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TikTok Resumes Operations in the United States

2025-08-11 15:49:27 By Hazel Reed

Less than 24 hours after the app temporarily went offline, TikTok has confirmed that it is resuming service in the United States, following reassurance from President-elect Donald Trump. TikTok stated that the incoming president provided clarity to the company's service providers, which are likely Apple, Google, and Oracle, ensuring they would not face penalties for continuing to support the app in the US.

The company issued a statement, noting, "With the agreement of our service providers, we are in the process of restoring TikTok’s service. We are grateful to President Trump for offering the necessary assurance to these providers, guaranteeing they will not incur penalties for offering TikTok to over 170 million Americans, enabling more than 7 million small businesses to thrive. This move stands firmly in favor of the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We look forward to collaborating with President Trump on a long-term solution to keep TikTok in the United States."

This development is the latest in the ongoing saga of TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S. Earlier, Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban starting January 19. TikTok had filed a lawsuit based on First Amendment grounds, but the Supreme Court upheld the law. On the evening before the deadline, both Apple and Google removed the app from their respective app stores, alongside other ByteDance-developed apps. Oracle was reportedly instructed to shut down the servers hosting TikTok’s U.S. data, according to The Information.

In a turn of events, President-elect Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his tenure, stepped in to intervene before his swearing-in. Trump announced on Truth Social that he would issue an executive order extending the deadline for enforcement of the law, allowing time for a potential national security deal. He assured that companies assisting in preventing TikTok's removal from app stores would not face liability.

Under the law, Trump can only delay enforcement if ByteDance shows tangible progress on a divestiture deal. Elon Musk and billionaire Frank McCourt were named as potential buyers. McCourt made an official bid, while Musk's name surfaced in discussions with the Chinese government, according to Bloomberg. Trump expressed his desire for the United States to hold a 50% stake in any joint venture, stating that this would secure TikTok's future in trustworthy hands, making it worth hundreds of billions, if not trillions of dollars.

As of the time of writing, TikTok, along with other ByteDance apps, is still unavailable in U.S. app stores. However, some users have reported regaining access to their TikTok accounts, though functionality varies.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, the Biden administration appeared to back off from enforcing the ban, leaving the matter in Trump’s hands. This prompted TikTok to proactively take itself offline ahead of the January 19 deadline.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew directly appealed to Trump in a TikTok post, thanking him for his efforts to ensure TikTok's continued availability in the U.S. This gesture received mixed reactions. On Blind, an anonymous app, some users mocked the video, calling it "cringe."

While the ban’s support in Washington has waned in recent months, with public opposition growing among U.S. adults, some lawmakers still express strong disapproval. Sen. Tom Cotton, for instance, warned that companies involved with TikTok could face severe legal consequences, including financial ruin under securities law and shareholder lawsuits.

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Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

AI in 2025: What's Next for ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence, and More

