while also praising its purchases of agriculture products such as soybeans and corn as part of a trade agreement reached late last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has moved to ease tensions with Donald Trump, as he continues to threaten Chinese firms. Chief executive Daniel Zhang said the online retailer's policies "are fully aligned with the interests of both China and the United States".

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has moved to ease tensions with Donald Trump, as he continues to threaten Chinese firms. Chief executive Daniel Zhang said the online retailer's policies "are fully aligned with the interests of both China and the United States". “As the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Alibaba’s primary commercial focus in the U.S. is to support American brands, retailers, small businesses and farmers to sell to consumers and trade partners in China as well as other key markets around the world,” Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zhang said. The comments came as Alibaba announced a better-than-expected jump in quarterly sales. Meanwhile, the US president has promised to impose tariffs on US firms that refuse to move jobs back from overseas. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he could exert pressure on more Chinese companies such as technology giant Alibaba after he moved to ban TikTok. Asked at a news conference whether there were other particular China-owned companies he was considering a ban on, such as Alibaba, Trump replied: "Well, we're looking at other things, yes." Trump has been piling pressure on Chinese-owned companies, such as by vowing to ban short-video app TikTok from the United States. The United States ordered its Chinese owner ByteDance on Friday to divest the US operations of TikTok within 90 days, the latest effort to ramp up pressure over concerns about the safety of the personal data it handles. Trump, who has made changing the US-China trade relationship a central theme of his presidency, has been sharply critical of China while also praising its purchases of agriculture products such as soybeans and corn as part of a trade agreement reached late last year. (With inputs from agencies)

In a move aimed at placating Trump, Alibaba claims to support US businesses

TikTok has pulled down more than 380,000 videos in the US this year as part of a mission to "eliminate hate" on the platform.

TikTok also banned some 1,300 accounts for breaking rules against hateful content or behaviour, and deleted 64,000 comments on similar grounds, it said on Thursday.

TikTok US head of safety Eric Han's overview of what TikTok is doing to combat hate comes as the app defends itself against what it calls "rumours and misinformation" about its links to the Chinese government.

US President Donald Trump has issued executive orders giving TikTok parent ByteDance, which is based in China, deadlines to stop running the app in the US and divest TikTok. He has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on users for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

US user data however is stored in this country, with a backup in Singapore, according to TikTok.

Han on Thursday outlined rules and actions being taken to make it more difficult to find threatening, violent, or dehumanizing content on TikTok.

TikTok has a zero-tolerance stance against accounts linked to white nationalism, male supremacy, anti-Semitism and "other hate-based ideologies," Han said.

The US leader early this month also ordered a ban on the messaging app WeChat, which is used extensively in China.

China meanwhile has slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" in the TikTok case.

US technology firms Microsoft and Oracle are reported to be looking into the potential of buying TikTok.

TikTok has pulled down more than 380,000 videos in the US this year as part of a mission to "eliminate hate" on the platform. TikTok also banned some 1,300 accounts for breaking rules against hateful content or behaviour, and deleted 64,000 comments on similar grounds, it said on Thursday.

TikTok has pulled down more than 380,000 videos in the US this year as part of a mission to "eliminate hate" on the platform. TikTok also banned some 1,300 accounts for breaking rules against hateful content or behaviour, and deleted 64,000 comments on similar grounds, it said on Thursday. TikTok US head of safety Eric Han's overview of what TikTok is doing to combat hate comes as the app defends itself against what it calls "rumours and misinformation" about its links to the Chinese government. US President Donald Trump has issued executive orders giving TikTok parent ByteDance, which is based in China, deadlines to stop running the app in the US and divest TikTok. He has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on users for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. US user data however is stored in this country, with a backup in Singapore, according to TikTok. Han on Thursday outlined rules and actions being taken to make it more difficult to find threatening, violent, or dehumanizing content on TikTok. TikTok has a zero-tolerance stance against accounts linked to white nationalism, male supremacy, anti-Semitism and "other hate-based ideologies," Han said. The US leader early this month also ordered a ban on the messaging app WeChat, which is used extensively in China. China meanwhile has slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" in the TikTok case. US technology firms Microsoft and Oracle are reported to be looking into the potential of buying TikTok.

TikTok removes 380,000 videos in US for hate content

Backing the latest bid of US-tech giant Oracle for Chinese shot video app TikTok. President of US Donald Trump has said that oracle is a good company and could take over TikTok.

Oracle's co-founder is Trump's supporter: Oracle could take over TikTok

TikTok, the video&nbsp;sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as&nbsp;"rumors and misinformation".

After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company&nbsp;being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false".

"TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. <a href="https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB">https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295399800557502465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform."

Musical.ly controversy

This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation&nbsp;especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security.

TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth."

China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blasts-us-digital-gunboat-diplomacy-over-tiktok-321175">Also read:&nbsp;China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok</a>

New partnership

Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new&nbsp;partnership and integration with&nbsp;music distribution platform UnitedMasters.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TikTok's new partnership and integration with <a href="https://twitter.com/unitedmasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unitedmasters</a> will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. <a href="https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8">https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295426862739595265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a&nbsp;music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok.

“If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy."

(With inputs from agencies)

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation".

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation". After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false". "TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read. TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform." Musical.ly controversy This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security. TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth." China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months. Also read: China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok New partnership Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new partnership and integration with music distribution platform UnitedMasters. TikTok's new partnership and integration with @unitedmasters will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8 — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × "Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok. “If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy." (With inputs from agencies)

Setting the record straight: TikTok denies Trump's accusations

tiktok

Tiktok, News on Tiktok, stories on Tiktok, articles on Tiktok, Tiktok stories at Wion, Tiktok news, Tiktok latest news