OpenAI’s $40 billion funding deal led by SoftBank could make it one of the most valuable private firms in the world. But there is a catch. It must fully transition to a for profit model by the end of 2025 or risk losing billions, marking a major shift for the AI company.
Elon Musk’s xAI has bought social media platform X for $33 billion, calling it a major step in combining AI with real-time public conversation. Critics are concerned about data privacy and the true value of X, while others see it as a bold move to challenge AI leader OpenAI.
From quiet meetups to packed arenas, AI conferences are lighting up cities worldwide in 2025. With tech leaders, investors and innovators joining forces, these events mark a turning point as the global push toward Industry 5.0 gains speed, creativity and serious attention.
Stunned creators and small businesses saw TikTok vanish from U.S. app stores, reeling from a Supreme Court’s ban order—until President-elect Donald Trump vowed to 'SAVE TIKTOK.' In a single day, the platform roared back, revealing just how powerful a viral app and a presidential promise can be. Wow.
As Biden leaves office in a finale that somehow manages to be both colorful and lackluster, his term concludes much as it began: overshadowed by Donald Trump. Stepping into the spotlight is Trump V2.0, a presidency poised to redefine social media policy, tech economics, and foreign relations. At the center of this shifting landscape stands TikTok, the short-form video behemoth uniting Washington’s power struggles with Beijing’s technological ambitions. From billionaire CEOs to bedroom creators, everyone is fixated on the platform’s fate. This editorial delves into how TikTok nearly disappeared, why it came roaring back, and why its journey encapsulates the broader flashpoints of global competition, social influence, and the digital economy.
What began as a fleeting worry over data privacy exploded into a 24-hour doomsday scenario, as TikTok seemingly vanished from U.S. app stores. Stunned creators and small businesses, reliant on the platform for both income and clout, felt the sting. Media outlets roared into frenzy, while the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a divest-or-ban law seemed unassailable. And then, in true twist-of-fate fashion, President-elect Donald Trump appeared on social media promising to “SAVE TIKTOK”. Within a day, the platform roared back to life, validating the idea that a single viral app can sway both economic fortunes and political maneuvering.
The near-ban spotlighted deep fault lines in the U.S.-China tech rivalries, underscoring how policy tools meant to defend national interests can also disrupt global commerce. Billionaire Elon Musk chimed in:
“The current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change.”
I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2025
That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but 𝕏 is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced.
Something needs to change. https://t.co/YVu2hkZEVZ
His words signal a broader frustration: modern technology is not just about software—it’s about global influence, market dominance, and geopolitical clout. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, felt the weight of diplomatic chess moves, battling to keep users satisfied while navigating Sino-American tensions.
On Capitol Hill, the debate morphed into theater. Some senators argued that data privacy and national security warranted immediate action; others championed innovation and free speech. TikTok, echoing relief, stated:
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers…”
It was a victory lap for a platform once painted as a security threat but now hailed as an economic lifeline. The irony: in an era when Twitter once dominated political discourse, the newest battleground is a platform built on dance trends and comedic sketches.
Enter the most surreal pitch yet:
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up.”
So declared Trump, painting a scenario that blends capitalism, state power, and a dash of reality-show flair. Though the proposal drew snickers from some corners, it also revealed a genuine dilemma: how far will America go to guard data without strangling the very platforms fueling a new digital economy?
China will require clear labeling of all AI-generated content starting September 1, 2025, marking a strict global standard. Backed by top agencies, the rule targets fraud and misinformation. Firms like Tencent must comply or face penalties, while trust may grow for those who do.
Tesla and SpaceX are pushing back against proposed Trump-era tariffs, warning they raise costs and hurt US manufacturing. Elon Musk argues these policies threaten Tesla’s global edge and risk helping rivals abroad, urging a more balanced approach to protect key industries.
Australia’s 2025 Federal Budget prioritizes short-term voter appeal, neglecting vital structural tax reforms and AI investment. Industry leaders warn Australia risks economic competitiveness as global peers accelerate, highlighting critical gaps in tech, energy, and strategic vision.
Australia risks falling behind as global players like France Canada and Singapore accelerate AI investment. With funding delayed until 2026 or later tomorrow’s budget is a chance to act. Without bold support now Australia may miss out on its share of the $826 billion AI market by 2030.