As 2025 unfolds, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s shaping our world in ways we could never have imagined just a few years ago. After a transformative 2024, AI development continues at full speed, with companies like OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Apple pushing boundaries and introducing groundbreaking innovations. Here's a glimpse into what life with AI could look like in 2025. Smarter Devices, Smarter Life In 2025, AI won’t just be confined to smartphones. Apple’s AI technology will continue to power iPhones and Apple Watches, making Siri more proactive and responsive. Google Gemini is set to deepen its integration into Android and Chrome, providing seamless, intelligent experiences, especially with Google Pixel phones. Home appliances will also see a major upgrade. Companies like LG and Samsung are betting big on AI-powered refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Picture a fridge that can scan its contents, suggest recipes, and even add missing ingredients to your shopping list. AI will also extend to wearables, especially those that sit on your face. Meta’s next-gen Ray-Ban smart glasses and the Orion augmented reality headset will offer you immersive experiences, overlaying real-time information right in front of your eyes, essentially becoming an extra layer of your brain. The AI Assistant Revolution By 2025, AI assistants will no longer be limited to answering questions. They will anticipate your needs and proactively manage your daily tasks. Imagine ChatGPT reorganizing your schedule based on real-time traffic and weather updates, rescheduling a missed doctor’s appointment without your prompt, or even drafting a birthday card for a friend—complete with personalized gift suggestions. Google Gemini is working on similar predictive features within Google Workspace, while Amazon is enhancing Alexa with task prioritization and advanced calendar integration. The rise of such assistants will spell the end of juggling between apps and to-do lists. Instead, your smart devices will serve as hubs from which AI seamlessly manages both your personal and professional life. Think of it as having an omnipresent executive assistant who never needs a lunch break or overtime pay. Multimodal AI: Breaking the Boundaries of Sight, Sound, and Action In 2025, AI’s reach won’t be limited to text or voice recognition. The integration of image, video, and audio with text-based AI will be ubiquitous. While multimodal AI had a breakout year, in 2025 we will see it reach full integration. Imagine snapping a photo of a broken appliance and having your AI assistant not only suggest repair steps but also find the replacement part on Amazon and connect you to a local repair service. Apple’s Vision Pro headset, expected to refine its design later in 2025, will leverage multimodal AI, overlaying real-time data onto objects in your physical environment. For example, it could guide you through assembling furniture, identifying each part and offering step-by-step AR instructions. In creative industries, Adobe’s AI-powered Creative Cloud tools will make workflows more efficient, automatically generating mood boards or editing videos from simple text prompts. Microsoft will integrate multimodal AI into its Teams and Office applications, offering features like summarizing video calls and turning meeting notes into PowerPoint slides, complete with relevant visuals. AI in Social Media: New Faces, New Realities 2025 will be a turning point for AI’s role in social media, particularly within Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. AI-generated characters will take center stage, becoming influencers, fashion advisors, and even travel guides. These bots will assist users in planning vacations, suggesting restaurants, and syncing with Google Calendar to manage bookings. Meta’s "Metabots" project will likely integrate into Messenger, allowing users to interact with virtual stylists who curate outfits based on preferences and budget. These bots might also handle customer service issues, resolving order queries or account troubleshooting instantly, without the dreaded "please hold" music. However, as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, platforms will face the challenge of distinguishing between real and synthetic accounts. While Meta has promised safeguards, balancing enhanced user experiences with maintaining trust will be a delicate task.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Strengthening Community Cyber Defenses through Education

As part of our commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Week at JPMorganChase, we organized a variety of interactive community events aimed at educating both young people and older adults on the essential aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring their digital safety. Read on to discover the significance of these initiatives in bolstering the cyber resilience of the communities we support. Fueling Cyber Enthusiasm at Global Impact Academy By Candice Biamby and London Murray, Product Security Marking Cybersecurity Awareness Week, the cybersecurity team from Atlanta Tech Center collaborated with the External Community Engagement initiative to stimulate interest in cybersecurity among students at Global Impact Academy (GIA) STEM Magnet High School in Fairburn, GA. With 588 talented students from grades 9-12, GIA offers a range of career paths in advanced mathematics, science, engineering, biotechnology, cybersecurity, game design, computer science, and beyond. This half-day event included presentations from JPMorganChase’s Cybersecurity and Technology Controls staff, who shared their personal experiences and the diverse career opportunities available in the cybersecurity sector. Students engaged in interactive breakout sessions that covered various aspects of cybersecurity, such as security engineering, governance, risk management, and compliance, and cyber operations. The event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with future STEM leaders. The students at GIA asked thought-provoking questions and demonstrated impressive knowledge. Our team relished the dynamic discussions, particularly the lively exchange when students shared their experiences with AI, which led to a mix of curiosity, admissions, and laughter. The students' passion and curiosity are a promising sign for the future of cybersecurity, making a fitting conclusion to our Cybersecurity Awareness Week at JPMorganChase. Enhancing Digital Safety for Youth and Elders By Sesh Subramanyan and Venkat Melam, Cybersecurity and Technology Controls Cybersecurity Awareness Week was a nationwide initiative in India, featuring a range of community engagement events focused on cybersecurity. These events included quizzes, puzzles, and awareness sessions for children and seniors from employee families, with over 200 participants. The goal was to increase understanding of cybersecurity and encourage secure online behavior. The 'CyberKids' session, for children aged 12-16, covered essential topics such as secure browsing, recognizing online threats, and safeguarding personal data. Meanwhile, the 'CyberSeniors' session targeted older family members, offering practical advice on online security, scam identification, and protecting one's digital identity. These sessions provided critical knowledge about online risks, including cyberbullying and phishing, helping families to establish a secure digital environment. Given the increasing cyber threats targeting the young and elderly, such awareness sessions are vital for safeguarding our loved ones. The foundation of cybersecurity lies within the home.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Meta Unveils 'Edits,' a New Video Editing App to Compete with CapCut

