Universal Music Group and TikTok have announced a new licensing agreement that will restore Universal’s songs and artists to the social media platform. The agreement comes after TikTok began removing Universal’s content from its app due to expired licensing and disagreements on royalty payments and online safety. TikTok is a valuable marketing tool for the music industry, with many young users discovering music on the platform. Universal Music claims its artists are paid a fraction of what they receive from other platforms like YouTube. The deal also addresses concerns about AI-generated recordings and comes amidst questions about TikTok’s future in the US.
-
Uncategorized
President Joe Biden has signed a war aid measure worth USD 95 billion that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The measure also includes a provision that could lead to the sale or ban of TikTok in the US. This signing puts an end to the battle with Republicans in Congress over assistance for Ukraine. However, Ukraine’s recovery and progress remain uncertain, as months of setbacks and damage caused by Russia’s invasion have taken a toll on the country.
TikTok has reiterated its concerns about a bill passed by the House of Representatives that could potentially ban the social media app in the US if its Chinese owner ByteDance does not sell its stake within a year. The legislation has now moved to the Senate for review and possible voting. Many lawmakers and the Biden administration have raised national security concerns related to TikTok’s data-sharing practices. TikTok denies sharing US data and insists on protecting free speech rights. The Knight First Amendment Institute has criticised the bill, stating that it would have no real impact on data privacy as other countries could still potentially access Americans’ data.
-
Uncategorized
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen criticized House Republicans for their delay in providing aid to Ukraine. Yellen emphasized the importance of US assistance for Ukraine’s ability to fight against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal urged the US to continue supporting Ukraine’s struggle. Republican leaders in the House have announced a vote on a military aid package, which is expected to take place on Saturday. President Joe Biden also urged Republicans to drop opposition to the aid package, emphasizing the detrimental impact of delays on national security.
-
Uncategorized
Donald Trump and fellow Republicans criticized President Joe Biden for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, calling it an assault on Christianity. This highlights the ongoing culture war in the White House race, as Trump seeks support from religious conservatives and Biden positions himself as an inclusive leader. The article examines the statements from both sides and the response from the White House.
Under new rules unveiled by the White House, US federal agencies must demonstrate that their artificial intelligence tools do not endanger the rights and safety of the American people, or they will have to stop using them. The policy directive, part of President Joe Biden’s broader AI executive order, aims to ensure that AI systems used by government agencies do not produce biased or discriminatory outcomes. The rules also require agencies to hire a chief AI officer and make their AI inventory public.
President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Bulsara, an expert in securities, contract, bankruptcy, and regulatory matters, has been a US Magistrate Judge since 2017. His nomination reflects Biden’s commitment to diverse and qualified judiciary.
-
Uncategorized
President Joe Biden issued an executive order to punish ill-behaved Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians envisage a future state.
-
Uncategorized
A US official says it’s for China to decide its role in the G20 summit as doubts arise due to President Xi Jinping’s absence. China’s foreign ministry confirmed Premier Li Qiang will lead the delegation. India’s external affairs minister assures there’s nothing unusual about it. President Biden will emphasize genuine progress and key priorities like climate action, healthcare, and digital technology. The US will also address Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Expert Daniel Russel suggests Xi Jinping’s absence might be a way to pressure the US for concessions.
