Latest news with #ShwetaSingh
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Trump extends deadline for TikTok sale by 90 days
"I've just signed the Executive Order extending the Deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days (September 17, 2025)," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, putting off the ban for the third time. A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration. The Republican, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media, has previously said he is fond of the video-sharing app. "I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump said in an NBC News interview in early May. "If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension." TikTok on Thursday welcomed Trump's decision. "We are grateful for President Trump's leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available for more than 170 million American users," the platform said in a statement. Digital Cold War? Motivated by a belief in Washington that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese government, the ban took effect on January 19, one day before Trump's inauguration, with ByteDance having made no attempt to find a suitor. TikTok "has become a symbol of the US-China tech rivalry; a flashpoint in the new Cold War for digital control," said Shweta Singh, an assistant professor of information systems at Warwick Business School in Britain. Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, but reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform -- which boasts almost two billion global users -- after coming to believe it helped him win young voters' support in the November election. The president announced an initial 75-day delay of the ban upon taking office. A second extension pushed the deadline to June 19. He said in May that a group of purchasers was ready to pay TikTok owner ByteDance "a lot of money" for the video-clip-sharing sensation's US operations. Trump knows that TikTok is "wildly popular" in the United States, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday, when asked about the latest extension. "He also wants to protect Americans' data and privacy concerns on this app, and he believes we can do both things at the same time." The president is "just not motivated to do anything about TikTok," said independent analyst Rob Enderle. "Unless they get on his bad side, TikTok is probably going to be in pretty good shape." Tariff turmoil Trump said in April that China would have agreed to a deal on the sale of TikTok if it were not for a dispute over his tariffs on Beijing. ByteDance has confirmed talks with the US government, saying key matters needed to be resolved and that any deal would be "subject to approval under Chinese law." Possible solutions reportedly include seeing existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company. Additional US investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone, would be brought on to reduce ByteDance's share in the new TikTok. Much of TikTok's US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company's chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally. Uncertainty remains, particularly over what would happen to TikTok's valuable algorithm. "TikTok without its algorithm is like Harry Potter without his wand -- it's simply not as powerful," said Kelsey Chickering, principal analyst at Forrester. Despite the turmoil, TikTok has been continuing with business as usual. The platform on Monday introduced a new "Symphony" suite of generative artificial intelligence tools for advertisers to turn words or photos into video snippets for the platform.
The Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
The Battle for TikTok Is at the Forefront of a Deeper Geopolitical Trend
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now World The Battle for TikTok Is at the Forefront of a Deeper Geopolitical Trend Shweta Singh 44 minutes ago US politicians worry that its owner, ByteDance, could be forced by the Chinese government to hand over American user data, or manipulate TikTok's algorithm to serve Beijing's political agenda. Representative image of a person holding phone with the TikTok app open on it. Photo: Solen Feyissa/Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0). Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now After years of mounting scrutiny over TikTok's data practices, in 2024 the Chinese video platform was threatened with a forced sale in the US or a nationwide ban. With the deadline looming on June 19, US–China tech rivalry has entered a new and more aggressive phase. TikTok vowed to fight forced divestment, claiming it would 'trample' free speech. But what started as a controversy over data privacy now has global implications. This conflict is about more than just an app. It represents a shift in the balance of digital power — one that could redefine how nations view national security, economic sovereignty and the internet itself. In light of my research on AI bias, algorithmic fairness, and the societal impact of digital platforms and my experience advising government on AI regulation and digital ethics, I see TikTok as the flashpoint of a broader, more dangerous trend. Digital spaces are becoming battlefronts for geopolitical influence. TikTok has evolved from a social media app to – in the eyes of some policymakers – a digital weapon. Its massive global following has made it a cultural juggernaut. But this viral success has also made it a prime target in the escalating US-China tech war. US politicians worry that its owner, ByteDance, could be forced by the Chinese government to hand over American user data, or manipulate TikTok's algorithm to