Meta recently announced the launch of a brand-new video editing application called "Edits," coinciding with the removal of ByteDance's video editing tool CapCut from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store due to the TikTok ban. This new app is expected to debut on the iOS platform next month, with an Android version to follow. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, revealed on the Threads platform that the company is collaborating with select creators to gather feedback on the application. He stated, "We are excited to introduce 'Edits,' a new app designed specifically for mobile video creators. No matter how the market environment changes, our mission remains to provide creators with the highest-quality tools." According to Mosseri, Edits will feature a range of innovative functions, including an inspiration zone, a creative idea management module, and a high-quality camera feature. Notably, the app will also support users in sharing draft creations with friends or collaborators. Additionally, creators can access performance data of their videos on the Instagram platform through the app, helping them optimize their content strategies. Mosseri emphasized that Edits primarily targets professional creators rather than casual users. This differentiated positioning, though difficult to quantify, reflects Meta's deep understanding of the creator ecosystem. This move by Meta continues its consistent market strategy. Recall that in June 2020, after TikTok was banned in India, Meta quickly launched Instagram Reels in early July. In 2023, the company introduced Threads, a platform competing with X. Industry analysts suggest that CapCut's temporary absence has created development opportunities for other video editing tools, and even if CapCut is reinstated in the future, the market landscape may undergo significant changes. It is worth noting that Captions, a video editing app backed by a16z, recently shifted to a freemium model in an attempt to attract more users and compete with CapCut. These market dynamics indicate that the video editing tool sector is entering a new wave of competition and innovation.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Samsung Teams Up with Instacart to Revolutionize Grocery Shopping with AI-Powered Fridges

Samsung is transforming its smart fridges into more than just storage units. Through an innovative collaboration with Instacart, the tech giant is set to introduce a game-changing feature that uses AI to help you automatically replenish groceries without lifting a finger. Soon, owners of Samsung's Bespoke fridges will be able to shop for groceries directly from their fridge screens. The integration with Instacart means the fridge will recognize when you're running low on items and suggest what to buy, adding them to your shopping list for quick and easy ordering via the app. This new feature leverages Samsung Vision AI, a technology that scans your fridge's contents, identifying the items inside and keeping track of what you need. By utilizing Instacart’s product matching API, the fridge will provide tailored grocery suggestions and allow you to place an order without ever leaving the kitchen. To make it all possible, the fridge is equipped with cameras that track when items are added or removed. While the system doesn’t monitor the fridge door compartments or the freezer, it can identify up to 37 different food items, including fresh produce. If something isn't detected, you can still manually input it into your Samsung Food app on either the fridge’s interface or your smartphone. This seamless experience aims to simplify the grocery shopping process. The AI will automatically update your food inventory when you buy items, and even adjust your shopping list when you use ingredients from saved recipes. With this feature, Samsung is not only enhancing convenience but also providing a more intelligent way to manage your kitchen. However, it remains to be seen how the system will perform in real-life usage, and whether it will truly streamline the grocery shopping experience. Previously, Samsung fridges had an Instacart app, though it wasn’t linked to the fridge's cameras. Interestingly, the app disappeared earlier this year from certain models. Samsung has announced that this new Instacart feature will be available later in 2025 through a firmware update for fridges that support the AI Vision Inside system, first introduced last year.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Why AI-Powered Smart Glasses Will Dominate 2025

