Hey, guess what's shaking in TikTok town? Brace yourself for some major WINS! TikTok just nailed back-to-back victories in the courtroom – we're talking Indiana and Montana, baby!

In the Hoosier State, a judge gave a big NOPE to a lawsuit trying to rain on TikTok's parade. And that's not all, folks! Over in Montana, they were trying to pull off a first-of-its-kind ban on TikTok statewide, but a federal judge swooped in and was like, "Hold up, we're not doing that dance today!"

Montana was the first state in the U.S. to pass a complete ban on the app TikTok. The ban was based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing. However, this ban was challenged by TikTok and five Montana content creators who filed a case wanting the court to block the state's ban on the video-sharing app before it took effect on January 1.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Montana's ban of TikTok, ruling that the law set to take effect on January 1, 2024, likely was unconstitutional. The judge questioned Montana's argument for the ban, calling it "paternalistic" and expressing confusion over how the state could protect consumers who voluntarily give their personal data to TikTok. Despite the ruling halting Montana's TikTok ban, calls persist to regulate the app.

As the countdown to Black Friday ticks away, the online shopping sphere is buzzing with tempting Apple discounts. If you've been eyeing that sleek pair of AirPods, contemplating an upgrade to the latest iPad, or yearning for the powerful MacBook Pro, the time is ripe to dive into the digital shopping extravaganza.

For bargain hunters in pursuit of Black Friday iPad deals, the spotlight falls on the ninth-generation Apple iPad. This particular gem, featuring a 64GB Wi-Fi model, has descended to an unprecedented price of $230 on Amazon. Thanks to the retailer's generous 30% discount, you're saving a whopping $99 from the original $329 price tag. A word to the wise – act swiftly. Given that this model belongs to the previous generation, stocks might be dwindling rapidly. Don't let this budget-friendly tablet slip through your fingers; complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity.

Known as the iPad 10.2 due to its impressive Retina display size, the ninth-generation Apple iPad, despite its 2021 release, continues to secure a spot on our list of the best iPads for those on a budget. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, it holds its own against contemporary standards, especially with the option to upgrade to the latest iPadOS 17, Apple's cutting-edge operating system designed for its tablets.

In recent times, there has been a disturbing surge in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech across the internet. This alarming trend has been particularly noticeable following a terrorist attack by Hamas.

The Rise in Hate Speech

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) conducted two separate investigations which revealed a shocking increase in hate speech. They identified a significant increase in antisemitic comments on YouTube and a substantial increase in language associated with anti-Muslim hate when compared to the days prior to the attack. Similar spikes of both antisemitic and anti-Muslim language were observed on alternative social media platforms.

The Real-World Impact

Hannah Rose, ISD’s Hate and Extremist Analyst, highlighted the real-world impact of this online hate speech in an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation. She stated, “What we know about online antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred is that it never stays online”. This statement underscores the potential for online hate speech to translate into real-world harm.

The US Context

In the United States, advocacy groups have reported a spike in hate incidents against Jewish and Muslim individuals amid the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. The Anti-Defamation League reported that since the Hamas attack, antisemitic incidents in the US increased significantly, according to preliminary data. The Council on American-Islamic Relations also reported an uptick in incidents, but did not release specific numbers.

In a surprising turn of events, TikTok has announced the discontinuation of its original Creator Fund, a $1 billion initiative launched in 2020. The fund was designed to support ambitious creators who sought opportunities to foster a livelihood through their innovative content. However, the fund will cease to exist starting December 16th, 2023.

The Creator Fund was a unique initiative that distributed money based on creators’ shares of the platform’s overall views. It aimed to help eligible users making content on the app, providing them with financial support over three years. However, the fund faced criticism from creators who complained about low payouts, despite their videos garnering millions of views.

One of the vocal critics of the fund was Hank Green, an early YouTube star and a well-known figure in the internet culture. Green argued that the fund was outdated and worked more in favor of TikTok’s bottom line rather than its creators’ best interests. He shared that per 1,000 views, he was making about 2.5 cents, a figure echoed by other creators who also shared their disappointingly low income despite having large viewership numbers.

The discontinuation of the fund will affect creators in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. However, creators in Italy and Spain will not be affected by this change.

As one door closes, another opens. TikTok is shifting its focus to its newer Creativity Program. This program was developed based on the learnings and feedback from the Creator Fund. It aims to resolve some of the initial complaints about the fund and offers a higher average gross revenue for qualified video views.

Unlike the Creator Fund, the Creativity Program has specific requirements on video length, rewarding creators who make videos longer than one minute. To be eligible for the Creativity Program, creators must be at least 18 years of age and have at least 10,000 followers and at least 100,000 views in the last 30 days.

