This week, TikTok was in the news for pulling a video critical of China's mass detention of Uighurs. Most of the popular Chinese-owned social media app's users are children and teens who share lip-syncing videos, dance crazes and comedy skits. But in today's episode, Alex Hern, technology editor at the Guardian, explains why — behind the memes and music — th ... Show More
Oct 23
Elon, Starlink and the betrayal of Ukraine
Two weeks ago, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he’d struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply the world with millions of tonnes of Russian diesel. It stunned Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said he felt betrayed. Trump responded by sayi ... Show More
28m 36s
Oct 22
What's behind the youth protests in France?
France is in the midst of a weeks-long, nationwide protest that began with high school students lamenting the conditions of their public schools and issues like overcrowding, teacher shortages, and deteriorating facilities. But these protests quickly became a national uprising, t ... Show More
30m 16s
Mar 2023
How TikTok Became a Matter of National Security
<p>TikTok, the app known for short videos of lip syncing, dancing and bread baking, is one of the most popular platforms in the country, used by one out of every three Americans.</p><p>In recent weeks, the Biden administration has threatened to ban it over concerns that it poses ... Show More
28m 50s
Apr 2024
The Secret Push That Could Ban TikTok
<p>American lawmakers have tried for years to ban TikTok, concerned that the video app’s links to China pose a national security risk.</p><p>Sapna Maheshwari, a technology reporter for The Times, explains the behind-the-scenes push to rein in TikTok and discusses what a ban could ... Show More
25m 35s
Jul 2020
Episode 75: Is TikTok An App Or Spyware? An Employee Of Russia's Space Agency Arrested For Treason, ICE Plans To Deport Kids Studying Online
The US and several other countries are raising serious concerns about the popular social media app TikTok, which they are increasingly convinced is a tool for Chinese intelligence operations. A former journalist and employee of Russia's space agency has been arrested on charges o ... Show More
14m 13s