After a decade of skepticism and mockery, AI-powered smart glasses are poised for a major comeback in 2025. Once ridiculed as a novelty, these innovative wearables are now on the verge of becoming the next big thing. With heavyweights like Meta and Baidu joining forces with startups such as Brilliant Labs and Solos, the technology behind smart glasses is finally catching up to its potential. These glasses blend advanced AI capabilities with cutting-edge hardware, fundamentally transforming the way we interact with the world. Here’s why 2025 will be the year AI-powered smart glasses take center stage. Smart Glasses: The Gateway to Practical AI As AI tools become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, people are eager to use them in more versatile ways. Smart glasses are the perfect solution for those who want AI on the go without the hassle of constantly reaching for their phone. Unlike the ill-fated Google Glass, today’s smart glasses are designed to be subtle yet functional. For example, Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban allows wearers to take photos, connect with the Meta AI assistant, and still maintain a stylish look. Features like real-time translation and health monitoring, as seen in the Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses, take the integration of eyewear and AI to the next level. Moreover, smart glasses offer a unique advantage in the AI hardware space. Devices like the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1, and Plaud.ai NotePin have faced challenges in capturing public interest, but smart glasses are more likely to succeed. Their practical application and sleek design make them a safer bet for AI integration compared to other devices. Productivity on the Go: Your AI Assistant, Right on Your Face The convergence of smart glasses and AI isn't just about cool tech—it’s about making life easier and more efficient. In 2025, your personal office assistant might not be sitting on your desk but rather perched on your face. Brilliant Labs is pushing this future with their Frame Smart Glasses, which come equipped with the Noa AI assistant. These glasses are tailored for busy individuals, offering features like contextual reminders, task lists, and quick information access—all in a wearable format. Baidu’s Xiaodu Smart Glasses are another example of this evolution. Powered by Baidu’s Ernie large language model, the glasses can provide real-time answers about your surroundings, recommend nearby restaurants, or even track calories from your meals. Thanks to the rapid development of context-aware conversational AI, integrating sensors and communication tools directly into eyewear takes productivity to new heights. Augmented Reality Meets AI: The Future of Smart Glasses Smart glasses today are equipped with everything from mini speakers to small embedded screens, but the true potential lies in their ability to enhance reality through augmented reality (AR). While improvements in AR alone might not spark a revolution, combining AR with AI, as demonstrated by Meta's Orion, has the potential to create an entirely new market for smart glasses. Orion isn’t launching until next year, but it’s not alone. Brilliant Labs’ Frame Smart Glasses also leverage AR to elevate user experiences. By offering an open-source platform, Brilliant Labs invites developers to create customized apps, meaning that, in the near future, users could have tailor-made applications that cater specifically to their needs. Though it might not be right around the corner, the idea of universally wearing AI-powered smart glasses is becoming clearer every day. With rapid advancements in AR and AI, the future of these devices is now more tangible than ever.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Artificial Intelligence's Struggle with Historical Knowledge, Study Reveals

