TikTok Divides US

Author

Global Recap
March 28, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

The United States appears more divided than ever nowadays on pretty much any issue: gender, abortion, climate crisis—you name it.

And now, add to the list: TikTok.

(⏰ Reading Time: 5 mins)

UNITED STATES

TikTok Divides U.S.

Before the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the “TikTok Bill” that would force the sale of the platform to a U.S. entity or face a ban, TikTok urged its users to call Congress to protest.

The CNBC All-America Economic Survey reveals a divided America on TikTok’s fate, with nearly half supporting a ban or sale due to national security concerns.

  • 👥 Demographics. Opinions on TikTok’s ban diverge sharply across political lines, age groups, and app usage, reflecting a complex social and cultural landscape.

  • 🗣️ Voices. Many TikTok creators passionately oppose the ban, emphasizing the platform’s role in community building and personal expression.

But the platform is sold, there is no need for it to be banned.

UNITED STATES

SBF: Sentenced

On Thursday, Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years for a multi-billion dollar fraud involving the FTX cryptocurrency exchange.

  • 💸 Embezzlement. The court found that customers lost $8 billion, equity investors $1.7 billion, and lenders to Alameda Research $1.3 billion.

  • 🔍 Scrutiny. The judge said Bankman-Fried lied during his trial about using customer deposits for his hedge fund, leading to his conviction.

SBF faced 110 years in prison, but requested a six-year sentence.

UNITED NATIONS

U.N.’s Controversial Choice

The United Nations has appointed Saudi Arabia to lead the Commission on the Status of Women, sparking widespread criticism from human rights organizations.

  • 🚨 Outrage. Rights groups are appalled by the U.N.’s decision, citing Saudi Arabia’s poor women’s rights record and calling for immediate reforms.

  • 📜 Law. Despite recent laws, Saudi Arabia continues to enforce policies that perpetuate gender inequality and restrict women’s freedoms.

  • 🔗 Activists. Activists have been urging Saudi Arabia to abolish male guardianship and release detained women’s rights defenders to align with the commission’s goals.

This does not reflect well on the United Nations.

RUSSIA

Putin’s Peace Pledge

Putin recently dismissed the idea of attacking Eastern European nations as “complete nonsense,” emphasizing Russia’s lack of “aggressive intentions.”

  • 🔍 Scrutiny. Despite Putin’s claims, European military officials remain wary, citing the Kremlin’s belligerence and previous denials before the Ukraine invasion.

  • 🛑 Denial. President Putin consistently refuted claims of aggressive motives behind stationing around 150,000 soldiers along the Russia-Ukraine border, just prior to the 2022 incursion into Ukraine.

  • 🌐 Expansion. The narrative of NATO provoking Russia by expanding eastward was reiterated by Putin, who accused the alliance of encroaching upon Russian borders.

Is Russia’s assurance enough to ease tensions?

ARGENTINA

Milei Calls Petro “Terrorist”

Argentine President Javier Milei (left) and Colombian President Gustavo Petro (right).

Colombia expelled Argentine diplomats following derogatory remarks by Argentine President Javier Milei about its President Gustavo Petro.

  • 🔊 Outrage. Milei labeled Petro a “terrorist,” “murderer,” and “communist” in an unaired CNN interview, sparking a diplomatic crisis.

  • 🕊️ History. Petro, a former M-19 guerrilla member, represents Colombia’s first leftist presidency, contrasting with Milei’s libertarian stance.