U.S Archives - Uluzon

TikTok’s Evolution: From Fun, Free App to National Security Threat

TikTok may be banned in the United States after the Supreme Court upheld a law targeting the app’s ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance. This brings years of concerns regarding its privacy issues as well as potential threats to national security to its peak.

The Rise of TikTok

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Origins (2016-2017): ByteDance introduced TikTok worldwide after Douyin’s success in China and after acquiring the app of the same type, Musical.ly. The content of the platform began to engage global audiences as the original algorithms began to dominate its offering.

Pandemic Boom (2020): TikTok would become an overnight hit over the years of the COVID-19 outbreak leading to millions of users across the globe.

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Growing Security Concerns

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TikTok’s exponential growth was shadowed by suspicions of:

Data Privacy Risks: Concerns of users’ data being operated by the Chinese authority.

Addiction and Propaganda: App anxieties, especially its impact on users, especially the youthful population.

Geopolitical Implications: Increased privacy concerns owing to Sino-suspicion relationships with several countries such as India that recently banned the APP.

Targeted by the U.S.

Trump Administration (2020): Once learner and recently former President Donald Trump tried to block TikTok citing data harvesting and content moderation allegations but without subsequent proof.

Biden Administration (2024): A law was passed that ByteDance needs to divest TikTok and failure to do so was going to be banned due to risks of Chinese influence.

Legal case and controversy

Though ByteDance took steps like storing U.S. user data on Oracle’s servers, the company had never successfully shake the doubts. It continued with high profile hearings and lawsuits for ByteDance to challenge the U.S government over free speech.

Supreme Court Decision and Its Implication

On Friday the 15th of December 2024 the Supreme Court sided with the U.S. government as a law was approved to effectively ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells it to a company that is not connected to China. The app is planned to stop functioning in the United States by January 19, 2025, if no measure is taken.

What’s Next?

TikTok’s Stance: ByteDance has said that it has never provided user data to the Chinese government and urges for “comprehensive” assurances against shutdown.

Incoming Administration: Donald Trump the president elect has indirectly threatened to take an action concerning the matter.

Potential Impact: As it looks, leaving 170 million US users behind, TikTok’s departure will change the face of social media and reopen discussions on digital sovereignty .

Waiting for the final decision no more, the fate of Tiktok in the United States is now a testament of technology, political strategies and national securities.

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Honoring Icons: President Biden Awarded Clinton, Fox and Others the Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden recently honored a number of great people, bestowing on them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a sincere event that reflected the president’s core interests, major supporters, and lifelong role models.

Hillary Clinton: United States as a symbol of historical leadership

Hillary Clinton, who represented New York in the U.S. Senate and served as the Secretary of State under President Obama was honored for her many years in public service. Clinton, who has been a loyal donor and campaigner for Biden’s presidency and re-election until her departure in the beginning of the year, was applauded as she entered the White House. Her recognition proves her continuous contribution to the shaping of the America politics and diplomacy.

Michael J. Fox: An Advocate and Inspiration

The program had special features dedicated to beloved actor Michael J. Fox, who has not only starred in such films as back to the future, family ties, and Spin City, but also for raising a lot of money for Parkinson’s disease research efforts. Although Fox has been diagnosed with a condition and understandably displays signs of it, he held himself strong and got up and used the support to walk towards President Biden to receive his medal. That courage, and that optimism, touched the audience.

Edward M. Kennedy: A Political Hero Remembered

The Medal of Freedom was received posthumously by Sen Edward M. Kennedy who was a leading politician in the United States and a main advocate of progressive policies. President Biden who mentioned Kennedy as one of his “true political heroes” pointed to the fact that the senator spent most of his life in active service. Kathleen Kennedy, his daughter received the award for him and in her speech, she focused on the fight for justice and equality that her father had been fighting for.

José Andrés: Feeding Hope in Crisis

Food spots went to chef-philanthropist José Andrés, the founder of the World Central Kitchen that provides meal assistance to survivors of the catastrophes and wars. His organization has helped fed and give hope to millions of needy people; some of his team members were killed in Gaza Strip. Many of you may recall that the great soccer player, Andrés, immediately hugged the award when he received it, as this was, indeed, a result of compassion fought against cruelty.