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown prowess in areas such as coding and podcast creation, but a recent study has uncovered its limitations when it comes to tackling complex historical questions. Researchers have developed a novel benchmark, Hist-LLM, to evaluate the performance of three leading large language models (LLMs) on historical queries: OpenAI’s GPT-4, Meta’s Llama, and Google’s Gemini. This benchmark assesses the accuracy of their responses using the Seshat Global History Databank, an extensive repository of historical information named after the Egyptian deity of wisdom. The findings, unveiled at the prestigious AI event NeurIPS, were underwhelming, with researchers from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), an Austrian research institute, reporting that even the top-performing LLM, GPT-4 Turbo, scored only around 46% accuracy—barely above the level of random chance. “Despite their capabilities, LLMs lack the in-depth comprehension necessary for advanced historical studies,” commented Maria del Rio-Chanona, a co-author of the study and an associate professor at University College London’s computer science department. “They can handle basic historical facts, but when it comes to more intricate, doctoral-level historical analysis, they fall short.” The researchers provided TechCrunch with examples of historical questions that the LLMs mishandled. For instance, GPT-4 Turbo incorrectly affirmed the presence of scale armor in ancient Egypt during a specific epoch, when in fact, the technology emerged 1,500 years later. Why do LLMs falter on detailed historical inquiries when they can adeptly answer complex coding questions? Del Rio-Chanona suggested to TechCrunch that LLMs often rely on prominent historical data, struggling to access less common historical facts. For instance, when asked about the existence of a professional standing army in ancient Egypt during a particular period, the LLM incorrectly affirmed it, likely due to the abundance of information on standing armies in other ancient civilizations like Persia. “Imagine being told A and B repeatedly, and C only once; when asked about C, you might default to what you remember about A and B and extrapolate from there,” explained del Rio-Chanona. The study also pointed out that certain models, such as those from OpenAI and Llama, performed poorly on questions related to regions like sub-Saharan Africa, indicating possible biases in their training datasets. The study’s leader, Peter Turchin, a faculty member at CSH, emphasized that LLMs are not yet ready to replace humans in certain fields. Nevertheless, the researchers remain optimistic about the potential of LLMs to assist historians. They are refining their benchmark by incorporating data from underrepresented regions and introducing more sophisticated questions. “The study’s results, while highlighting areas for improvement in LLMs, also indicate their potential to contribute to historical research,” the paper concludes.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

5 Creative Ways to Leverage ChatGPT for Your New Year’s Goals

As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us set grand intentions for self-improvement – but, as history often proves, those resolutions can fizzle out before long. Whether your ambitions include adopting healthier habits, saving more money, or finally tackling the monumental task of reading War and Peace, ChatGPT can be your ultimate companion in staying focused and motivated. From refining your goals to overcoming obstacles along the way, this AI-powered tool is here to provide you with guidance, support, and even the occasional reality check when your goals start to veer off course (like when you try to justify "eating cake for breakfast" as a healthy fruit substitute). Here are five innovative and fun ways you can make ChatGPT your secret weapon in achieving your 2025 goals. 1. Tailor-Made Resolutions Crafting resolutions that speak to your passions is the key to maintaining motivation. ChatGPT shines when it comes to helping you think outside the box and come up with unique goals that suit your personal interests. Forget the usual clichés like "lose weight" or "spend less." Instead, share your hobbies, such as photography, travel, or acquiring new skills, and ChatGPT will help you develop resolutions like starting a daily photo journal, learning to greet people in multiple languages, or unearthing hidden gems in your local area. For instance, imagine telling ChatGPT about your love for photography or your desire to explore new cultures. The AI might suggest a resolution like taking one photo a day to build a digital yearbook, or challenging yourself to learn how to say "hello" in 52 different languages. These kinds of personalized resolutions are more likely to keep you motivated for the long haul. However, beware of setting conflicting goals—like vowing to be a better baker while also committing to a fitness regimen. If you're not careful, you might find yourself baking a cake every day! But with personalized goals, you're more likely to stay engaged and see it through. 2. Step-by-Step Action Plans Large, ambitious goals can feel daunting and difficult to navigate. ChatGPT is great at breaking them down into bite-sized, actionable steps. Suppose your resolution is to write a novel. ChatGPT can suggest a structured timeline, such as spending January outlining your story, dedicating the next six months to writing 500 words daily, and wrapping up the year with editing and feedback from beta readers. A clear, actionable plan like this makes what seemed impossible much more achievable. However, be cautious about overloading yourself. Trying to learn Spanish, write a novel, train for a marathon, and start a side business all at once can quickly become overwhelming. While ChatGPT will happily provide plans for each of these endeavors, by March, you might find yourself juggling too many projects—none of them getting the attention they need. 3. Your Personal Accountability Partner Sometimes, sticking to your resolutions requires an external nudge. ChatGPT can act as your personal accountability buddy, offering a judgment-free space to track progress and setbacks. Instead of sharing your goals with family or friends, where it might feel awkward, you can confide in ChatGPT and receive constant support. You can proudly share milestones—like sticking to your workout routine—and ChatGPT will celebrate your achievements, offering praise and motivation. If you fall short of your goals, the AI will provide gentle suggestions to help you get back on track. However, keep in mind that ChatGPT doesn’t always catch sarcasm or self-deprecating humor. Telling it you ate an entire box of donuts and asking if it's "carb-loading" for a run might prompt concern rather than the laughter you're hoping for. 4. Overcoming Roadblocks Challenges are inevitable when working toward any goal, and this is where ChatGPT can shine. When you're stuck or facing obstacles, simply explaining your issue to the AI can lead to tailored, practical solutions. For instance, if evening workouts aren’t happening due to fatigue, ChatGPT might suggest switching to morning sessions, shortening your workout time, or even finding a workout buddy for extra motivation. The AI's flexibility and personalized advice can help you adjust and move past roadblocks. Just remember—honesty is key. If you're making excuses (like claiming that a walk to the ice cream shop counts as cardio), ChatGPT will see right through it. 5. Celebrating Wins with AI When you reach your milestones, ChatGPT is excellent at helping you recognize your achievements and plan meaningful rewards. It acts like a personal cheerleader, offering suggestions to keep the momentum going. For instance, if you’ve been consistently meditating each day, ChatGPT might recommend treating yourself to a relaxing spa day, upgrading to a premium meditation app, or even sharing your journey with others to inspire them. While you still provide the prompts, these external reminders of your progress can feel more fulfilling, adding an extra layer of motivation to keep you moving forward.

