World
TikTok users sue U.S. government over impending ban
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About eight TikTok users have taken the U.S. federal government to task, alleging that a statute by President Joe Biden encroaches upon their sacrosanct First Amendment liberties.
This marks the second legal challenge against the government in response to apprehensions surrounding TikTok’s Beijing-centric corporate parentage.
The lawsuit claims the law is too broad and would kill off a big part of American life, which is communication through TikTok. The users suing the government come from different backgrounds, like a Texas rancher and a Tennessee cookie business owner, according to reports by Forbes.
This legal battle comes after ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, filed its lawsuit, saying the law might violate free speech. ByteDance also says the time given to sell TikTok is impossible to meet.
The lawsuit highlights just how big TikTok is in the U.S., with about 170 million Americans using it to watch and share videos.
One important quote from the lawsuit shows that despite their differences, TikTok users feel strongly about the app: “Although they come from different places, professions, walks of life, and political persuasions, (American TikTok users) are united in their view that TikTok provides them a unique and irreplaceable means to express themselves and form community.”
The legal battle started when President Biden signed a law saying TikTok had to find a new owner or get banned. This was part of a big money package to help countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
The law gave TikTok 270 days to sell, with a chance for an extra 90 days if they made progress. TikTok says it’s not possible to sell the app in that short time, and they think the law is too harsh.
Before the law was passed, TikTok fans went to Washington D.C., to try and save the app. They used hashtags like “#KeepTikTok” and contacted politicians to support them. Lawmakers had been worried about TikTok for a while because they thought it could be a security risk and that ByteDance might be sharing user data with China. TikTok says it’s not doing that.
In 2022, Congress banned TikTok on federal devices, and some states did the same. Montana even tried to ban TikTok statewide, but the courts stopped it, saying it was unfair and targeted China.
As the legal battle heats up, it shows how much is at stake for TikTok and its users – it’s not just about an app, but about free speech, privacy, and international relations.
World
‘She laughs infectiously’ — Putin says Russia supports Kamala over Trump
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Kamala Harris has Russia’s support in the forthcoming US presidential election.
Harris is up against Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in the race for the White House. Trump is widely perceived as Putin’s ally.
Speaking in a tongue-in-cheek manner at the Eastern economic forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin said Russia would follow US President Joe Biden’s lead and back Harris ahead of the vote.
“We will do the same, we will support her,” Putin said with a chuckle.
“She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her.”
The Russian leader said Trump oversaw the most sanctions on Russia as US leader.
“Ultimately, the choice is up to the American people, and we will respect that choice,” he said.
Last month, Trump praised Putin’s leadership style, saying he was on top of his game.
The former US president also claimed that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he were president because he would have stood up to Putin.
In 2016, US intelligence agencies accused Russia of running a disinformation campaign to boost Trump’s electoral chances against Hillary Clinton. Russia denied the claims.
Moscow has also been accused of interfering in the 2024 US election.
World
Burkina Faso launches new passport without ECOWAS logo
![](https://bodexng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Burkina-Faso-biometric-passport-.jpeg)
Burkina Faso has issued new biometric passports without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) — solidifying its decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso severed ties with the 15-member body after sanctions were imposed on them in the wake of military coups.
ECOWAS said the countries have to return to constitutional order if they want the sanctions lifted.
All three countries have since accused the alliance of abandoning the spirit of pan-Africanism for selfish interests.
Although ECOWAS only issued a suspension, the countries have denounced plans to return.
Mahamadou Sana, Burkinabe security minister, announced the passport facelift on Tuesday.
“On this passport, there’s no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso,” Sana said.
Out of 198 passports globally, Burkina Faso’s ranks 78 with access to 60 visa-free destinations including ECOWAS member-countries, according to the Henley passport ranking.
ECOWAS said the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living within the 50-year-old bloc.
President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS chairman, and his team have been persuading the trio to reconsider their decision to exit.
Tinubu also said the bloc would remain friendly to the countries.
World
New Zealand to increase international visitor levy by almost 200%
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New Zealand will increase its international visitor levy from NZ$35 to NZ$100 starting October 1st, 2024.
The increase is supposed to fund conservation efforts and support tourism.
Though the tourism sector has concerns about its effect on visitor numbers.
This decision, as reported by TravelBiz, was announced by the government, informing that the levy will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100 (about N98,565 based on the current official rate), representing a 185.7% increase in cost for international visitors.
This move, according to the government, seeks to have tourists support public services and maintain their experience in New Zealand. But ultimately, this has led to criticism from the tourism sector, which worries it may reduce international visitor numbers.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which applies to tourists, working holidaymakers, and some students and workers, was introduced to support conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure.
Reports inform that the increased levy will now directly contribute to the upkeep of national parks, improve visitor facilities, and enhance public services that benefit both tourists and residents.
“By paying this fee, visitors are helping to preserve New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity,” a government spokesperson said.
The tourism industry has expressed concerns that the fee increase could deter potential visitors. Despite this, government officials are optimistic that the higher levy will not diminish New Zealand’s allure as a premier travel destination.
“The fee remains competitive compared to other countries and will help ensure that visitors continue to enjoy high-quality experiences while protecting our environment,” the spokesperson added.
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