Service Celebrations of Courage and Endurance

The Medal of Freedom award this year was not only awarded to them based on their accomplishments but also sweat, determination, and never tiring spirit of defending the country. The choices made by President Biden were consistent with the spirit of the endearment: perseverance, advocacy and unity and rallied the country to pay tribute to those who struggle to build a better world.

US Sanctions Directed at Iranian and Russia Entities for Election Meddling

The United States has targeted companies in Iran and Russia involved in campaigns of disinformation before the recent election. These activities are prohibited under the sanctions and those who engage in them will be made to face the music, the US Treasury says.

An Account of Disinformation

The Treasury Department said that the designated groups relied on fake videos, fabricated news and stories, and social media actions to turn the public and erode confidence in the American democracy. Several intelligence agencies have captured both the Iranian and the Russian governments in these coordinated efforts.

Russian Involvement

The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise is among the organizations on this list of sanctions. American authorities’ claims of the group’s activity include creating deep fakes and fake news sites to spread misinformation. The sanctions also target the director of the involved center, associated with Russian military intelligence attacks on Western structures.

The group is said to have used artificial intelligence in producing fake news and hired US firms in promoting positive sentiments about Russia on social media.

Iranian Operations

Also, Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center is a division of the Revolutionary Guard Corps that was also targeted. American officials say it engaged in promoting political polarization in the United States such as the protest in relation to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Iran has also been at the center of hack attacks targeting the US officials and fresh interferences with campaigns, one that has stretched the conflict between the two countries to another level.

Broader Election Interference

Labeled by intelligence as operations intended to sow distrust in the American electoral process, the meddling by Russia, Iran and other countries like China was targeted at the voters. Although Russia’s actions seemed to aid the winning candidate, Iran did not like Trump’s Presidential campaign because of his administration’s hostile actions against Iran, which include the exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and assassination of General Qasem Soleimani.

Official Denials

Russia and Iran have both denied the allegations. Russian embassy officials with the Russian today interfered in the internal affairs of their counterparts denying the allegations while Iranian representatives have not responded to the statement.

Implications

The sanctions show that the United States has no tolerance for outside interference with its democratic process. Another work that can be said is that they also perform as a threat to other countries planning to take similar actions, stressing possible diplomatic and economic consequences.

Blinken to announce new funding in relation to Sudan Amid Ongoing Crisis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to announce more aid for humanitarian programs in Sudan and strategies to support civil society during a closed UN Security Council debate on Thursday. This is a meeting, which Blinken will be convening, is aimed at drawing attention to the suffering of Sudanese people and push for safeguarding of civilians.

Announcements and Its Corresponding Aims

New Humanitarian Aid

Funding Boost: Blinken will unveil enhanced funding by Washington for the Sudanese humanitarian crisis aimed at responding to needs of millions of people uprooted by war.

Support for Civil Society: Further capacity will be provided in order to support Sudanese civil society and help the country to restore democratic rule.

Focus on the Crisis

UN Engagement: In recent times, the U.S. is continuing to use the United Nations as a stage in keeping the focus on Sudan and called for unified international action in order to address this humanitarian crisis.

Path to Peace: Blinken will reaffirm the United States’ support for helping in the search for a end to hostilities and bettering humanitarian access.

About Sudan Crisis

Conflict Origins

Power Struggle: The war started in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary organizations of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) halting the attempts to transition towards a civilian government.

Humanitarian Fallout: In 2019, there were 12.7 million people who have been forced to flee their homes and have access to assistance become restricted due to armed violence.

U.S. Involvement

Mediated Talks: Previous peace talks that were facilitated by the United States in Geneva did not produce a cessation of hostilities but did produce consent on enhancing the delivery of assistance.

Continued Efforts: Sudan has been considered as the focus of the Biden administration and change before Joe Biden completes his term in office.

Quotes by US Authorities

THE HAGUE – During a high-level Side Event at the 6th Session of the United Nations Forum for Countries with Special Needs, Ned Price, Deputy U.S. Representative to the UN.

