By Lalit K Jha In Washington, DC

Stories by By Lalit K Jha In Washington, DC

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2025

The US Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring TikTok's China-based parent company to divest from the app, paving the way for the popular platform to be banned from the US starting Sunday. The court's decision was unanimous, with the justices citing national security concerns related to TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. While existing users may still access the app, new users will be unable to download it and updates will no longer be available. The decision comes as the Biden administration prepares to hand over the reins to the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to review the situation before making a final determination on TikTok's fate.

Trump moves inauguration ceremony indoors due to severe windchill

Trump moves inauguration ceremony indoors due to severe windchill

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2025

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors due to a forecast of severe windchill. The ceremony will now be held at the Capitol Rotunda instead of outside the US Capitol facing the National Mall. Trump expressed concern for the safety of attendees, law enforcement, and first responders in the frigid weather conditions.

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2025

US senators have alleged that TikTok, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, has interfered in elections of various countries, including India, and called for extending the deadline for a ban on the platform in the US. They applauded India's ban on the social media platform, citing concerns about Chinese propaganda and data harvesting. Lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, introduced legislation to delay the ban by 270 days, arguing it would allow for a more thorough review of the implications and potential alternatives to a ban. They also criticized the rushed nature of the ban and its potential impact on free speech and the livelihoods of American users.