TikTok under federal investigation for spying on Americans: reports

Both the FBI and the FCC have warned that ByteDance, which is based in Beijing, could share TikTok user data with China’s authoritarian government.

Pinellas County lawmaker seeks to hold social media accountable for impacts on kids

A Pinellas County lawmaker's bipartisan bill to hold social media companies more accountable for their effects on minors cleared its first hurdle this week.

BetterHelp to pay $7.8M for sharing mental health data with Facebook, Snapchat

Online therapy platform BetterHelp will pay $7.8 million for reportedly sharing sensitive mental health info with Facebook, Snapchat and other advertisers for profit.

Youth leadership council in Tampa hosts virtual forum on body image, social media

The Tampa Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council hosted a virtual community forum Wednesday, to talk about body image, dieting, and using social media in a safe and healthy way.

Ohio lawmakers propose law requiring parental consent for kids under 16 to use social media

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's proposal names YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, but it would apply broadly, to any online website, service, product or feature that requires consumer consent to register. It would not apply to “e-commerce” or “online shopping.”

'Tweet limit': Twitter scrambles as many unable to post

Many Twitter users have found themselves unable to tweet, follow accounts or access their direct messages as the Elon Musk-owned platform experienced a slew of widespread technical problems.

13 is too young to join social media, US surgeon general says

In a CNN interview, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that kids are still “developing their identity” at this age.

Meta: Trump to be reinstated on Facebook, Instagram after 2-year ban

Facebook parent Meta says it will restore former President Donald Trump’s personal account in the coming weeks, ending a two-year suspension it imposed in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Oreo unveils ‘the most Oreo’ Oreo, stuffed with its own cookie

Oreo also announced the launch of Oreoverse, the company’s own metaverse space where fans can play games and even watch a celebrity guest explore the new virtual world on Jan. 30.

Will TikTok be banned in the US? Here’s why and why not

Even though more states are banning TikTok from government phones, there are many reasons why trying to ban it in the U.S. will be a lot harder than you might think.

University of Florida to students, staff: Delete TikTok app from your phone

The University of Florida is "strongly discouraging" students, faculty, and staff from using the popular social media app TikTok, citing the "growing concerns over security risks it poses."

Study: Children who habitually check social media may experience major brain changes

Researchers said habitual social media checking in teens is impacting their brain development at a time when they're already going through "significant structural and functional reorganization."

Andrew Tate arrested in Romania on charges of human trafficking, rape

The divisive social media personality and former professional kickboxer was previously banned from various platforms for expressing misogynistic views and hate speech.

Dentists warn of dangerous DIY dental hacks going viral on TikTok

Individuals are looking to TikTok for at-home remedies for their dental concerns, which has some dentists worried about the potential long-terms effects of DIY dentistry.