TOPIC

/ company

TikTok

Latest news and updates on TikTok, the globally popular social media platform. The app, which merged with Musical.ly in 2018, lets users create short videos under a minute long complete with visual effects and background music. It has since come under scrutiny in countries like the US and India because it is owned by a Chinese company. Critics have accused the app of posing a national security risk, a claim that TikTok has repeatedly denied. Known as Douyin in China, the app is owned by Beijing-based startup ByteDance, also behind the Chinese news aggregator Jinri Toutiao.

Chairman / President

Zhang Yiming

CEO / Managing Director

Shou Zi Chew

CFO / Finance Director

Julie Gao

Industry

Social Media

Website

tiktok.com

Headquarters address

Culver City, 5800 Bristol Pkwy, United States

Year founded

2016

Singapore

Singapore orders social media platforms to block anti-Indian posts

Investigations reveal that the divisive posts likely originated from a China-based platform, minister says.

6 Jun 2026 - 4:15PM

Icons and Influencers

‘Spray 100 times’: inside TikTok’s wild new world of men’s fragrance

4 Jun 2026 - 10:00AM

Malaysia

Malaysia bars under-16s from social media as new rules come into force

1 Jun 2026 - 10:32AMvideocam

Profile

Micro-drama platform V+Short founders talk content trends and production powerhouses

Angela and Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo, the forces behind newly launched micro drama platform V+Short, on having their fingers on the pulse of viewing trends and positioning the Global South as production hubs.

28 May 2026 - 8:00AM

Angela Tanoesoedibjo (right), president director and CEO of MNC Digital Entertainment, and her sister Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo, CEO of V+Short. Photo: Alexander Mak

ByteDance

ByteDance AI films shake up Cannes as TikTok owner challenges Hollywood norms

A new cinematic tool, Seedance 2.0, can generate feature-length movies for a fraction of traditional costs.

25 May 2026 - 10:30PMvideocam

Fame and celebrity

Meet Avery Anna, ACM’s New Female Artist of the Year

Her viral TikTok video led to a Nashville recording deal, two full albums and the award, whose previous winners include Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

25 May 2026 - 6:00AM

Icons and Influencers

Meet Meredith Duxbury, the TikTok influencer who walked at Gucci cruise 2027

The TikTok star has gone from viral foundation routine to Gucci runway debut and A-list connections … but is she really dating Orlando Bloom?

24 May 2026 - 6:00PM

Influencer Meredith Duxbury first went viral for her 10-pump foundation make-up video. Photo: @meredithduxbury/Instagram

Malaysia

Malaysia demands TikTok explain failure to block fake account insulting king

Among the ‘grossly offensive’ posts were false claims that the king ate pork and images with his face superimposed onto animal bodies.

21 May 2026 - 5:28PMvideocam

Pakistan

Video | Killer of Pakistani TikTok teen star sentenced to death

The 22-year-old man shot 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf at her home in Islamabad after she repeatedly rejected his advances.

20 May 2026 - 1:00PM

Pakistan

Pakistan court sentences man to death for killing TikTok teen who refused him

The 22-year-old man shot 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf at her home in Islamabad after she repeatedly rejected his advances.

19 May 2026 - 8:47PM

Women activists holding photographs of Sana Yousaf take part in a demonstration condemning violence against women in Islamabad on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Indonesia

Fake news campaigns in Indonesia linked to military, Prabowo’s party: Amnesty

Amnesty’s findings reflect growing concerns that Indonesia is backsliding towards army rule under former special forces commander Prabowo.

19 May 2026 - 4:48PM

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto speaks to members of the media after inaugurating military aircraft at the Halim Perdanakusuma air base in Jakarta on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Beauty

Solid fragrance – the discreet luxury taking over #PerfumeTok

While Diptyque and Glossier have kept the category alive for years, others like Dior are offering new formats for this alternative to conventional sprays.

12 May 2026 - 6:00AM

United States

US nears US$400 million settlement with TikTok on child-privacy, report says

The money will be used to fund Trump’s ‘beautification’ projects in Washington, the report says.

9 May 2026 - 1:33PMvideocam

Thailand

TikTok invests record US$25b to expand digital infrastructure in Thailand

The Chinese firm will install additional servers and expand data storage infrastructure to support rising demand for digital services.

