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DeSantis to Disney’s Iger: ‘Drop the lawsuit’ on August 14, 2023 at 8:33 pm Business News | The Hill

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Monday that Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger should drop his company’s lawsuit against DeSantis and other Florida officials.

In an interview with CNBC’s “Last Call,” DeSantis was asked what he would tell Iger if the two had a phone call, to which the governor responded, “They’re suing the state of Florida, they’re going to lose that lawsuit. So what I would say is, drop the lawsuit.”

Disney’s lawsuit, filed in federal court in April, alleges DeSantis, who is a 2024 presidential candidate, retaliated against the entertainment giant over its vocal opposition last year to the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prohibits instruction on gender identify and sexual identity in certain grades. Disney vowed to help repeal the anti-LGBTQ bill, and former Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologized for initially remaining quiet about the bill in the wake of criticism. 

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DeSantis went on to sign legislation earlier this year to end Disney’s power over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the 25,000 acres that the company self-governed for decades. The law also appointed a five-member board to govern the district, which later voided previous agreements Disney made. 

“So all we want to do is treat everybody the same and let’s move forward, I’m totally fine with that. But I’m not fine with giving extraordinary privileges … to one special company at the exclusion of everybody else,” DeSantis said in reference to Disney’s special taxing district. 

Disney’s lawsuit alleges DeSantis carried out a “targeted campaign of government retaliation,” that was “orchestrated at every step,” as a form of punishment for Disney’s “protected speech.” 

“We’ve appreciated working with them over the years, but I would just say go back to what you did well,” DeSantis said Monday. “I think it’s going to be the right business decision,” adding the state has “basically moved on.” 

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DeSantis said Florida is “a great place to do business,” and touted the state’s unemployment rate, fiscal posture and leadership in new business formations. 

“Your competitors all do very well here — Universal, SeaWorld — they have not had the same special privileges as you have,” DeSantis said.

The Hill has reached out to Disney for comment. 

In his efforts to stomp out “woke” culture as part of his presidential campaign, the Florida governor has also accused the entertainment company of sexualizing children. Iger pushed back on this allegation last month, telling CNBC the notion is “preposterous” and “inaccurate.”

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In June, DeSantis asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming he and the secretary of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity are “immune” from the litigation. 

CNBC’s full interview with DeSantis will air at 7 p.m. Monday. 

​State Watch, Business, News, disney Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Monday that Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger should drop his company’s lawsuit against DeSantis and other Florida officials. In an interview with CNBC’s “Last Call,” DeSantis was asked what he would tell Iger if the two had a phone call, to which the governor responded, “They’re suing the state…  

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When TikTok and CapCut Vanished from America

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In a shocking turn of events, TikTok and CapCut, two of America’s most popular social media and video editing apps, vanished from U.S. app stores and became inaccessible to users on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025. This unprecedented digital blackout affected approximately 170 million American users, leaving them stunned and searching for alternatives.

The Sudden Shutdown

As the clock struck 10:50 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, both TikTok and CapCut disappeared from Apple and Google app stores. Users attempting to access the apps were greeted with a stark message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”.

The ban wasn’t limited to just TikTok and CapCut. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, Hypic, and Gauth, also became unavailable to U.S. users. This sweeping action effectively cut off access to a suite of popular digital tools that millions had come to rely on for entertainment, content creation, and even business purposes.

The Legal Battle

The shutdown came after a tumultuous legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court decision upholding a federal law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok and CapCut, to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, passed in April 2024, cited national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence.

Impact on Users and Creators

The sudden disappearance of TikTok and CapCut has left content creators and everyday users in a state of digital limbo. Many relied on these platforms not just for entertainment, but as essential tools for their livelihoods and creative expression. The ban has disrupted a thriving ecosystem of digital content creation, leaving millions to scramble for alternative platforms and editing tools.

Political Implications and Future Uncertainties

As the dust settles, all eyes are on the incoming administration. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has hinted at a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok. This development has injected a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex situation.

What’s Next?

While the apps remain inaccessible, ByteDance and TikTok officials continue to work towards a resolution. TikTok’s message to users ends on a hopeful note, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned”.

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As America grapples with this digital void, questions about data privacy, national security, and the future of social media regulation loom large. The TikTok and CapCut ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies in the United States, with far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the tech industry as a whole.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

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TikTok Ban Drives 216% Rise in U.S. Users Learning Chinese on Duolingo

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Duolingo has reported a remarkable 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarin Chinese, coinciding with the impending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This surge is attributed to many TikTok users migrating to a new Chinese social media platform called RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), which defaults to Mandarin as its primary language. As TikTok users seek alternatives amidst concerns over data privacy and app availability, they are turning to RedNote, prompting a cultural exchange that has driven interest in learning Chinese.

The spike in Mandarin learners began around mid-January, aligning with the growing popularity of RedNote among former TikTok users. Duolingo’s marketing team has actively engaged with this trend on social media, humorously acknowledging the phenomenon with posts like “Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone”.

Additionally, Duolingo has seen a 36% increase in downloads in the U.S., reflecting heightened consumer demand for language learning resources as users adapt to the new social media landscape.

The transition from TikTok to RedNote has not been without challenges, as some users have encountered technical issues during registration and account suspensions.

Nevertheless, this shift underscores a significant demand for social networking experiences that resonate with American users while navigating the complexities of Chinese platforms.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

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TikTok’s Final Countdown: The Sunday Shutdown

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As the clock ticks down to January 19, 2025, TikTok users in the United States are bracing for a significant disruption. The app, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the country, faces a potential ban that could render it non-functional by this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the impending ban and its implications.

Key Details of the Ban

The anticipated ban comes amid ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Government officials have raised alarms about the possibility of sensitive user data being accessed by Chinese authorities. As a result, the app is expected to be removed from digital app stores, effectively cutting off new downloads and updates.

What Will Happen?

  • Removal from App Stores: On January 19, TikTok will likely be taken down from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  • Existing Users Affected: Current users may find that their app becomes non-functional, losing access to new content creation and updates.
  • Data Preservation Challenges: Users may face difficulties in preserving their data and content as the deadline approaches.

Recommendations for Users

In light of the impending ban, TikTok users should take proactive steps to safeguard their content and data:

  1. Download Personal Data: Users can access their TikTok settings to download their data before it’s too late.
  2. Export Saved Videos: Save any cherished videos or content that you wish to keep.
  3. Backup Content: Consider backing up your videos on alternative platforms.
  4. Explore Alternatives: As TikTok faces its potential shutdown, consider migrating to other platforms such as:
  • Instagram Reels
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Lemon8
  • Triller

Potential Scenarios

While the ban is set for this Sunday, there are several scenarios that could unfold in the coming days:

  • Last-Minute Legal Intervention: There remains a possibility of a legal challenge that could delay or halt the ban.
  • Temporary Injunction: Courts may issue a temporary injunction allowing TikTok to operate while legal proceedings continue.
  • Complete Shutdown: If no intervention occurs, users will face a complete shutdown of the platform in the U.S. market.

Emotional Impact on Users

The potential ban is not just a technical disruption; it carries significant emotional weight for many users. Content creators who have built their brands on TikTok may experience economic repercussions as they lose a primary platform for engagement. Additionally, the shift could lead to broader changes in the social media landscape as users seek new avenues for expression and connection.

Conclusion

As we approach this critical deadline, TikTok users should remain vigilant and prepared for possible changes. Whether through legal maneuvers or a complete shutdown, the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as we navigate this evolving situation together.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

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