This week, we talk about why search engine companies, lawmakers, and parents are all concerned about TikTok eating our brains.
TikTok
I Spent a Week Using Only TikTok for Search
Younger users are sidestepping Google in favor of the social app’s search engine, so I tried it too. You will absolutely believe what happened next.
What Is Flipper Zero? The Hacker Tool Going Viral on TikTok, Explained
Don’t be fooled by its fun name and Tamagotchi-like interface—this do-everything gadget is trouble waiting to happen and a whole lot more.
TikTok Admits Staff in China Can Access Europeans’ Data
Plus: Liz Truss’ phone-hacking trouble, Cash App’s sex-trafficking problem, and the rising cost of ransomware.
How to Create an Augmented Reality Filter for TikTok
From Paris to Dubai, I spoke with designers around the world about the process of creating AR effects for social media.
Amazon Makes the Cheapest Kindle Even Better
Plus: Alexa will soon give branded answers, ByteDance has its own VR headset in the works, and TikTok pushes a new BeReal knockoff.
Hackers Target Los Angeles School District With Ransomware
Plus: Albania cuts ties with Iran, claims of a TikTok data breach that didn’t happen, and much more.
It’s Time to Get Real About TikTok’s Risks
US lawmakers keep warning about the popular app. But until they can explain what makes it uniquely dangerous, it’s difficult to tailor a resolution.
TikTok Users Were Vulnerable to a Single-Click Attack
Microsoft disclosed the flaw in the Android app’s deep link verification process, which has since been fixed.