Focus on Humanitarian Needs: ”In terms of humanitarian action, we will not spare any effort in order to resolve the concerns most important to us – humanitarian access and stoppage of hostilities.”

Global Cooperation: Price emphasized the American continuation of international cooperation with the association of participating countries and Sudan for a stronger plan to handle the problem that occurred and help Sudan regain its stability.

Looking Ahead

In this regard, the United States is pinning hopes on its enhanced financial assistance and continual focused diplomacy to save lives of several millions of beleaguered Sudanese and bring sustainable peace. Yet, it remain unclear what will happen next, as the rebellious groups continue to fight, and do not seem intent on coming closer to a compromise.

China’s export growth rate declines, imports fall ahead of Trump’s additional tariffs

According to exports and imports data that China released for November, export expansion has considerably decelerated far quicker than analysts had estimated while imports shrank prominently than what was anticipated earlier as Trump prepares to bring back unfriendly trade practices.

Key Trade Figures

Exports Growth: Increased by 6.7%, less than estimates of an 8.5% increase and below October when the figure was 12.7%.

Imports: Sinking by 3.9%, it was the lowest increase in nine months, in contrast to the forecast of a 0.3% rise.

Trade Surplus: Rose to $97.44 billion in November from $95.72 billion October owing to lower import levels.

Tariff Tensions Loom

Trump has said he will slap a 10% tariff on Chinese products to deal with the issues such as trafficking of precursor chemicals for fentanyl, which may lead to tariffs above 60%. They go a long way in aggravating the trade war between the two countries, unlike China which relies so much on exports.

China also perceives rising trade tensions with EU, where chargers ranging from 17.5% to 45.3% on imported electric vehicles from China is indicative of another potential trade war.

Internal Factors and Micro Level Forces

China’s economy is already grappling with:

An extended property market plunge, which has undermined hoping among homeowners and firms.

Slow global demand recovery as marked by subdued export numbers from other competing economies such as Korea and Vietnam.

Reduced import numbers that have been attributed to a decline in commodity prices.

Commodity Imports: Mixed Signals

Despite the overall drop in imports, specific commodities showed resilience:

Crude oil imports were up by 14.3% annually for the same reasons including low Middle Eastern oil prices and stockpiling.

Coal imports increased by 26% to new record levels because it is cheaper than domestic products.

There were mixed opinions on when copper imports could return to the levels before their decline in May, but they edged up to their highest in a year, which could have contributed to more optimistic signs in property and construction markets.

Policy Outlook

Ministers and other consultants are urging more potent fiscal measures at home to counter any negative effect of the new tariffs from the United States. Proposed measures include:

Specifically, it has sustained the growth rate to 5% in 2024.

Promoting the domestic consumers as a way of avoiding over dependence in exports.

Oasis for the local governments and the troubled property market.

Industry and Market Reactions

Manufacturers said business conditions have recovered in November at the highest level in seven months, albeit export orders remain subdued. They are storing products in foreign premises, a trend set to rise, thanks to exporter’s inventory management strategies.

Xu Tianchen, a senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, cautioned that whether due to front-loading of imports prior to Trump’s tariffs, the real consequence has not started yet and will begin to emerge in the coming months.

Global Trade Context

China’s imports and exports have decelerated in line with other big exporters such as South Korea where exports to China shrank for the first time in eight months presumably due to slump in demand for re-exported components.

There are many factors that negatively affect China’s economy, which come from global and internal environment. As Trump has continued a tariff on China’s exports, Beijing has to manage increasing trade risks internally in order to support the economy. Biff Economic and Politics With China’s economy under tremendous pressure, investors and policymakers are waiting for signals from the Politburo based on upcoming Politburo meetings.

Bitcoin Surges to Ksh. 13 Million as Expectations on Trump’s Crypto Plan Rises

The red-tracking digital currency raced through the $100,000 (around Shs13 million) for the first time on Thursday, fuelled by positive vibes on Trump’s incoming administration policy on the virtual money. This hallmark is indicative of increasing institutional acceptance fees, regulatory certainty, and optimism over the futures of digital resources under Trump’s presidency.

