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US Version of TikTok off to Bumpy Start; Competitors Surge

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Today, 2:49 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

The US version of the TikTok app is now officially controlled by a US-based joint venture instead of Chinese company ByteDance. This completes a long-delayed deal that was required by a US law passed in 2024. Users must agree to new legal terms to continue using the app, and those terms allow TikTok to collect and use more personal data than before, including precise location data. The service has also seen an uptick in glitches and errors, although TikTok blames a power outage at a data center. The deal brings US control over the service amid concerns of Chinese influence. However, some users have complained of being unable to upload anti-ICE content, sparking accusations of new censorship. The company denies this, saying the glitches are random. TikTok's new owners include Oracle, whose founder Larry Ellison is a major supporter of President Trump. Two alternative services have surged in popularity in recent days: Skylight is an open-source app built on the same AT protocol as BlueSky. Meanwhile, UpScrolled is an indie app alternative from an Australian developer.

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