TikTok, the popular social media platform, is making waves in the e-commerce industry by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze video content and offer similar products to viewers¹².

The AI Experiment

TikTok is currently testing an AI tool that identifies products in videos and suggests similar ones for sale via its Shop feature¹. This test involves using machine-object detection to find items and recommend them on TikTok Shop¹. The company has started using AI to scan videos, identify items, and encourage users to buy similar products through its e-commerce marketplace, TikTok Shop¹.

While TikTok has previously allowed creators to tag products in videos as part of its affiliate program, this new feature currently occurs without notifying the creator — and without the promise of a commission on sales their video helps drive¹. A TikTok spokesperson said it’s an early-stage experiment with limited availability to a small subset of users in the US and UK, and that it may never officially launch¹.

The Impact on E-commerce

The integration of AI into TikTok’s platform shows how deeply the company is integrating e-commerce into the app’s overall user experience¹. The company has been on an all-out blitz in recent months to make shopping take off — offering shipping deals and other discounts to sellers, paying bonuses to influencers who add affiliate links, and launching a series of Black Friday and Cyber Monday incentives for merchants¹.

Guess what? There’s a whole crowd of companies out there using AI to take their online shopping game to the next level. Want to hear about some of them?

1. ASOS, eBay, Walmart, Levi’s, Disney, Salesforce, Snapchat, Ikea, and Lifestyle are well-known retailers utilizing advanced AI-based visual search.
2. Anaplan uses its Predictive Intelligence Platform to help retailers keep current customers and find new ones.
3. Clarifai offers an AI-powered recognition platform that helps classify images, videos, audio and text.
4. DRINKS uses AI for their curated wine business platform.
5. Emotive uses AI for customized marketing messages.
6. Hungryroot leverages AI for personalized meal recipes.
7. IBM’s Watson is widely used in the retail industry for various AI applications.

You know, these companies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using AI in online shopping. It’s a big, exciting world out there with AI making shopping online easier and more personalized every day. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

Future Developments

In addition to manual labeling by creators, TikTok is also working on developing a way to automatically detect and label AI content³. This week, it will begin testing an “AI-generated” label that will eventually apply to any content that it detects was edited or created with AI³.

One platform that has taken center stage in this narrative is TikTok, the popular short-form video app. TikTok as a News Source When war broke out between Israel and Hamas, TikTok quickly swelled with discussion and content.

TikTok: A Hub for War Discourse

As the conflict unfurled, TikTok witnessed an unprecedented surge in discussions and content related to the Israel-Hamas war. Hashtags like "Palestine" and "Israel" transformed into virtual epicenters, accumulating billions of views. Users worldwide turned to the platform, seeking updates and insights into the conflict.

A Compelling Narrative: Leila Warah's Perspective One individual who notably stood out amidst this digital maelstrom was Leila Warah, a 25-year-old journalist residing in the West Bank. Through her TikTok channel, she presented a unique viewpoint, that of a young Palestinian-American living in a West Bank refugee camp.

The Dominant Influence of Social Media

This surge in TikTok's relevance serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of social media platforms in shaping our comprehension of global events. Studies show that members of Generation Z are more likely to turn to TikTok than Google as a source of news. However, it's important to note that while TikTok can spread both truth and fiction about the conflict, it has played a positive role overall. As Noam Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of ActiveFence Ltd., an Israeli company which builds technology for trust and safety teams in big tech platforms, stated: “People would not believe the magnitude of this event without it being amplified in social media."

In the fast-paced world of social media, TikTok, the beloved short-form video platform under the ownership of ByteDance, is embarking on an innovative journey to bolster its revenue streams. Recent reports suggest that TikTok is in the early stages of testing an enticing monthly subscription service designed to provide users with an ad-free experience. This strategic move aligns with the evolving regulatory landscape in the European Union, and interestingly, it follows in the footsteps of Meta, TikTok's industry counterpart, which is also contemplating the introduction of ad-free subscriptions.

The Quest for a Seamless User Experience

TikTok, known for its engaging and diverse content, is venturing into new territory by considering a subscription model. This groundbreaking endeavor is geared towards creating an uninterrupted and immersive experience for its users.

Navigating Evolving EU Regulations

The decision to pilot this ad-free subscription service may also be influenced by the evolving regulatory landscape in the European Union. This move signals a proactive approach to stay ahead of the curve and cater to the preferences of its global user base.

A Glimpse into Meta's Endeavors

In a landscape where innovation reigns supreme, Meta, a leading player in the social media sphere, is also contemplating the introduction of ad-free subscriptions. This parallel exploration underscores the industry-wide recognition of the value that users place on uninterrupted, premium content. The competition to provide an exceptional user experience is undoubtedly heating up.