7 May 2026 - 4:30PM

Evening view of Bangkok from the King Power Mahanakhon building. Photo: Harvey Kong

Beauty

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

5 May 2026 - 12:00PM

Despite having played a role in beauty regimens for millennia, face oils still get a bad rap. Photo: Handout

United States

New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

The case is being closely watched as governments across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force big tech platforms to change to protect young users.

2 May 2026 - 6:31PM

US-China trade war

From apps to autos: China’s data reach sparks US espionage and sabotage concerns

Washington accused of not doing enough to counter Beijing’s harvesting of key American data and weaponising it as a strategic asset.

1 May 2026 - 6:16AMvideocam

Fame and celebrity

Meet Matt Friend, whose comedy charms stars, presidents – and King Charles

Friend, whose CNN comedy special aired ahead of the White House correspondents’ dinner, is gaining acclaim for his celebrity impressions.

1 May 2026 - 6:00AM

Comedian Matt Friend’s CNN comedy special, America Laughs With Matt Friend, aired ahead of the White House correspondents’ dinner weekend. Photo: @themattfriend/Instagram

Indonesia

Gaming platform Roblox to require facial scans for users under 16 in Indonesia

This is in line with new restrictions on minors’ use of social media and digital platforms in the country.

30 Apr 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

European Union

Sweden targets social media giants over ‘murder ads’ recruiting children

The government wants to stop criminal gangs use of social media to recruit people - including youngsters - to kill and commit other crimes.

29 Apr 2026 - 11:42PM

My Take

My Take | Why TikTok is being deliberately ruined by its new American owners

The popular social media platform, once owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, has been turned into an AI-enabled exploitation and censorship machine.

26 Apr 2026 - 9:38PM

Printed TikTok logos are seen in this illustration taken February 15, 2022. Photo: Reuters

Social media

Turkey passes bill to restrict social media access for under-15s

It comes a week after a 14-year-old boy killed nine students and a teacher at a middle school in southern Turkey, in a gun attack.

23 Apr 2026 - 4:59PM

Police officers in uniform and plainclothes police secure the site after a deadly school shooting, in the southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, Turkey, on April 15, 2026. Photo: via Reuters

ByteDance

ByteDance profit plunges on AI push as TikTok Shop fuels overseas surge: reports

‘All-in’ AI drive cuts profits by 70 per cent, while booming TikTok Shop sales help overseas markets outpace China, reports say.

20 Apr 2026 - 7:00PM

SpaceX

From ‘probing minds’ to verified account: how Musk’s stance on TikTok shifted

The billionaire’s surprising return to TikTok reveals his evolving tech diplomacy, with his account quickly gaining 120,000 followers.

15 Apr 2026 - 9:00PM

Apps

Realistic, no edits required – why the Setlog app is trending in South Korea

Viral app Setlog lets up to 12 friends film two- to four-second clips every hour, then auto-stitches them into a split-screen ‘day-in-the-life’ vlog.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:59PM

A vlog by a group of friends posted on Setlog. Setlog is the latest trending app on social media that is especially popular among South Koreans. Photo: Instagram/setlog_app

Chinese culture

Turning walnuts into ‘jade’? Social media goes nuts over old Chinese tradition

You will not actually make jade by rolling walnuts around in your palm, but this Chinese tradition can boost hand strength and calm anxiety.

13 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

A social media trend takes on an ancient Chinese tradition in the form of rolling a pair of walnuts around in your hand until they turn into “jade”. Photo: YouTube/ growithjessie

Americas and the Caribbean

Stampede at historic fortress in Haiti kills 25 and injures dozens

Authorities in Haiti probe ‘severe overcrowding’ at Citadelle Laferriere following mountaintop crush.

13 Apr 2026 - 1:43PM

China-Africa relations

War of words: China and the US battle it out for African hearts and minds

Rivalry between two global superpowers spills into the media as East meets West head-on in a clash of narratives to win over the continent.

12 Apr 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

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TikTok

Singapore orders social media platforms to block anti-Indian posts

Investigations reveal that the divisive posts likely originated from a China-based platform, minister says.

‘Spray 100 times’: inside TikTok’s wild new world of men’s fragrance

Malaysia bars under-16s from social media as new rules come into force

Micro-drama platform V+Short founders talk content trends and production powerhouses

Angela and Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo, the forces behind newly launched micro drama platform V+Short, on having their fingers on the pulse of viewing trends and positioning the Global South as production hubs.

