TikTok Downranks Unsubstantiated Claims

Tech News Update: February 3, 2021

Recent developments include TikTok's enhanced efforts to combat misinformation, restrictions imposed on social media platforms in Myanmar, and the activation of a new Google subsea cable. This summarizes the key tech headlines for February 3, 2021.

TikTok Strengthens Misinformation Policies

TikTok previously announced measures to curtail the spread of false information by removing videos identified as inaccurate by fact-checkers. Now, the platform is expanding its approach to include content where fact-checking results remain inconclusive.

In situations where verification is hampered by ongoing events, videos will display a prominent banner and a reminder before sharing is permitted. This aims to provide users with context regarding potentially unverified claims.

This functionality is currently being rolled out in the United States and Canada, with global availability planned for the coming weeks.

Tech Industry Developments

Myanmar’s military government has issued an order to temporarily block access to Facebook. This action follows a period of civil unrest after the military seized control of the country and declared a year-long state of emergency, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi.

Google’s latest subsea cable, connecting the United States and Europe, is now operational. The cable boasts a substantial capacity of 250 terabits per second, spanning nearly 4,000 miles.

Instagram has confirmed development of a ‘Vertical Stories’ feed, potentially mirroring the user experience offered by TikTok.

Funding and Startup Activity

Vivino, a wine recommendation and marketplace application, has secured $155 million in funding. The company has been assisting wine enthusiasts since 2010.

Good Eggs has raised $100 million and intends to expand its services to Southern California. The company reports significant growth, exceeding $100 million in revenue, a near doubling of its customer base, and the addition of over 400 employees in the past year.

Rocket.Chat has obtained $19 million in funding to support its open-source enterprise messaging platform. The service is utilized by organizations like banks, the U.S. Navy, and NGOs for secure communication.

Extra Crunch Insights

An analysis of Spotify’s Group Session UX reveals both challenges and solutions in the implementation of its collaborative playlist feature. This “party mode” allows real-time contribution and control over music playback.

Venture capitalists are observing increased exit opportunities within the edtech sector, although valuations are not experiencing the same rapid growth. Thirteen VCs shared their perspectives on evolving deal-making strategies.

A recent study examines the competitive landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) between the United States, the European Union, and China.

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Additional News

Global smartphone shipments are projected to increase by 11% this year, indicating a return to pre-2020 levels, according to Gartner’s latest data.

Todd Rundgren is preparing to launch a geofenced virtual tour, supported by NoCap, a livestreaming concert startup founded by Cisco Adler and Donavon Frankenreiter.

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