The Road Ahead: Charting New Territories

As TikTok embarks on this new venture, it's important to acknowledge that this is just the beginning. The initial test phase is a crucial step in understanding user preferences and refining the subscription model. It opens up a world of possibilities, paving the way for potential enhancements and adaptations based on feedback from the TikTok community.

Established in 2017 and boasting a valuation of an impressive $12.59 billion, Faire has swiftly risen as a beacon of innovation in the wholesale industry. Now, with Shopify's substantial investment, this promising startup is set to integrate cutting-edge Shopify technology into its offerings, elevating the experience for its esteemed clientele.

Under this transformative collaboration, Faire will ascend to become the preferred wholesale marketplace for Shopify merchants. This union promises manifold benefits for businesses leveraging Shopify's robust platform. By tapping into Faire's expansive network, brands can seamlessly streamline their wholesale distribution process, thereby gaining access to a broader spectrum of independent retailers. This translates into a greater reach, allowing entrepreneurs to forge connections and expand their market presence in unprecedented ways.

Entrepreneurial Advantage

The impact of this strategic investment extends far beyond the boardrooms of these two companies; it resonates deeply with entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of commerce. Imagine a scenario where a budding Ohio-based business, propelled by Shopify's robust suite of tools, can effortlessly connect with independent retailers across the state and beyond, all facilitated by Faire's intuitive platform.

Imagine a boutique owner in the heart of Ohio, armed with unique handcrafted products, now effortlessly connecting with retailers from San Francisco to Sydney, all thanks to this forward-thinking collaboration. This isn't just about numbers on a balance sheet; it's about real people, real stories, and real impact.

Shopify Partnership

So, what can we learn from this remarkable partnership? It's a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce and how industry leaders like Shopify are constantly seeking innovative ways to empower businesses. This move demonstrates that technology-driven solutions are at the forefront of transforming traditional industries, making them more inclusive and efficient.

As this collaboration unfolds, it's evident that it's not merely about numbers and valuations; it's about the tangible impact it will have on businesses across the globe. The union of Shopify and Faire opens up a world of possibilities for businesses, offering them a seamless platform to expand their reach and connect with a wider audience.

Hey there, TikTok family! Big news from the TikTokverse – we're diving headfirst into the world of e-commerce with the launch of TikTok Shop!

So, check this out, folks. Starting today, all you cool cats and kittens in the good ol' U.S. of A can snag some seriously awesome stuff right here on TikTok. No need to leave the app because we've got it all, right at your fingertips. And guess what? You can buy it all without ever leaving the app!

Now, you might be wondering, "What's the deal with TikTok Shop?" Well, let me spill the tea. This online marketplace has already been causing a stir across the pond in the UK, and now it's making its debut in the USA!

Picture this: your favorite creators and brands can now hook you up with some trendy gear and killer products right in their videos. It's like window shopping, but better because you can actually get your hands on what you see!

But here's the real kicker – some of this swag might even come straight from TikTok itself! Yep, you heard me right. We're talking about a one-stop-shop where you can score everything from fashion to tech, and it might just be fulfilled by yours truly, TikTok. Talk about convenience, am I right?

We've been cooking up this plan for a while, folks. After months of testing and tinkering, TikTok is taking the plunge into the e-commerce world. We're all about turning our cultural coolness into some serious sales action!

And the big news? TikTok Shop is officially live in the USA as of now! We dropped the deets in a blog post, so make sure you go check it out. This isn't just any update – it's a game-changer. With 150 million of you amazing U.S. TikTokers, we're turning this app into your one-stop-shop for all things awesome.

The arrival of the Argentine soccer maestro, Lionel Messi, on American shores was one such moment. On the day of Messi's inaugural match with Inter Miami, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV witnessed an unprecedented surge in subscriptions, with over 110,000 fans eagerly signing up. It wasn't just about Messi; it was about the communal experience of sharing in the thrill of the game.

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV demonstrated how live sports should be experienced. For a single, reasonable price, subscribers gained access to all the games, with no frustrating blackouts to spoil the experience. In the world of finance and taxes, there's a saying that goes, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." MLS Season Pass on Apple TV embodies this principle. Just like effective financial planning should be accessible to all, so should the joy of watching your favorite team compete.

One remarkable aspect of this surge in MLS Season Pass subscriptions was the role played by Spanish-language viewership. With Messi in the spotlight, Spanish-speaking fans flocked to #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV in droves. In fact, the viewership for Messi's matches exceeded the 50% mark and showed no signs of slowing down.