Author: Ifunanya Okafor

Indonesia is set to introduce a new regulation establishing a minimum age for social media users, aimed at enhancing child protection online, according to the country’s communications minister. This move follows Australia’s decision to restrict social media access for children under 16, implementing fines on tech giants like Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok if they fail to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. Minister Meutya Hafid, in her remarks yesterday, did not specify the exact age limit for Indonesia. Her statement came after a discussion with President Prabowo Subianto, in which they addressed the issue of safeguarding children in the digital space. “We discussed how to protect children in digital spaces,” Hafid said in a video posted to the president’s official YouTube channel. “The president is fully supportive of this plan and the efforts to ensure child protection online.”

With the potential TikTok ban looming, US users are flocking to a Chinese app called RedNote, now the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store. Dubbed “TikTok refugees” by many, these users have helped RedNote climb to the top of the charts, as they seek alternatives in the face of the looming ban. RedNote, a popular TikTok competitor in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, has around 300 million monthly users. The app, which combines features of TikTok and Instagram, is primarily used by young urban women to exchange lifestyle tips on everything from fashion to dating. The US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law that gives TikTok a January 19 deadline to either sell its US operations or face a ban. TikTok has repeatedly stated it will not sell its US business, warning that a ban would infringe on free speech protections for its 170 million American users. Meanwhile, RedNote is embracing its new users, with 63,000 posts under the hashtag “TikTok refugee,” offering guides on how to navigate the app and learn basic Chinese phrases. One new user expressed their gratitude, saying, “To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us – sorry in advance for the chaos.” However, like TikTok, RedNote has faced allegations of censorship, particularly regarding criticism of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials have been barred from using RedNote due to concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese software. As US users continue to join RedNote, some Chinese users have humorously adopted the moniker “Chinese spies,” a playful reference to US officials’ fears that TikTok may be used for spying or political manipulation. RedNote’s Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, translates to “Little Red Book,” though the app has clarified that it is not a reference to the famous book of quotations by Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong. Photo credit: Dexerto

TikTok has dismissed a report claiming that China is contemplating the sale of its US operations to Elon Musk as “pure fiction.” This statement comes after Bloomberg published a report suggesting that Chinese authorities are exploring the possibility of selling TikTok’s US division to Musk if the US Supreme Court upholds a ban on the app. The Supreme Court is set to decide on a law that mandates a deadline of January 19 for TikTok to either divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. TikTok has consistently stated it will not sell its US business. “We cannot comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News. The Bloomberg report, citing anonymous sources, speculated that one potential option being considered by Chinese officials could involve Musk’s X platform taking over TikTok’s US operations. Musk is known to have close ties with US President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20. Recently, Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay its ruling until after his inauguration, allowing him to pursue a “political resolution.” His lawyer submitted a brief stating that Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and wants to address the issue through political channels once he assumes office. This request came shortly after Trump met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

OpenAI on Monday released its vision for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States, emphasizing the need for external investment and supportive regulations to maintain an edge over China in the rapidly evolving AI sector. In a 15-page document titled “Economic Blueprint,” OpenAI highlighted the critical importance of chips, data, and energy in dominating the AI landscape. The company urged the U.S. to establish nationwide policies to secure its competitive advantage in AI development. The announcement comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, with a tech-friendly administration expected under the leadership of former PayPal executive David Sacks as the AI and crypto czar. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has donated around $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, aligning with other tech executives seeking stronger ties with the new administration. OpenAI’s report warns that approximately $175 billion in global funds is poised for investment in AI projects. If the U.S. fails to attract this capital, it risks ceding ground to China-backed initiatives, potentially enhancing the Chinese Communist Party’s global influence. The document also advocates for export controls on AI models to prevent misuse by adversary nations. Microsoft-backed OpenAI is actively seeking to rally support for its transition to a for-profit model, aiming to secure additional funding. After raising $6.6 billion last year, the startup plans to host an event in Washington, D.C., later this month to discuss its policy proposals and strategic direction. Image Credit: Exeed ECX

South African private hospital operator Life Healthcare announced on Monday the sale of its radiopharmaceuticals division, Life Molecular Imaging (LMI), to U.S.-listed Lantheus Holdings. The news boosted Life Healthcare’s shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with a rise of over 3% by this morning. The deal involves an upfront payment of $350 million, with potential additional payments of up to $400 million based on future sales of LMI products through 2034. Radiopharmaceuticals, which are cutting-edge cancer treatments delivering targeted radiation therapy to cancer cells, represent a promising area of medical innovation. Life Healthcare acquired LMI in 2018 as part of its investment in the Alliance Medical Group. The sale is part of the company’s strategy to streamline operations by offloading certain assets. In a statement, Life Healthcare highlighted Lantheus’s unique position to further invest in and expand LMI’s portfolio of imaging products, ensuring the business reaches its full growth potential.