Pakistan Lifts TikTok Ban - Daily Crunch

TikTok is once again available in Pakistan, Apple has introduced a new music-focused streaming channel, and SpaceX has added to its Starlink satellite network. This is your Daily Crunch for October 19, 2020.

Key development: TikTok ban lifted in Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had previously blocked the video-sharing application eleven days prior, citing concerns regarding content deemed “immoral,” “obscene,” and “vulgar.” The authority announced today that the ban has been removed following discussions with TikTok’s leadership.

“The reinstatement of TikTok is contingent upon the platform preventing the dissemination of inappropriate or indecent material and safeguarding societal principles,” the authority stated.

This is not the first instance this year where the nation has attempted to regulate digital content. Pakistan initially announced new internet censorship regulations earlier in the year, but later withdrew them after facing potential departures from Facebook, Google, and Twitter.

Major technology companies

Apple has launched Apple Music TV, a music video station exclusive to the United States — This new channel provides a continuous, 24-hour live stream of popular music videos and related music programming.

Google Cloud introduces Lending DocAI, its first tool specifically designed for the mortgage industry — This tool is intended to assist mortgage lenders in streamlining the evaluation of a borrower’s financial documentation.

Facebook unveils a new Messenger API with integrated support for Instagram — This update allows businesses to incorporate Instagram messaging into their existing applications and internal workflows used for managing Facebook communications.

Startups, investment, and venture funding

SpaceX has successfully launched an additional 60 Starlink satellites, increasing the total number deployed into orbit to over 800 — To date, 835 Starlink satellites have been launched, although not all are currently functioning.

Propseller, a Singapore-based, technology-driven real estate agency, secures $1.2M in seed funding — Propseller utilizes a combination of a technology platform and dedicated agents to expedite transaction closures.

Ready Set Raise, an accelerator program for women founded by women, announces its third cohort — Ready Set Raise has refined its curriculum to concentrate on a “practical fundraising approach” informed by input from numerous women.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

Are venture capitalists continuing to make investments in the final days leading up to the 2020 election? — Several investors shared with TechCrunch that their decision-making processes are varied regarding this matter.

A detailed examination of the Disney+ user experience: successes, shortcomings, and potential improvements — With the expertise of Peter Ramsey, founder of Built for Mars and a UX specialist, we examine aspects of Disney+ that are well-executed and areas that could benefit from refinement.

Strong late-stage investment activity made the third quarter of 2020 a remarkable period for US-based startups in the venture capital landscape — Investors participated in a record number of 88 megarounds, each exceeding $100 million.

(Please remember: Extra Crunch is our subscription-based membership program dedicated to providing accessible information about startups. You can register here.)

Other noteworthy news

The US has filed charges against Russian hackers accused of causing power outages in Ukraine and orchestrating the NotPetya ransomware attack — Prosecutors assert that this group of hackers, affiliated with the Russian GRU, is responsible for “the most damaging and disruptive series of cyberattacks ever attributed to a single entity.”

Stitcher’s podcast content is now available on Pandora following the completion of the acquisition — SiriusXM has finalized its previously announced $325 million acquisition of podcast platform Stitcher from E.W. Scripps, and has subsequently integrated Stitcher’s podcasts into Pandora.

Original Content podcast: The appeal of ‘Emily in Paris’ lies in its lightheartedness — While the show’s depiction of Paris is idealized, it offers an enjoyable escape.

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