serve Beijing's political agenda. The concerns are serious, even if not proven. Platforms have been used to sway political sentiment before — as with Facebook in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. But TikTok is different. Its algorithm isn't like those of other social platforms that rely on a user's social graph (what you follow, who you know) to connect people, organisations and places. Instead, TikTok uses a real-time recommendation system based on micro-interactions: how long you watch a video, whether you pause or replay it and even your swipe patterns. The result is an ultra-addictive content stream. This gives TikTok an almost unprecedented power to shape opinions, whether intentionally or not. TikTok in the US: three possible scenarios There are three potential outcomes for TikTok. The first is a forced sale to a US-based entity, which could satisfy lawmakers but likely provoke severe retaliation from China. The second is a ban, which may be more symbolic than effective, but would send a strong message. The third, and perhaps most likely, is a long, drawn-out legal battle that results in a stalemate. Trump seems set to extend the June 19 deadline, after all. But there's a deeper issue here. The world is becoming increasingly divided along digital lines. The US and China are building rival digital ecosystems, each suspicious of the other's platforms. Like past restrictions on Huawei and Nvidia chip exports, this case signals how national security and economic policy are merging in the digital age. This threatens to splinter the internet, with countries choosing sides for their suppliers based on political and economic allegiances rather than technical merit. For China, TikTok is a symbol of national pride. It's one of the few Chinese apps to achieve global success and become a household name in western markets. Forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok, or banning it, could be seen as an affront to China's ambitions on the global digital stage. It's no longer just about a platform — it's about control over the future of technology. TikTok's defenders argue that banning the app would undermine free speech, stifle creativity and unfairly target a foreign-owned platform. These concerns are valid, but the broader landscape of digital platforms is far from straightforward. Other platforms have faced criticism over allegations of spreading misinformation, amplifying bias and contributing to social harm. However, the key distinction with TikTok lies in its algorithm and its ability to sway opinions on a global scale. TikTok's 'for you' feed tracks micro-interactions, serving up personalised content with an addictive intensity. As a result, users can find themselves pulled deeper into curated content streams without realising the extent to which their preferences are being shaped. While its competitors might be able to spread misinformation and stoke division in more traditional ways, TikTok could potentially do so through the finely tuned manipulation of the user's attention. This is a potent tool in the world of digital politics. It also raises critical questions about how the US approaches regulation. Is TikTok a genuine national security threat or simply a symbol of the growing strategic competition between two superpowers? Rather than relying on bans and trade wars, what is needed is robust, cross-border frameworks that prioritise transparency, data protection, algorithmic accountability and the mitigation of online harms. Concerns about harassment, disinformation, addictive design and algorithms that amplify toxic content are not unique to TikTok. US legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act and the proposed Platform Accountability and Transparency Act signal growing concern. But these efforts remain piecemeal. The EU's Digital Services Act is a welcome model for accountability. But global coordination is now essential. Without it, there is the risk of further fragmentation of the internet (what has been called the 'splinternet' — where access is determined by geopolitics rather than universal principles). The digital world has long been dominated by a handful of powerful corporations. Now it is increasingly shaped by state rivalries. The battle over TikTok is a harbinger of deeper tensions around how data, influence and trust are distributed online. The real question now is not whether TikTok survives, but whether nations can craft a digital future that prioritises democratic values, cross-border collaboration and the public good. This isn't just about national security or free speech. It's a defining moment in the battle for the future of the internet. This article was originally published on The Conversation. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Two Systems, Two Spheres: The Slow, Painful Divorce of the US and China Weakened Russia, Rising China and an Unsteady US: A Strategic Triangle That India Must Navigate China Agrees to Supply US With Rare Earths: Trump US-China Trade Talks to Move Forward After Trump-Xi Call Officials of ED Are Evolving by Expanding Their Powers Day by Day: Madras HC Post Op Sindoor, Experts Say India Should Look Beyond Traditional Suppliers For Defence Procurement 'Same Sex Marriage Not Legalised But Couples Can Very Well Form A Family': Madras HC Number of Companies Awaiting Licences From China For Importing Rare-Earth Magnets Double in Two Weeks LA Protests: Trump's Decision to Deploy Military Criticised, California Governor Terms Move 'Deranged' About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Mint
14-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Strait of Hormuz: Will Iran shut the vital oil artery of the world?
