Connect with us

SOCIAL

TikTok May Still Face Restrictions in the US, as Final Details of Proposed Oracle Deal are Ironed Out

Published

on

tiktok may still face restrictions in the us as final details of proposed oracle deal are ironed out
3a612c2b2ba8debc807ba9d50a6cb54a

It seems TikTok may not be out of the woods just yet, with various conflicting stories around the pending Oracle/TikTok deal.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump told reporters that he had given the Oracle-lead deal for TikTok’s operations in the US ‘his blessing‘, which was enough for TikTok to put out two official statements about the app being ‘here to stay‘.

The President’s verbal approval seemed to be the final step in the negotiation process – but then, on Sunday, following an official statement from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, things got a little murkier on the specifics of the proposed deal.

First off, ByteDance clarified that it will not be transferring algorithms and/or technologies to Oracle, or any other US company, as part of the deal.

As per ByteDance:

“The current plan does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies. Oracle has the authority to check the source code of TikTok USA.”

So Oracle and its consortium partners will be able to use the source code as a reference point, but going on this statement, it seems that they will need to develop a new, unique algorithm for the platform – which could be problematic.

Advertisement

TikTok’s algorithm, which keeps users glued to the app, is seen as a key component of the platform’s success, and if Oracle, which has no social media experience, is forced to re-write or re-create is own version, that could have major impacts on its performance.

ByteDance is restricted in what it can transfer in this regard due to China’s new laws on the transfer of technology, including algorithms, in foreign trade deals, but the initial understanding was that by having ByteDance retain ownership of the platform, Oracle and Co. would be able to essentially license the source code, which would meet the legal requirements in this respect. That may not be the case.

And that’s just the first potential stumbling block for the new deal.

In addition to this, ByteDance also said that it was not aware of President Trump’s claim that it would be investing $5 billion into a new US education fund as part of the agreement.

President Trump touted the $5 billion investment as a key element in the deal. When originally announcing the Government’s action against TikTok, President Trump had called for the US Treasury to receive some form of payment for facilitating the eventual takeover deal, but transferring direct compensation to the government from commercial arrangements is not possible under US law. The $5 billion education fund seemed like a way to indirectly meet this request. Trump reportedly plans to use the funding to create a new ‘patriotic education commission’ to help re-establish national pride and identity.

But ByteDance says that it’s not paying it – which means it must be coming from somewhere else.

Advertisement

This, apparently, is another element that’s still being ironed out.

But the biggest potential stumbling block for the Oracle/TikTok deal thus far came on Monday, when President Trump stated that he would not be approving any deal for TikTok if its Chinese ownership did not fully sell its interest in the product.

As reported by The New York Times:

“Asked about reports that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, would still own 80% of the service after the deal, Mr. Trump said that they would “have nothing to do with it, and if they do we just won’t make the deal.”

The current arrangement, as per reports, would see Oracle and Walmart take a 20% stake in a new ‘TikTok Global’ entity, which would be separated from ByteDance and launch as a new, independent company sometime in the new year.

That, according to reports, should be enough to meet the requirements of the US Government in separating the app, but the understanding many have reported is that ByteDance would still remain the majority owner of TikTok Global, at least for some time. Which may not be the case – and if ByteDance has no stake, and it’s not sharing its algorithms, that could also spell trouble for the future of the app in the US. If, of course, this is how the final deal ends up being constructed.

Advertisement

So, right now, TikTok is still under a cloud. The US Department of Commerce has extended its deadline for the removal of the app from US app stores by a week, so negotiators have a few more days to sort out the final details in order to get a deal through before it sees any impacts. But the depth of these potential concerns is significant, and not only for the immediate future of the app, but in the longer term as well.

If Oracle, for example, has to re-write TikTok’s algorithms, will that ruin the app? If ByteDance is forced out completely, earlier than expected, will that make the transition more rushed? 

We still have at least a week of negotiations to come on the deal.

Socialmediatoday.com

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address

SOCIAL

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

on

By

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

Advertisement

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

on

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

Advertisement



“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Published

on

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

Advertisement



Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

Trending

Follow by Email
RSS