Since Trump’s election win, the digital currency has risen more than 45 percent due to optimistic view on less smokey and Trump’s promise to make America a hub for bitcoins.

Institutional Adoption and Regulatory verde

Entrepoeneurs of the crypto industry such as the CEO of Galaxy Digital Mike Novogratz said the price increase signified a ‘paradise shift’ and digital currencies were set to become mainstream within financial systems. Market demand supported by institutional investors has provided traction to it along with high-profile developments in the blockchain and tokenized financial economics.

Confidence has also found its footing from the expectations for Trump’s deregulation plan. The appointment of Paul Atkins for nomination as the director of the SEC is an indication that Owen will now relax the polices implemented by the current SEC Chair, Gary Gensler.

Over $4 billion has been invested in Bitcoin ETFs that are listed in the United States since the election, and acceptance is now ramping up. Such ETFs have provided institutional and retail investors opportunity to invest in the Bitcoin and therefore contributed to the market activity.

Trump’s Crypto Agenda

Trump has promised to transform the United States into the “crypto capital of the planet,” highlighting plans for:

National Bitcoin Stockpile: Trump has suggested the country should start stockpiling Bitcoin.

Crypto Advisory Council: As the struggle for influencing the regulatory framework continues, major industry actors such as Ripple and Circle are ready to step into the center of the fight.

Business Investments: Trump World Liberty Financial and his media company’s proposed purchase of crypto trading firm Bakkt establish him as a player in the industry.

They have also been backed by Elon Musk, a Trump friend and a crypto enthusiast.

Market Reactions

Bitcoin’s rally has lifted other crypto-related assets:

Some stocks related to the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies such as mining firms including MARA Holdings gained 65% in November.

Trading of options on crypto ETFs has increased, and call options have dominated puts.

Crypto gurus are also bullish with some expecting Bitcoin to cross $120,000 before Christmas.

Caution Amid Optimism

Despite the optimism, critics warn of potential risks:

The extraction of bitcoins is still an energy-consuming process.

The industry is still in a process of overcoming numbers of scandals, especially FTX and new restrictions and bans.

Speculative activity can cause the stock market cycling up and down, and generate bracketing of stocks for quick profits.

Market participants are waiting to see how Bitcoin will handle above $100,000 with prognoses that such a level could attract more institutional investors.

The Road Ahead

Breaking the Ksh.13 million mark, provided further bullish signals for the cryptocurrency market, with each new price rise giving a thumbs up for mainstream adoption. That Trump administration is set to push through drastic changes in regulating cryptocurrency means that the situation remains ripe for increased growth within the sector although it’s not without controversy and opposition.

Trump Picks Devin Nunes and Richard Grenell for Top Positions

Donald Trump has made new appointments prior to his inauguration on the 20th of January, signaling that he continues to bring in individuals that have supported him throughout their campaign and early into his presidency.

The White House has scheduled Devin Nunes, the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, to head of the intelligence advisory board.

Trump chose Devin Nunes, CEO of Truth Social and the former Republican Congressman from California, for heading the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB). Nunes is best known for his loyalty to Trump, especially when he was head of the House Intelligence Committee, serving as the main defender of Trump in cases of meddling by Russia in the presidential campaign.

Trump praised Nunes for the work he did in what Trump called a “Russia hoax” and his leadership in the matter of holding intelligence accountable. Nunes will continued to serve as the CEO of Truth Social where he will also sit in the advisory board.

For instance, the PIAB is an autonomous body formed mid 20th century that oversees and reports on the intelligence operations. Trump plainly defined its role as convening individuals who are part of America’s elite outside of the federal government to advise on the functioning of intelligence agencies.

Former acting director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, appointed Presidential envoy for special missions

In another glamorous appointment, Trump appointed Richard Grenell, a staunch supporter of Trump and his administration and a former US ambassador to Germany as special presidential envoy for missions. Grenell, who came out as the first gay member of the cabinet in presidential history in 2020 when he served as Acting Director of National Intelligence wants to explain pressing global matters in regions such as Venezuela and North Korea.

