The Comunicano for Tuesday January 14th 2025
Column A???
Oh, what a soap opera today already is….Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…. TikTok—the app that turned synchronized lip-syncing into a geopolitical battleground. The U.S. wants it banned, China might want to sell it to Elon Musk, and TikTok’s like, “Relax, it’s not for sale, not even for Dogecoin.”
Rumors flew faster than a viral dance challenge: Musk taking over TikTok? Imagine that. One day you’re scrolling through cute dog videos, and the next, your feed is full of SpaceX rockets and Tesla owners arguing over whose car saved them in more extreme conditions. Sure, a Tesla can escape wildfires, but can it survive the comments section?….TikTok insists the sale talk is “pure fiction.” But here’s the twist—what if fiction is just innovation we haven’t explained yet? If Musk can send a car to Mars, he might just slap a flamethrower filter on TikTok and call it a day.
Meanwhile, the tech regulation carousel spins on. The U.K. is investigating Google for antitrust behavior. Europe’s regulators are treating Big Tech like it’s the last piece of cake at a party: cutting it down to size before anyone else can grab it. And the EU might ease up on Apple and Meta, apparently to keep Uncle Sam happy. Because nothing says global diplomacy like, “Let’s not upset the Americans with too many rules.”
But it’s not all courtroom drama—let’s talk privacy. The NSA is warning us to disable location tracking on our phones. Yes, the NSA, the people who practically invented surveillance, now advising us to protect ourselves. That’s like McDonald’s telling you to eat more salads…..And in Texas, Allstate is being sued for allegedly misusing telematics data from cars. Turns out, they may have been collecting more than just your mileage. In the digital age, your data isn’t just yours—it’s a family-size pack, and everyone wants a piece.
But let’s not overlook the AI showdown. Microsoft is doubling down with a new AI division, while Apple and Amazon get grilled for Siri and Alexa’s lack of progress. Apparently, even our virtual assistants are procrastinating these days. Maybe they’re just waiting for Elon to buy them, too.
The tech world isn’t just innovating; it’s reinventing the soap opera. Data dramas, regulatory spats, and a cast of billionaires with too much time on their hands—it’s reality TV, but with code. Stay tuned, folks. This show’s just getting started in today’s COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
TikTok Watch
TikTok Ban Sparks Concern (The Verge)—TikTok faces intensified scrutiny amidst U.S. bans and concerns over data security. The Vergecast explores related developments, including Kickstarter's new Magic Links feature. These shifts highlight broader tech industry changes and the impact of regulation on innovation.
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Chinese Apps Under Fire Globally (The New York Times)—TikTok and other Chinese platforms like Xiaohongshu face global pressure, with U.S. lawmakers proposing stricter regulations. RedNote, a rising music-sharing app, reflects TikTok’s challenges as tech companies navigate security and cultural hurdles.
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China Considers Selling TikTok to Musk (The Wall Street Journal)—Internal discussions among Chinese officials reportedly explore the option of selling TikTok to Elon Musk. Such a move could ease international tensions but faces skepticism regarding feasibility and motives.
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TikTok Denies Sale Rumors (Livemint)—TikTok dismissed claims about a potential sale to Elon Musk as "pure fiction," emphasizing its commitment to addressing regulatory concerns independently. The denial highlights the company's battle against mounting speculation.
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‘Pure Fiction’: TikTok Refutes Sale Speculation (Variety)—TikTok officials debunked media reports of a Musk acquisition, calling them baseless. The news underscores rising geopolitical and industry pressures surrounding the popular app.
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TikTok Rumors and Reality (BBC)—The BBC unpacks recent speculation about TikTok, with a focus on its potential sale and broader implications for the app amid geopolitical challenges and scrutiny over data practices.
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Tesla Watch
Tesla Owner Credits Car for Saving His Life in Wildfire (Supercar Blondie)—A Tesla Model Y owner in Los Angeles claims the electric vehicle saved his life during a devastating wildfire. As flames surrounded him, the car's air filtration system maintained breathable air quality, while its precise navigation and acceleration allowed for a safe escape. The incident highlights Tesla’s innovative features, such as Bioweapon Defense Mode, designed for extreme conditions. This real-life scenario demonstrates the potential of advanced EV technologies in emergency situations and underscores Tesla’s commitment to safety and functionality beyond standard driving needs.
