Supreme Court Steps In as TikTok Challenges U.S. Sale Order Deadline

TikTok has secured a crucial opportunity in its battle against a U.S. government order demanding its sale. The Supreme Court has agreed to review the case, providing the platform one last chance to challenge the controversial sell-off mandate.

This decision follows a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which dismissed TikTok’s claim that the order violated its First Amendment rights. The appeals court upheld concerns over foreign adversary threats, prioritizing national security over TikTok's constitutional arguments.

TikTok’s fight in the Supreme Court centers on whether the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act infringes on free speech rights. The platform argues that the law itself is flawed, rather than addressing specific claims of its misuse by foreign entities. This strategic approach, however, may face significant hurdles, as the government’s case is built on classified evidence that TikTok cannot directly challenge.

Despite the challenges, the Supreme Court's willingness to hear the case suggests there may be merit to TikTok’s argument. Yet, legal experts believe the odds remain stacked against the app, given the weight of national security concerns in such cases.

If TikTok fails to overturn the sell-off mandate, the platform faces a tight deadline. It has until January 19 to comply, which could involve selling its U.S. operations to an American company. TikTok has argued that this requirement is tantamount to a ban, as restructuring its systems within the timeline would be nearly impossible.

• Also read: New Report Reveals Rising Trend of Fake Captchas and Malvertising on the Internet

This isn’t TikTok’s first brush with removal threats. In 2020, a potential deal with Oracle and Walmart fell through. Revisiting that framework could offer a lifeline if a sale becomes inevitable, though such a move would require approval from both U.S. and Chinese authorities.

Meanwhile, political dynamics add another layer of uncertainty. While President-Elect Donald Trump hinted at saving TikTok during his campaign, his recent comments suggest limited confidence in reversing the situation once inaugurated.

As the January 10 Supreme Court hearing approaches, the clock is ticking for TikTok. The outcome could determine whether the app continues to serve millions of U.S. users or faces removal from the nation's app stores. While hope remains, the path forward is fraught with challenges.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Asim BN via Digital Information World

New Report Reveals Rising Trend of Fake Captchas and Malvertising on the Internet

A new report from Guardio Labs reveals that many fake captchas are appearing on search engines, with even legitimate publishers hosting malicious websites that spread malware to users' devices. When users are browsing, fake captchas appear out of nowhere and look just like real captchas. They also have a similar verification process as real ones so users often get fooled by them. The fake captchas ask users to press three key combinations, and when users press the keys, a malicious PowerShell command gets copy pasted on the system's Run window. It was still unclear how those threat actors are delivering fake captchas to users but now it's found that it is simply the exploitation by legitimate publishers.

Threat actors infiltrate the ad networks as they distribute from publishers’ websites to advertisers’ landing pages and even websites like Google and Facebook aren't safe from them. Malvertising is also happening on big platforms through ad networks which distribute traffic on a massive scale. When researchers analyzed malvertising and fake captchas, they found that all of the fake captchas have originated from one single site called Monetag, a subsidiary of PropellerAds. PropellerAds is an ad network company from Cyprus and it has been previously caught urging users to update their software or scan computers. Advertisers can easily create a Monetag account to run ads because the company provides everything an advertiser needs. The malicious ads created by Monetage then spread to different websites related to live sports streaming, piracy of movies and links on social media. Some of these malicious ads even appear at the top of Google search results.

Guardio Labs identified about 3,000 publishers in the last 10 days that had been using Monetag ad scripts. It was also found that malicious ads didn't always lead to malicious websites, and there were other services which were abused by abusers to spread malware. Actors are also using BeMob and tainting its reputation, and were using sites like Scaleway, Oracle Cloud, EXOScale and Bunny CDN to host fake captcha pages.

The researchers say that this is just a single example of how the advertising ecosystem on the internet is exploiting the users. The only solution to keep yourselves safe from these malicious actors is to be cautious of websites which are offering free content, and make sure you don't click on anything that promises you a gift. Malvertising cannot be stopped in a day because there's a huge network behind it so we should play safe on the internet as much as we can.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Troubled Times for Meta As Company Fined $264M For 2018 Privacy Breach and $50M For Enabling Cambridge Analytica Scandal

In 2018, 29M users on Facebook were impacted by a massive security breach that put their personal data at risk.

Several years later, the company is finally being penalized by the Irish DPC with a 251M Euros fine as it feels the tech giant did not do enough to ensure users’ security on the platform.

Meta was slammed for not providing protection against cyberattacks where criminals exploited a vulnerability inside FB’s code.

This sort of exploit enabled them to use the page’s ‘View As’ so that they could get a hold of others’ data with ease. From email IDs to phone numbers and even exact locations, the list was full of shocking sensitive data including names of kids and their information.

This was a clear case of not providing the right kind of data protection measures to safeguard users and therefore putting them at a very high risk of harm. Most profiles on FB entail data related to issues like religion and politics as well as intimate life which many don’t wish to disclose to the public.

