The US Supreme Court will this week hear TikTok's last-gasp attempt to quash a law that would essentially ban it in America on January 19. Social media experts say the stakes could not be higher.
“For TikTok, the stakes are existential, and for the broader social media landscape, this is a rare shake-up that could redistribute billions of dollars of ad revenue and user attention,” said Matt Navarra, a social media consultant and analyst.
While it is unclear when the Supreme Court will make a final decision on the potential ban, Mr Navarra said a few technology companies are already preparing to fill any TikTok vacuum.
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight are all competing to capture TikTok’s user base, he said. He said that while Instagram seemed most likely to benefit from a TikTok ban, YouTube's Google ownership could also help it to make inroads with TikTok users.
“YouTube has the trust factor that comes with Google’s infrastructure which is something brands value in uncertain times,” Mr Navarra said, adding that Google's experience with advertisements gives it an advantage for those seeking to replicate TikTok's monetisation success for content creators.
Mr Navarra will soon be speaking to some of the world's most influential content creators at Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit, just as the US Supreme Court is debating the arguments made by TikTok and the US Justice Department.
“It’s a watershed moment for social media,” he said, noting how social content is now the formidable force for advertisers, media organisations and consumers. “TikTok’s potential ban does throw the entire landscape into question because it’s not just about that single app, it’s about data privacy, national security and the future of online expression so the stakes really couldn’t bet be higher.”
ByteDance v the US Justice Department
Legislators and technology experts have long argued that TikTok, which is owned and operated by China-based ByteDance, leaves user data vulnerable to the whims of Beijing because ByteDance is ultimately subject to the rules and regulations of the Chinese Communist Party.
ByteDance and its chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, have repeatedly denied those claims, and the app has continued to grow an estimated user base of 170 million active monthly users.
Amid that rise, the US Congress, in a rare bipartisan move, passed legislation requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok from its portfolio by January 19, or risk the platform being removed from US app stores. President Joe Biden signed the law.
During his first term in the White House, Donald Trump also raised the alarm about US data privacy and national security with regard to TikTok.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, however, Mr Trump joined TikTok and quickly amassed millions of followers, eventually prompting to him indicate that he supported the platform, and that he had a “soft spot” for it.
In Supreme Court filing, Mr Trump's team said “President Trump alone possesses the consummate deal-making expertise, the electoral mandate and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the government", essentially urging the Supreme Court to postpone the January 19 ban deadline.
TikTok claims that its First Amendment free speech rights are being breached by the law, but a US circuit court disagreed, pointing to a similar case from 1987, Palestine Information Office v Shultz, that gave legislators legal precedent to ban TikTok.
The failure to persuade the US circuit court ultimately prompted ByteDance to appeal to the highest court in the US. This time, TikTok was joined by First Amendment professors and libertarian-leaning technology organisations with supportive legal filings hoping to sway the Supreme Court.
“The appellate court failed to provide a coherent analysis of the scope and scale of the alleged national security risks and whether those risks justify the act’s unprecedented curbs on freedom of expression and internet access,” wrote Milton Mueller, a senior professor at Georgia Tech, in support of TikTok.
Meanwhile, in its most recent filing, the Justice Department did not mince words in defending a ban.
“No one disputes that the People's Republic of China seeks to undermine US interests by amassing sensitive data about Americans and engaging in covert and malign influence operations,” read the brief filed by the department. “And in light of those realities, no one can seriously dispute that the PRC's control of TikTok through ByteDance represents a grave threat to national security.”
Reality of legal arguments collide with TikTok user perception
While TikTok has thus far been unsuccessful in US courts, Mr Navarra said that in the court of global public perception, the social platform is largely prevailing.
“Lawmakers are framing this as a national security issue but for users it feels like the government is policing the internet in a way that sets dangerous precedent,” he said. “It’s a complex issue. On one hand there’s legitimate security concerns about data security and Chinese government influence … I think on the other hand, the ban sets a dangerous precedent for online censorship. It’s a slippery slope.”
If the TikTok ban is upheld, the US would follow other countries, including India, who prohibited the app based on national security concerns. India's ban was hardly cataclysmic for content creators, who piled on to Instagram and YouTube.
Mr Navarra, however, said that if the US ban is upheld, the real winner would not necessarily be the platform that simply copies its features, but rather the company that is able to replicate TikTok's algorithm.
“TikTok isn’t just winning because of short videos,” he said. “It’s winning because its algorithm makes the internet like a treasure hunt that you can’t stop playing. Other platforms have tried to imitate it and they’re 80 to 90 per cent there.
Mr Navarra said that Meta, YouTube and even Snapchat methodically keep making progress during TikTok's laborious legal battle.
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
ARSENAL IN 1977
Feb 05 Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Feb 12 Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Feb 15 Middlesbrough 3-0 Arsenal
Feb 19 Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
Feb 26 Middlesbrough 4-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Mar 01 Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 05 Arsenal 1-4 ipswich
March 08 Arsenal 1-2 West Brom
Mar 12 QPR 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 23 Stoke 1-1 Arsenal
Apr 02 Arsenal 3-0 Leicester
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
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Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MANDOOB
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Stamp duty timeline
December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.
March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
The five pillars of Islam
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.