Antitrust Watch
UK Investigates Google Search Practices (Gov.uk)—The UK's CMA launched an investigation into Google's search services, focusing on potential anti-competitive behavior. The inquiry underscores the regulator's commitment to safeguarding market fairness.
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UK Antitrust Regulator Targets Google (Reuters)—UK authorities scrutinize Google's dominance in search markets, questioning its impact on competitors and consumers. The move highlights Europe’s persistent focus on curbing Big Tech power.
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EU May Ease Big Tech Rules to Appease U.S. (Proactive Investors)—Reports suggest the EU is considering a softer stance on regulating Apple, Google, and Meta, potentially to maintain favor with the U.S. This shift could reshape global regulatory landscapes.
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Privacy Watch
NSA Issues Urgent Call to Disable Location Tracking (Forbes)—The NSA is sounding the alarm for iPhone and Android users, advising them to disable location tracking to mitigate serious privacy and security risks. According to the agency, location services, while convenient, leave users vulnerable to cyber threats, unauthorized surveillance, and potential data exploitation. The advisory outlines steps to adjust device settings and limit app permissions as essential measures for protecting sensitive personal and operational data. This warning is part of a broader push to enhance digital security awareness in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber risks.
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Texas Sues Allstate Over Data Privacy (Texas Attorney General)—Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Allstate, alleging illegal data collection via vehicle telematics. The case underscores growing concerns about privacy and corporate data use.
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Allstate Faces Privacy Lawsuit in Texas (The Record)—A new lawsuit accuses Allstate of violating consumer privacy through the misuse of telematics data, reflecting increasing legal scrutiny of corporate data practices.
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AI Watch
Apple, Amazon, and AI’s Future (Barron’s)—Apple and Amazon face criticism for Siri and Alexa's limited evolution in the AI race, with analysts debating the companies’ future strategies in a competitive landscape.
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AI in Financial Advising (Wired)—The rise of AI in financial tools reshapes the industry, with apps and chatbots democratizing access to complex financial advice. However, challenges in accuracy and trust remain.
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Microsoft Expands AI Ambitions (GeekWire)—Microsoft announced a new AI Platform and Tools division led by Jay Parikh, reflecting its strategic pivot to enhance its position in the AI ecosystem and compete with major tech players.
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Meta Watch
Meta’s Trump-Era Pivot (The Wall Street Journal)—Mark Zuckerberg repositions Meta’s policy approach to align with Trump administration priorities, sparking debates on corporate-government relations and tech policy.
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Meta's Threads Testing Community Notes Feature (Engadget)—Meta is testing a Community Notes feature on Threads, allowing users to add anonymous contextual notes to posts, similar to X's (formerly Twitter) approach. Leaked images reveal a "Write Community Note" option in the post menu, enabling users to submit notes that, if deemed helpful, appear under the original post. This development follows Meta's recent decision to replace professional fact-checking with community-driven moderation across its platforms. Additionally, Threads is adjusting its stance on political content, now offering users options to control the amount of such content in their feeds.
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Global Watch
The Quiet Reshuffling of Big Tech Power (Financial Times)—Major tech firms brace for shifts in regulation and market dominance, as internal strategies adapt to evolving political and economic pressures worldwide.
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Digital Divide Persists in Tribal Areas Despite Funding (Mashable.com)—Despite significant federal investments, Native American communities continue to face substantial challenges in accessing reliable internet services. The digital divide remains due to factors such as complex regulatory hurdles, geographical isolation, and the high costs associated with infrastructure development. While funding is available, bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of coordination among agencies impede progress. Efforts to streamline processes and engage tribal leaders in decision-making are essential to effectively bridge this connectivity gap and ensure equitable access to digital resources for all tribal members.
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Adobe Watch
Adobe's New AI Tool Edits Thousands of Images Instantly (TechSpot.com)—Adobe has introduced "Firefly Bulk Create," a generative AI tool that streamlines large-scale image editing. This feature allows users to resize or alter backgrounds for up to 10,000 images with a single click, significantly reducing manual effort. Divided into "Remove Background" and "Resize" functions, it caters to creatives without coding expertise, enhancing productivity in marketing and design. Currently supporting PNG and JPEG formats, Adobe plans to include PSD compatibility soon. These services are expected to be available through a premium Adobe Firefly plan, with fees based on usage.
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