In the EU, more than 3M users were impacted by such a breach where the GDPR was violated unlawfully by the company. Now the company is not staying hush on the matter, adding that it will appeal this decision.

It’s quite similar to that seen in 2018 when Meta explained how it highlighted the matter as soon as it was put on public view. But that is not the last of Meta’s concerns. The tech giant was blasted over its involvement in the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal in Australia. It explained how the firm is now settling the matter by fining Meta for violating the privacy and security of Australian citizens.

While the exact details of this scheme are still under cover, it’s clear that this is a strong message to the world that they need to be more careful about users’ sensitive data. For those still wondering what this scandal was all about, well it dates back to 2013. Five years after that, it became an infamous name thanks to the data put out by millions of users.

This was used to target them with messages about politics such as the 2016 US elections period. It also took on their private data through other apps owned by third parties like This is Your Digital Life which was made in 2013. It was enabled by Meta who chose to do this. The figure adds that close to 311,074 people on FB who were friends with users on the app were also likely to be impacted.

As far as how this payment scheme works, well, it’s part of legal proceedings and so payments are set up by Facebook’s parent firm but carried out by another third party. Anyone who had an account on the app between 2013 November to December 2015, was present in Australia for at least a month during that timeframe and downloaded the This Is Your Digital Life app, or was friends on Facebook with those having the app will be liable to receive payments.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Beta Adds AI Replies and Themes: A Game-Changer for Businesses

WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.26.16 brings exciting updates aimed at improving the WhatsApp Business app. The update introduces new features like AI-powered replies, multi-platform integration, and customizable themes, offering enhanced functionality for businesses and their customers.

One major highlight is the addition of AI-powered replies, which allows businesses to automate responses when team members are unavailable. This feature ensures faster replies to frequently asked questions, such as inquiries about purchase processes, business details, and other common queries. Businesses can also customize AI responses to match their brand’s voice and tone, ensuring a personalized experience for customers. Importantly, when AI is used to generate responses, customers will be notified, maintaining transparency between businesses and their users.

Another significant update is the multi-platform management feature, which enables businesses to access both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business Platform simultaneously. Previously, users had to choose between these platforms, but now, with a simple QR code scan, accounts can be managed seamlessly across both. This improvement also allows businesses to share individual chat histories with customers for up to six months between the platform and the app. However, group chat history sharing remains unavailable.

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Additionally, the update enhances the visual experience by introducing theme customization options. Beta testers can now choose between dark and light modes and select accent colors for these themes. This customization helps businesses differentiate between WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, creating a more distinct user interface. Previously, the app only supported default accent colors, but this update adds greater flexibility. While this feature was already available on iOS, it is now being rolled out for Android users as well.

These updates mark a significant step in making WhatsApp Business more interactive and user-friendly. With AI-driven automation, improved platform integration, and customizable themes, businesses can streamline their operations and improve customer engagement. The new version will soon be available on the Google Play Store, expanding access to these features for more users.

Image: WABetaInfo

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• Who Are the Key Players in Corporate Bitcoin Adoption in 2024?
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Who Are the Key Players in Corporate Bitcoin Adoption in 2024?

Bitcoin continues to solidify its role as a strategic asset for major corporations worldwide. Among the leading players, MicroStrategy stands out as the dominant force, holding an astonishing 439,002 bitcoins, valued at $46.9 billion as of December 2024. This intelligence software firm, which began acquiring cryptocurrency in 2020, has reshaped the narrative of institutional bitcoin adoption with its unparalleled holdings.

Trailing far behind is Marathon Digital Holdings Inc., which ranks second with 40,435 bitcoins, valued at $4.32 billion. This highlights the significant gap, with MicroStrategy holding more than ten times the bitcoins of Marathon Digital.

Riot Platforms, Inc. takes the third spot, owning 16,728 bitcoins valued at $1.79 billion. Tesla follows in fourth place, holding 9,720 bitcoins worth $1.04 billion. Tesla made headlines in 2021 when it invested $1.5 billion in bitcoin and briefly accepted cryptocurrency as payment for its products.

Coinbase Global, Inc. comes in sixth with 9,000 bitcoins, valued at $961.6 million. Other companies in the top ten include Block, Inc. (8,211 bitcoins worth $877.3 million), Galaxy Digital Holdings (8,100 bitcoins worth $865.5 million), and Bitcoin Group SE (3,830 bitcoins valued at $409.2 million).

International companies also make their mark on the list. Canada’s Hut 8 Corp holds 9,109 bitcoins, valued at $973.3 million, while Germany’s Bitcoin Group SE rounds out the top ten with its $409.2 million bitcoin stash.

These companies collectively represent significant bitcoin investments, underlining the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency as a strategic asset.

