Telegram has become “a global sewer” of illegal and extremist activities, including white supremacy, criminal networks, and terrorism, according to a four-month investigation by The New York Times. White Supremacist Activity Thrives on Telegram The Times analyzed more than 3.2 million Telegram messages from over 16,000 channels, uncovering 1,500 channels run by white supremacists. These channels have nearly one million members worldwide and openly coordinate racist activities, including inciting violence, promoting hate speech, and organizing protests. Telegram is “the most popular place for ill-intentioned, violent actors to congregate,” Rebecca Weiner,
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, it’s important to highlight the growing mental health needs within Black communities. Studies show that Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to the general population. Despite this, only about 25% of Black individuals seek mental health care, largely due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of access to culturally competent providers. In response, several apps and startups are working to close this gap, offering tailored support to meet the mental
Warp, a payroll startup based in New York, has distanced itself from an individual associated with its brand after a series of racist posts on X (formerly Twitter). The controversy began when an account using the name “Vittorio,” who had a Warp affiliate badge, made derogatory comments favoring white superiority. The post, which quickly sparked outrage, read, “I like White people more, they do more… I’ll let Blacks run and play basketball.” The affiliate badge linked to Vittorio’s profile suggested an official connection to Warp, a startup focused on automating
TikTok has announced the formation of its inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, an initiative aimed at ensuring user safety across the region. This council, the first of its kind for a tech platform in Sub-Saharan Africa, was launched in Nairobi, Kenya. A Regional First for Tech Safety With millions of Africans using the platform for creativity and self-expression, the new council brings together independent experts across various fields, from youth safety to combating hate speech, to help shape policies that maintain TikTok’s reputation as a safe online environment. The
YouTube has announced new AI detection tools designed to protect creators from the unauthorized use of their faces and voices in AI-generated content. Expanding its existing Content ID system, YouTube will introduce tools that can identify when someone’s likeness or voice has been simulated by artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on music and facial simulations. This move comes as AI-generated media continues to rise, posing significant concerns for artists, actors, and musicians who risk their work being used without consent. Tackling Unauthorized Use of AI-Generated Content As AI technology
ABC Signature has secured the rights to develop a TV adaptation of the viral TikTok series Who TF Did I Marry?, with Emmy-nominated actress Natasha Rothwell set to star and produce, according to Variety. Who TF Did I Marry? The series was originally created by Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson, whose 50-part TikTok series documenting her relationship with an ex-husband quickly gained over 450 million views. Johnson’s candid storytelling earned her more than three million followers within weeks. In the show, Rothwell will portray Johnson as she chronicles her turbulent marriage
Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has agreed to block access to X—formerly Twitter— in Brazil. This decision follows a legal order from Brazil’s top court, which resulted in Starlink’s assets being frozen when Musk initially resisted. Court Orders Lead to Frozen Assets Brazil’s Supreme Court, under Justice Alexandre de Moraes, ordered the shutdown of Elon Musk’s X in Brazil as part of his ongoing campaign to curb disinformation. According to Bloomberg, when X failed to comply with previous orders and pay associated fines, the court extended its crackdown to
A beauty pageant controversy has ignited a cross-border feud between Nigeria and South Africa, with ride-hailing apps Uber and Bolt becoming the unlikely battlegrounds. The Miss South Africa controversy Last month, Chidimma Adetshina was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest after becoming a finalist due to xenophobic backlash. The 23-year-old law student says she was born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother with Mozambican roots. After withdrawing from Miss South Africa, Adetshina later accepted an invitation to participate in Miss Universe
Chicago-based TikTok star Jools Lebron, known for her “very demure,” “very mindful,” and “very cutesy” lingo that has taken social media by storm, is now facing a trademark battle. Others have rushed to trademark variations of her viral catchphrases before she could, but the Puerto Rican creator recently reassured fans that the matter is being “handled.” A not-so demure Trademark Battle Lebron was a store cashier before her sudden rise to internet fame. Shortly after her phrases went viral, several individuals filed trademark applications for variations of “very demure.” Jefferson
A Pennsylvania mother has won the right to sue TikTok over the tragic death of her 10-year-old daughter, Nylah Anderson. Federal law has long shielded Big Tech companies from lawsuits for hosting content created and uploaded by third parties. However, this landmark ruling by the US appeals court asserts that companies can be held accountable for “knowing distribution and targeted recommendation” of harmful content. The Deadly TikTok Challenge Nylah Anderson died in December 2021 after attempting the “blackout challenge,” a viral trend that encouraged users to choke themselves until they