Tech Insights2025-08-11 15:49:27

Make It Happen: Tech for Social Good Expands Globally

The Make It Happen initiative, which has been motivating youth to delve into the realm of technology and actualize their innovative concepts, has had a significant impact since its launch in 2018. It has reached over 73,000 students across more than 300 primary schools, igniting their passion for STEM subjects. In 2024, this program was integrated into JPMorganChase’s Tech for Social Good portfolio, amplifying its global reach. The Make It Happen charity was established by two top executives from JPMorganChase’s Glasgow Technology Center with the mission of contributing to their community by fostering digital creativity among the youth. In collaboration with a team comprising six technology experts and educators, Make It Happen engaged with four Glasgow schools to initiate an app design contest. The straightforward objective was to have students conceive an app that would simplify life, address an issue, enhance the world, or provide amusement. Subsequently, JPMorganChase’s tech volunteers would transform the winning proposals into fully operational apps for students to present to their social circles. The young tech enthusiasts proposed a variety of app concepts, from improving communication to easing daily tasks, enhancing the learning experience, or animating characters and illustrations. Their fresh viewpoints have been a valuable asset, prompting a shift in perspective on our engagement with the world. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Make It Happen has successfully extended its influence to the most remote parts of Scotland, including the Scottish islands, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to join. The program has organized several nationwide contests in England and Scotland, highlighting themes such as environmental sustainability, spreading holiday cheer, and advocating for STEM, providing a platform for students from various regions to demonstrate their ingenuity and innovation. To foster STEM learning beyond the app design contests, Make It Happen has crafted workshop materials aimed at enhancing community and family involvement. Equipped with green screens, modular construction toys, and mini robots, Make It Happen workshops stimulate children aged 5-12 to produce brief stop-motion films. Through this process, they are encouraged to think critically and creatively, tackle challenges, grasp the basics of coding, and interact with their peers. As we gaze into the future, the trajectory of Make It Happen stands as a beacon of the potential of collaborative efforts and innovation. With the app design competition now overseen by Tech for Social Good and the commitment of numerous volunteers and educators, Make It Happen is set to inspire the forthcoming generation of digital innovators.