The group started out as an online discussion of hobbies, schoolwork and sometimes politics. But then it was infiltrated by an informer for Russia’s all-powerful security services.
Tag: Social Media
How TikTok’s Owner Tried, and Failed, to Cross the U.S.-China Divide
The founder of ByteDance, Zhang Yiming, dreamed of building a global tech company based in China. Then the geopolitical reality set in.
Israeli Court Rebukes Prime Minister’s Son Over Harassing Protest Leaders
Yair Netanyahu tweeted the addresses and phone numbers of three men who led protests against his father’s administration. All three said they later received death threats.
U.S. Small Business Bailout Money Flowed to Chinese-Owned Companies
Millions of dollars of Paycheck Protection Program loans went to China-backed businesses in critical sectors, a study found.
Microsoft Said to Be in Talks to Buy TikTok, as Trump Weighs Curtailing App
The discussions come as TikTok’s ownership by a Chinese company is under scrutiny by the White House and lawmakers.
‘This Is a New Phase’: Europe Shifts Tactics to Limit Tech’s Power
The region’s lawmakers and regulators are taking direct aim at Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple in a series of proposed laws.
Hong Kong Is Keeping Pro-Democracy Candidates Out of Its Election
Twelve candidates, including several prominent democracy advocates, were barred from an upcoming legislative election, and four activists were arrested over online posts.
Turkey Passes Law Extending Sweeping Powers Over Social Media
The legislation extends control over platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Critics worry it will be used to stifle dissent and criticism of the government.
Egypt Sentences Women to 2 Years in Prison for TikTok Videos
Two Egyptian social media stars with millions of followers were convicted on charges of violating family values. Two more women are scheduled to stand trial on similar charges on Wednesday.
Russian Intelligence Agencies Push Disinformation on Coronavirus Pandemic
Declassified U.S. intelligence accuses Moscow of pushing propaganda through alternative websites as Russia refines techniques used in 2016.