Gen Z users in the U.S. are increasingly turning away from TikTok, following the app's recent shift to new American owners, with many opting to download an alternative application created by a former Oracle employee, according to Fortune. This move comes after TikTok's U.S. operations were formally separated from its global business in January and placed under a joint venture where Oracle holds a significant stake, becoming responsible for American user data and the recommendation algorithm.
The change, which capped years of political pressure, was framed by backers as a national security victory. However, many young users viewed it differently, seeing a beloved app becoming an instrument of corporate and political power, according to Fortune. The shift has led to a "quiet revolt" among creators, who are now exploring other options.
Meanwhile, in other news, communities across the country are fighting against the expansion of immigrant detention centers, as the Trump administration seeks to increase its detention capacity, according to Time. The administration allocated $45 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to build new detention centers. ICE has already made moves to acquire buildings in at least eight states, with three properties purchased last month, including one for $102 million in Maryland, another for $84 million in Pennsylvania, and a third for $70 million in Arizona, Time reported.
In the world of sports, Isabeau Levito, a young figure skater, is preparing for her first trip to the Olympics, which will take place in Milano Cortina, according to Time. Levito, whose mother is from Milan, began skating at age 3. "I skate every day so then I can go to the Olympics," she said, according to Time.
The recent changes on TikTok have also raised questions about censorship and the app's new management. According to Vox, the situation is "less about censorship and more about normal internet problems," as David Pierce, The Verge's editor-at-large, stated on the "Today, Explained" podcast. It's been just over a week since TikTok in the United States transferred into the hands of new owners, and it's been a mess ever since, Vox reported.
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