Shweta Singh As tensions escalate following Israeli strikes on Iran, fears rise that Tehran could choke the Strait of Hormuz, which is significant for its strategic location. What does this imply for countries like India and for the broader geopolitical landscape? The Strait of Hormuz sees roughly 20 million barrels per day of oil, and oil products shipments,. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo Gift this article As tensions escalate following Israeli strikes on Iran, fears rise that Tehran could choke the Strait of Hormuz. However, patterns in history indicate that while there might be temporary disruption in maritime traffic, Iran might refrain from choking the Strait of Hormuz, as it will pinch its friends more than its enemies. As tensions escalate following Israeli strikes on Iran, fears rise that Tehran could choke the Strait of Hormuz. However, patterns in history indicate that while there might be temporary disruption in maritime traffic, Iran might refrain from choking the Strait of Hormuz, as it will pinch its friends more than its enemies. Mint explains why the Strait of Hormuz is significant geopolitically, and economically and what it means for India and Iran-US talks. Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant geopolitically and economically? The Strait of Hormuz is significant for its strategic location. It lies between Oman and Iran, linking the sea passage from the countries on the Gulf (Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) with the Arabian Sea and beyond. The strait is only 33 km wide at its narrowest point. According to available statistics, it sees roughly 20 million barrels per day of oil, and oil products shipments, and accounts for nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Further, one-third of the world's liquified natural gas LNG passes through the route. The maritime sea lanes, as the critical outlet for Gulf countries, are watched by the US Navy's Fifth Fleet based in Manama, Bahrain. The Strait of Hormuz is the vital oil artery for the world, and any disruptions, or even temporary closure, will send global oil shocks across the world. Will Tehran, or can Tehran, actually shut the Strait of Hormuz? With the Israeli air strikes on its military and nuclear establishments, Tehran has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz. But will it do so? Or is Iran using Hormuz as bargaining chip that leverages the fears of global oil shock and oil vulnerability of its friends, and enemies alike? While there could be some disruption- Iran might actually refrain from a full-scale blockade. There are three significant reasons why Iran might not actually do so, even while signalling that it might do so rhetorically. First, it will hurt Iran's friend, China, the world second-largest economy, and Iran's largest trading partner. China, is number one importer of oil, accounting for nearly three quarter of its oil export. So China, will not like to see any disruption in its maritime oil shipments, and might actually use its economic leverage with Iran to prevent Iran from closure of the narrow lane. Second, it will rupture Iran's relationship with Oman (which owns the southern half of the strait) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC States). With Oman, careful crafting of a relationship has resulted in greater dependency for Iran on a wide range of issues. Further, Oman has been a strong advocate of freedom of navigation in the sea passage. On the other hand, while there has been a history of difficult relationships between GCC states, in the recent past, there has been a détente of sorts, and Iran risks a fallout if it were to close the Strait of Hormuz. Third, domestically this might not work for the interest of the regime, as any economic hits or closure of its oil exporting terminal, will see a surge in prices, and fuel popular discontent, which might impact both regime stability, and reformist tendencies for President Masoud Pezeshkian. Also Read: Javier Blas: An Israel-Iran war may not rattle the oil market Where does this leave US-Iran talk? The US is giving clear indications that it will attend Sunday's talks with Iran in Oman with a focus on limiting Iran's ability to build a nuclear bomb- a move that Iran has vehemently resisted. While the US claims it has no role or remains unaware of Israel's strikes on Tehran, the timing of the strikes raises a pertinent question. This comes just before the crucial 15 June talks between the US and Iran in Oman. While the US and Trump deny any role, it remains doubtful that Netanyahu and Israel would act without a green signal from the US. So, it seems the attacks serve a dual purpose, for the US, it pushes Tehran to re-engage in talks with the US that it has put on the slow burner in the past few weeks. For Israel, a tacit US support in any case works, given it sees Iran, and its nuclear programme as an existential threat. Further, Netanyahu, would anyway want to see the collapse of the deal between US and Iran, and has for the longest time opposed it. However, despite strategic denials by the US, the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists, and the reported wounding of one of its negotiators many actually convince a anyways belligerent to Iran, to walk down the path towards a nuclear weapon to build its own nuclear deterrence. Will China rein in Iran? In the recent past, China has strategically