Now Grenell is firmly within Trump’s orbit and ardently denying the results of the 2020 election.

Kash Patel is Nominated for FBI Director Position

The announcements come on the heels of Trump’s recent nominations of Kash Patel as FBI director, Wray’s replacement. Patel, who has worked in national security at the Pentagon and has ties to Nunes and Grenell, has been highly critical of the intelligence community and is part of the cohort of Trump allies who oppose the ‘deep state’.

Tightening Loyalists in Strategic Places

Some of Trump’s recent appointments show that as he gears up for the second term, he is aiming at filling key positions with people he trusts. Many of these individuals have publicly endorsed Trump’s claims of fraud in the recent election and doubts about federal agencies meaning that the US intelligence and diplomatic posture may shift in the next administration.

China Wakes up to the Thought of Talks as Trump’s Threatens Tariffs

While Donald Trump increases threats to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing is devising a more sophisticated tactic that involves rewards as well as sanctions to encourage the US counterpart to the negotiating table. Citing this, they say it is to avoid a full-blown trade war and focus on stabilizing relations if Trump returns to power in 2021.

China’s Strategy: Negotiation Over Escalation

Drawing from lessons of the 2018 trade war, China is taking proactive steps, including:

The Chinese regulators preparing to launch an investigation against U.S. chipmaker Nvidia for supposed antitrust offences.
Enlarging measures to ban leading American industries from importing strategic materials, including some rare earths used in hi-tech industries.

According to Fred Neumann, HSBC’s Chief Asia Economist rounding it off that these moves indicate China’s ‘opening bid to encourage negotiations rather than engage in a tariff battle.

Economic Readiness and Strategic Coexistence
China is in a better situation than before to face tariffs with new developments in areas such as electric vehicles and clean energy. However, the fact that requires import of high technology products especially advanced microchips from the US is its weakness.

George Magnus of Oxford University’s China Centre highlighted that despite the opening up of the economy and decrease of reliance on products such as Boeing jets from the United States, a new round of trade war would still be disadvantageous to China.

Main Factors to Inspire Those Involved in Negotiation

China aims to:

Prevent Additional U.S. Export Controls: Indrade restrictions to critical input such as microchips can greatly affect especially the Chinese technology industry.
Renew Scientific Cooperation: An area of concern is that the U.S.- China Science and Technology Agreement expired in August:It also supports joint research.

Although companies such as China’s Huawei has ramped up efforts to have chipmaking capabilities onshore, it is yet to prove sustainable on the market.

Trump’s Position and Leverage

Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 % for economic and political factors such as curbing in fentanyl smuggling to the U.S and Beijing considers this as political making the likelihood of reaching an agreement highly unlikely.

However, the probable US increase of its own oil and gas production, Trump might find it suitable to gain enhanced Chinese imports of energy exports, and in line with his “drill baby, drill” campaign.

The Business Climate

The current difficulties of U.S. companies located in China continue to grow and business confidence has hit lows not seen since 1999, per the American Chamber of Commerce. Trade imbalances have forced Washington to act over issues to do with market access and regulatory measures.

Outlook

Indeed both countries have grounds that compel them to engage in talks but given their politically and economically charged relationship any talks would be far from easy. Reference to political objectives like human rights or fight against drug trafficking complicates trade relations and their settlement.

China’s moves reflect a dual strategy: negotiating with promises to get the best deals while admitting strategies if negotiations collapse. The decision making in the current matrix depends with both the economic view of the two players, and the politicking involved.

Box Office Bonanza: ’Moana 2’ claims Thanksgiving records with $28 Million on its first day.

Box Office Bonanza: ’Moana 2’ claims Thanksgiving records with $28 Million on its first day

Disney again and again gives their fans every movie they crave for and Moana 2 did wash over the platforms as it earned $28 million on Thanksgiving Day. This performance not only guarantees the animated film high records, but also revives the movie industry which has had a difficult few years.

