Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Amazon mistakenly tells workers to take TikTok app off phones

AMAZON mistakenly sent workers an email telling them to dump the TikTok mobile application from their cell phones because of security concerns on Friday (10).

The internal message told workers they could still access the popular video-snippet sharing platform using laptop web browsers, but would lose access to company email on smartphones that have TikTok.


"This morning’s email to some of our employees was sent in error," an Amazon spokesperson said.

"There is no change to our policies right now with regard to TikTok."

The concern expressed in the internal message appeared to be that the TikTok mobile app could access Amazon company email, according to a copy posted online.

"User security is of the utmost importance to TikTok -– we are fully committed to respecting the privacy of our users," a spokeswoman for the company said in reply to an AFP inquiry.

She added that TikTok welcomed "a dialogue so we can address any issues they may have."

The Democratic National Committee is advising campaign staff to avoid using TikTok on personal devices and, if they do, to keep the app on a smartphone separate from that used for work, given the amount of data it can track, a DNC official said.

TikTok this week withdrew from Hong Kong in an exit seen partly as an effort to shake off the "label of it being a company that is controlled by China and shares data with the Chinese government," Zhu Zhiqun, a political science professor at Bucknell University in the US, said.

TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China.

The app's feeds of 15- to 60-second video clips are often fun and humorous, featuring everything from make-up tutorials to dance routines.

However, with its rising popularity in the US, TikTok has also come under increasing scrutiny from the government there.

US president Donald Trump said this week he was considering banning it as a way to punish China over the coronavirus pandemic.

Top US lawmakers have raised concerns over the potential for TikTok to leak user data to the Chinese government.

India -- where TikTok is also wildly popular -- recently blocked the platform on national security grounds following a deadly border clash between its soldiers and Chinese forces.

TikTok staunchly denies snooping allegations.

"We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked," a spokesman said on Wednesday (8).

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less