ByteDance AI films shake up Cannes as TikTok owner challenges Hollywood norms

A new cinematic tool, Seedance 2.0, can generate feature-length movies for a fraction of traditional costs.

Meet Avery Anna, ACM’s New Female Artist of the Year

Her viral TikTok video led to a Nashville recording deal, two full albums and the award, whose previous winners include Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

Meet Meredith Duxbury, the TikTok influencer who walked at Gucci cruise 2027

The TikTok star has gone from viral foundation routine to Gucci runway debut and A-list connections … but is she really dating Orlando Bloom?

Malaysia demands TikTok explain failure to block fake account insulting king

Among the ‘grossly offensive’ posts were false claims that the king ate pork and images with his face superimposed onto animal bodies.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Killer of Pakistani TikTok teen star sentenced to death

The 22-year-old man shot 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf at her home in Islamabad after she repeatedly rejected his advances.

Pakistan court sentences man to death for killing TikTok teen who refused him

The 22-year-old man shot 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf at her home in Islamabad after she repeatedly rejected his advances.

Fake news campaigns in Indonesia linked to military, Prabowo’s party: Amnesty

Amnesty’s findings reflect growing concerns that Indonesia is backsliding towards army rule under former special forces commander Prabowo.

Solid fragrance – the discreet luxury taking over #PerfumeTok

While Diptyque and Glossier have kept the category alive for years, others like Dior are offering new formats for this alternative to conventional sprays.

US nears US$400 million settlement with TikTok on child-privacy, report says

The money will be used to fund Trump’s ‘beautification’ projects in Washington, the report says.

TikTok invests record US$25b to expand digital infrastructure in Thailand

The Chinese firm will install additional servers and expand data storage infrastructure to support rising demand for digital services.

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

The case is being closely watched as governments across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force big tech platforms to change to protect young users.

From apps to autos: China’s data reach sparks US espionage and sabotage concerns

Washington accused of not doing enough to counter Beijing’s harvesting of key American data and weaponising it as a strategic asset.

Meet Matt Friend, whose comedy charms stars, presidents – and King Charles

Friend, whose CNN comedy special aired ahead of the White House correspondents’ dinner, is gaining acclaim for his celebrity impressions.

Gaming platform Roblox to require facial scans for users under 16 in Indonesia

This is in line with new restrictions on minors’ use of social media and digital platforms in the country.

Sweden targets social media giants over ‘murder ads’ recruiting children

The government wants to stop criminal gangs use of social media to recruit people - including youngsters - to kill and commit other crimes.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Why TikTok is being deliberately ruined by its new American owners

The popular social media platform, once owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, has been turned into an AI-enabled exploitation and censorship machine.

Turkey passes bill to restrict social media access for under-15s

It comes a week after a 14-year-old boy killed nine students and a teacher at a middle school in southern Turkey, in a gun attack.

ByteDance profit plunges on AI push as TikTok Shop fuels overseas surge: reports

‘All-in’ AI drive cuts profits by 70 per cent, while booming TikTok Shop sales help overseas markets outpace China, reports say.

From ‘probing minds’ to verified account: how Musk’s stance on TikTok shifted

The billionaire’s surprising return to TikTok reveals his evolving tech diplomacy, with his account quickly gaining 120,000 followers.

Realistic, no edits required – why the Setlog app is trending in South Korea

Viral app Setlog lets up to 12 friends film two- to four-second clips every hour, then auto-stitches them into a split-screen ‘day-in-the-life’ vlog.

Turning walnuts into ‘jade’? Social media goes nuts over old Chinese tradition

You will not actually make jade by rolling walnuts around in your palm, but this Chinese tradition can boost hand strength and calm anxiety.

Stampede at historic fortress in Haiti kills 25 and injures dozens

Authorities in Haiti probe ‘severe overcrowding’ at Citadelle Laferriere following mountaintop crush.

War of words: China and the US battle it out for African hearts and minds

Rivalry between two global superpowers spills into the media as East meets West head-on in a clash of narratives to win over the continent.

Video | Killer of Pakistani TikTok teen star sentenced to death

My Take | Why TikTok is being deliberately ruined by its new American owners