📰 TikTok’s Return, Trump’s Memecoin, Altman’s Anti-Aging Bet
Good morning. It’s Monday, January 20. Today we are covering:
TikTok is coming back online in the US
'Horrible look': Crypto lobby reels from Trump's 'memecoin'
Sam Altman invested $180 million into a company trying to delay death
Meta announces a new CapCut rival called Edits
Drone Makers Looking to Steer Clear of China Fear Beijing's Wrath
Let’s dive in
TikTok is coming back online in the US
By Wes Davis via The Verge
TikTok has partially restored its service in the US after a half-day shutdown, crediting President-elect Trump for providing clarity; however, it remains unavailable on the App Store and Google Play due to legal risks tied to the federal ban.
Oracle and Akamai have resumed hosting TikTok's services based on Trump’s assurances, but Republican senators have criticized the move, warning of steep penalties for companies supporting the app.
TikTok plans to fully restore its service and resume ad campaigns with limitations, while signaling a potential joint venture to satisfy US ownership requirements.
𝕏: Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs. Think about it. - Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton)
'Horrible look': Crypto lobby reels from Trump's 'memecoin'
By Jasper Goodman via POLITICO
Donald Trump has launched a controversial memecoin ahead of his inauguration, owning 80% of its supply through his company, sparking backlash from crypto advocates who warn it damages the industry's credibility.
The memecoin, valued at over $45 billion, has gained traction on major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance, but critics, including Rep. Sean Casten, accuse Trump of prioritizing personal enrichment over ethics.
Despite concerns, the crypto sector is poised for policy advances with Republicans pushing regulatory reforms that could legitimize and expand the industry under the incoming administration.
𝕏: "'It’s absolutely preposterous that he would do this,”' said Nic Carter, founding partner at the crypto investment firm Castle Island Ventures who describes himself as an 'avowed and explicit' Trump supporter. 'They’re plumbing new depths of idiocy.'" - Aaron Rupar (@atrupar)
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Sam Altman invested $180 million into a company trying to delay death
By Antonio Regalado via MIT Technology Review
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has invested $180 million into Retro Biosciences, a startup focusing on anti-aging and life extension, making it one of the largest individual investments in longevity research.
Retro Biosciences is exploring breakthroughs like cellular reprogramming and plasma replacement to rejuvenate the human body, leveraging Altman’s push for scalable and impactful science-based technologies.
Altman has shifted his focus to "hard tech" startups, including fusion power and longevity research, betting on projects that require substantial funding but promise transformative societal impacts.
𝕏: love how he casts Retro as the "OpenAI for longevity" - Joe Betts-LaCroix (@bettslacroix)
Meta announces a new CapCut rival called Edits
By Ivan Mehta via TechCrunch
Meta announced a new video editing app called Edits, set to launch on iOS next month, with an Android version to follow, aiming to fill the void left by CapCut’s removal from app stores amid the TikTok ban.
Edits will include advanced tools for creators, such as idea tracking, high-quality video recording, draft sharing, and performance insights for videos shared on Instagram, emphasizing features designed for professional creators over casual users.
Meta's move follows its strategy of capitalizing on market gaps, similar to launching Instagram Reels after TikTok's India ban and Threads to rival X (formerly Twitter), positioning Edits as a compelling alternative for video creators.
𝕏: Meta is launching a CapCut clone- awesome. But not having it ready to go for today is a huge miss imo… They had 9 months to prep for Jan 19th - Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi)
Drone Makers Looking to Steer Clear of China Fear Beijing's Wrath
By Joyu Wang via Wall Street Journal
China dominates the global market for small, inexpensive drones, which are widely used on battlefields, while Beijing tightly controls the industry and its supply chains.
U.S. drone makers are increasingly seeking alternatives to Chinese suppliers due to growing concerns over supply disruptions and dependence on China.
Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to leverage its dominance in the sector, heightening the urgency for U.S. companies to diversify their supply chains.
𝕏: A “democratic supply chain” starring Taiwanese drone makers is an inevitability, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun told @WSJ. But examples of China punishing companies for their ties to Taiwan have made U.S. businesses cautious. - Joyu Wang (@joyuwang)
Trump's White House Return
Trump returning to power after unprecedented comeback, emboldened to reshape American institutions
Eric Adams, in line for a potential pardon, to attend Trump inauguration
China both hopeful and on edge as Trump returns to White House
Trending in AI
Broadcom chief eyes AI opportunity after confronting VMware backlash
Momentum to pass regulatory legislation for AI has slowed considerably in Canada and the U.S.
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