TikTok suspends app within United States

Duolingo, the language-learning platform, has reported a significant increase in users, with a 216% surge in Americans learning Mandarin compared to the same period last year.

As the United States inches closer to a potential ban on TikTok, millions of American users are exploring alternatives, with RedNote emerging as a frontrunner. Known as Xiaohongshu, or 'Little Red Book', in its native China, RedNote has seen a sharp rise in popularity, driven by its resemblance to TikTok and its unique blend of short videos and e-commerce features.

Albania announced a one-year nationwide ban on TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by China's ByteDance, on December 21, citing concerns over the app's influence on children following the fatal stabbing of a teenager last month.

A critical ruling that could shape the future of TikTok in the United States is expected from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia by December 6. The case centres on a controversial law requiring ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest its US operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.

Canada has ordered TikTok to shut down its Canadian business, citing national security risks. Canadians will still be able to use TikTok, as the decision does not block general access to the app.

A recent cyberattack on TikTok, the popular short-form video-sharing platform, has targeted an undisclosed number of 'high-profile' accounts, including brand and celebrity accounts such as CNN and Paris Hilton. According to Jason Grosse, a spokesperson for TikTok's privacy and security team, the platform has taken steps to stop the attack.

The U.S. House of Representatives has recently approved a bill that requires ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell off its American assets within six months or risk being banned from operating in the country.

The Australian government has recently banned the popular short-video-sharing app TikTok from all federal and government-owned devices due to security concerns over the app stealing user data.