A Historic Holiday Run

Eva celebrates Thanksgiving holiday, and it will easily gross more than $175 million within the Thanksgiving five days period to erase pre-existing records. These include Frozen II’s $125 million in 2019 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire with $109 million in 2013. Observers in the industry are optimistic that it could gross over $200 million domestically by the weekend. It has grossed $85.5 million in domestic territories and has become the highest-grossing Thanksgiving release ahead of the $15 million opening-day record held by Frozen II.

A Boost for the Box Office

This is not to mean that the success of Moana 2 is happening just anywhere in isolation. Audiences are also coming to see Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II, two other hits which opened just one week prior.

Wicked: The Broadway adaptation earned $16.9 million on its Thanksgiving, the five days estimate $105.6 million. It also cost a significant amount of money to produce costing $300 million making it the first part of a two part film.

Gladiator II: The follow up to the much acclaimed 2000 epic sci-fipic cashed $6.7m on Thanksgiving and should gross $45m during the Thanksgiving season. This is another massive risk for Paramount as this film was made for $250 million out of their $500 million budget.

Gladiator II is expected to earn $112.2m in the domestic market by Sunday; Wicked could gross as much as $250.6m in North America.

Star Suite – Von Streamingstar zum Kinoallstars

Moana 2 was once planned for Disney+ but then it switched to the feature Moana format. The first Moana released in 2016 grossed $687.2 million all over the world, but the film really found its success in streaming, becoming one of the most popular movies in Disney+. This streaming success convinced Disney that a sequel could emerge in theaters—and the success has paid off.

On Revitalising the Experience of Theatre

The victories of these play hits couldn’t have arrived at the theaters at a perfect moment. There is nothing worse than when the COVID-19 pandemic and industry-wide strikes in recent years have not allowed you to regain the occupancy.” Indications of a much-awaited recovery have been observed with the start of business during Thanksgiving.

Future Problems and Opportunities of the Successful Holiday Season
While people were getting their turkey fix with a string of blockbuster movies in Thanksgiving, the holiday season itself is not very rich in this regard. Big names like Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King will arrive in December, but there isn’t an Avatar-like follow-up or a big Marvel movie.

The Verdict: A New Chapter for Theaters

The astounding sales figured in Moana 2 are therefore indicative of what most industry insiders and analysts have long been waiting for – a new dawn for the film business as the audience comes back in droves to get their fix of quality movies. But as Thanksgiving starts it off, it is yet to be seen if the playing field can be sustained throughout the leaner winter season.

Biden to Attend Trump’s Inauguration: A Commitment to Democracy

Honor democracy is a theme White House focuses on according to this article.

Biden to Keep His Promise Amidst Record Breaking Inauguration

Later this month, in a show of support for the U.S. Constitution, President-elect Joe Biden will attend the inauguration of ex-President Donald Trump in January, the White House said on Monday.

Deputy Press Secretary in the Joe Biden’s camp, Andrew Bates stressed on the significance of the gesture and pointed out, “The president promised he would attend the inauguration of whoever won the election. Republicans would protest this year if He and the First Lady are going to honor that promise.

But despite past tensions, a show of unity was evident at the meeting.

This is quite a historic occasion especially since Trump did not attend Biden’s inauguration on the 20th of January in 2021 after having enjoined his supporters on the 6th of January 2021 to storm the US Capitol over his claims of electoral fraud.

Bates further said, “This is a concern to show concern to the people as we embrace democratic dispensation and respect for the people’s voice. It’s about making sure that the transition is as smooth and efficient as it should be.”

The historic election involving Biden

Biden’s decision to attend comes after he scaled down his own bid for the second term in July this year. His endorsement of Kamala Harris vice president candidate was sparked by questions on his age and his performances during a decisive debate against Trump.

However, after Trump’s win over Harris on November 5, Biden invited Trump to the White House proving good intention in ensuring a transfer of power.

The America That We All Know: A Legacy of Upholding Democracy

While attacking Trump as dangerous for democracy during the 2024 campaign, Biden proved to be quite consistent in his pursuit of democracy after the election.

This historical moment has made it crucial for Americans to understand that their democracy irrespective of partisanship is strong. Before going to the inauguration, Biden sends a message of unity and respect to the electoral process.