drawn in Iran into the Belt and Road Initiative, which Tehran joined in 2019. China has been working to build new connectivity opportunities, for instance, railway projects for Iran that serve two significant aims: first, it provides opportunities for bringing in Central Asian countries and Iran into the connectivity matrix. And second, it helps counter US hegemony, and can offset the US sanctions that are imposed time and again. In the moment of the current crisis, if Hormuz is choked, China will be hit, given it's the largest exporter of Iranian Oil. So China, might actually reign in Iran, given its impending economic interest, and disruption in global oil supply chain, will impede its own economic interest first and foremost. Also Read | Israel's war on Iran to hit Indian workforce What will this mean for India? For India, over two-thirds of its oil imports and nearly half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This surely puts India in a tight spot, given that any disruption in the global supply chain will hit India, particularly in the LNG sector—given that it imports a major chunk of its LNG from Qatar and UAE. According to available reports, January-November 2024, India imported 9.82 million tonnes of LNG from Qatar, which accounted for 38.8 per cent of India's overall LNG imports. So, a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a chunk of LNG exported by Qatar and the UAE passes, will hit countries like India. Further, in the recent past, India has strengthened strategic ties with Israel, particularly in the sectors of defence, intelligence, and technology. For India, it is tightrope walk, given the need to do a balancing act between Israel and Iran. Further in terms of India's connectivity interest, both Chabahar port and IMEC corridor anyway stand in a freeze mode, given the ever-growing tensions between Israel and Iran. Shweta Singh is an associate professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of International Studies, South Asian University. Topics You May Be Interested In
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Time of India
'60 died in past month': Ukrainian accused of killing monkeys with air gun near sacred Govardhan Parikrama route
AGRA: At least 12 monkeys were found dead and several others injured under suspicious circumstances in Anyour village near Govind Kund, Mathura district, on Monday. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Goverdhan police station. According to locals, a Ukrainian national residing at the Radha Madan Mohan Das Ashram shot the monkeys using an air gun around 11am. Residents claimed that nearly 60 monkeys have died in the area over the past month. Following the incident, police officials called a team from the local veterinary hospital. The dead monkeys were sent for postmortem, examination while veterinary staff treated the injured animals. Dr Shweta Singh of the Goverdhan Veterinary Hospital said, "The Police informed us about the case. At the scene, we found three to four injured monkeys. During first aid, we found pellet-like objects embedded in the heads of monkeys, suggesting injuries caused by an air gun." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How Smart Traders Use Data to Navigate Volatile Markets Trader Headline Learn More Undo Goverdhan station house officer (SHO)Ravi Tyagi confirmed that two men - Janki Das and Braj Sundar Das (a Ukrainian national) - were taken into custody. The Ukrainian suspect has reportedly been staying in Mathura since July 2024, on a visa valid until July this year. Both the accused have been booked under IPC Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Mathura SP (Rural) Trigun Bisen told TOI, "The postmortem report is expected by tomorrow, and further action will be based on the findings." A local resident said, "There are forests on both sides of the Goverdhan-Parikrama marg. We often saw dead monkeys and assumed they died naturally. But this incident suggests they may have been deliberately killed.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Ukrainian & aide held for killing 12 monkeys using air gun in Mathura
AGRA: At least 12 monkeys were found dead and several others injured in Anyour village in Mathura on Monday. Locals alleged that a Ukrainian national residing at the Radha Madan Mohan Das Ashram shot the monkeys using an air gun around 11am. Residents claimed that nearly 60 monkeys have died in the area over the past month. Following the incident, police called a team from the local veterinary hospital. The dead monkeys were sent for postmortem, while veterinary staff treated the injured animals, reports Sudeep Lavania. Dr Shweta Singh of the Goverdhan Veterinary Hospital said, "At the scene, we found three to four injured monkeys. During first aid, we found pellet-like objects embedded in their heads, suggesting injuries caused by an air gun." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo Goverdhan SHO Ravi Tyagi confirmed that two men - Janki Das and Braj Sundar Das (a Ukrainian national) - were taken into custody. The Ukrainian suspect has reportedly been staying in Mathura since July 2024, on a visa valid until July this year. Both individuals have been booked under IPC Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act , 1960. Mathura SP (Rural) Trigun Bisen told TOI, "The postmortem report is expected by tomorrow, and further action will be based on the findings."