Entity	Bitcoins Held	Value in USD (December 2024)
MicroStrategy	439,002	$46,906,893,967
Marathon Digital Holdings Inc	40,435	$4,320,436,484
Riot Platforms, Inc.	16,728	$1,787,368,901
Tesla, Inc	9,720	$1,038,571,599
CleanSpark Inc	9,297	$993,374,502
Hut 8 Corp	9,109	$973,286,903
Coinbase Global, Inc.	9,000	$961,640,369
Block, Inc.	8,211	$877,336,564
Galaxy Digital Holdings	8,100	$865,476,333
Bitcoin Group SE	3,830	$409,231,401
HIVE Digital Technologies	2,377	$253,979,906
Voyager Digital LTD	2,287	$244,363,502
Cipher Mining	2,142	$228,870,408
Semler Scientific	2,084	$222,673,170
NEXON Co. Ltd	1,717	$183,459,612
Exodus Movement Inc	1,300	$138,903,609
Brooker Group's BROOK (BKK)	1,150	$122,876,269
Metaplanet Inc.	1,142.30	$122,053,532
Bit Digital, Inc.	992.4	$106,036,878
Meitu	941	$100,544,843

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More Competition for Google As OpenAI Makes SearchGPT Free For All

OpenAI just made its much anticipated SearchGPT free for all users having ChatGPT. This means Google needs to watch out as competition in the world of search heats up.

The feature got a lot of popularity shortly after it was first launched, several months back. Some lucky people got their hands on the offer early and they were able to confirm that ever since they started using it, they’ve never returned back to Google.

Kevin Weil who is the head of OpenAI just shared the great news including another exciting new offering called Voice Search. It entails several new changes used for streamlining data retrieval. This again was a part of the demo during the launch. The new update entails better search speed and more accuracy. It also means users could expect a quicker and more accurate search result.

As a whole, it betters the overall efficiency of accessing information. The feature also shows support for matters like embedded content such as pictures, movies, and even videos from YouTube. The new rich media combination has users watching new videos featuring ChatGPT without leaving the actual search page.

The new update also gives details about business maps such as data for cafes and more that users can make the most of in real time. They can also ensure more informed decisions regarding dining out and more services linked to searches. Thanks to refined queries related to navigation, users can make the most of getting quicker data to online pages related to the search. These are put on display above results and content summaries.

Additionally, ChatGPT makes the most of Advanced Voice which entails search. This combination enables users to carry out search through voice commands. The whole process is more accessible and intuitive. This is very true for anyone who prefers to use hands-free options. And the best bit is the features are launching around the globe today. So if you’re a ChatGPT user, you might want to make the utmost use of this feature.

Yes, it’s for free but users need to sign up and make an account if they wish to get the most of enhanced features. The new updates place ChatGPT as one of the most robust tools curated for retrieving data online. In case you’re wondering, it’s a direct challenge for search engines like Google.

The latest integration combines conversational access to get information and is well above users’ expectations. As a result, the overall experience is seamless and comprehensive. OpenAI keeps on enhancing the utility and this gives rise to more versatility so users’ needs keep getting met.

Another announcement made by ChatGPT’s team is how developers will enjoy the feature the most. They hope to roll out more changes soon so stay tuned for more exciting updates.

Read next: Study Reveals AI's Role in Holiday Overspending and Financial Strain
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Study Reveals AI's Role in Holiday Overspending and Financial Strain

Festive season brings a lot of expenditures too, with average Americans spending $1,000 on gifts and other things during the holiday season. But data says that most people also go into debt because of their overspending, even after cutting back on some of their normal expenses. Overspending has become a real issue during the holiday season and many people plan on paying off their debt during the next year. A new paper published in ScienceDirect suggests that AI may contribute to overspending behavior. Researchers say that artificial intelligence can give poor financial advice, especially when it comes to online shopping. At the same time, they highlight AI's potential as a valuable tool for retailers and sellers integrating it into their businesses, showcasing both its risks and benefits.

Behavioral Economists have come up with a term called “Pain of Payment” which refers to the emotions we feel while spending our money. When we are buying things from cash, it requires more thought and decision making than spending money online through credit cards. In this digital era, it is not hard to buy things and we can do it as quickly as just a tap of our fingers. When paying online, we get disassociated and cannot feel the pain of payment, even if we do not have much monetary resources. When our pain of payment is not felt, we tend to spend more without any thoughts.

Researchers said that there are four main ways AI is reducing the friction associated with buying things and urging us to spend more. AI is managing our algorithm and making us buy things that we need or have thought about buying. It is also reducing bias and discrimination across all populations, no matter what the financial situation is. But on the other hand, it is also making financial inclusion harder for some groups. AI is also helping companies to personalize content for buyers, making buyers see things in their preferred prices, leading to more consumer spending. AI is also helpful to provide flexibility and automate spending decisions.

Researchers say that usage of AI during online shopping is a cause of concern, and it will affect how we think about spending our money. It can make people get distanced from healthy financial habits and may bring us deeper into financial debt. There is also a new trend going on about financial mindfulness books that can help people achieve peace through healthy money management.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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