Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/19/2025

TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S. as Ban Looms

TikTok blocked access to American users late Saturday night, just hours before a law banning the app was set to take effect. The Supreme Court recently upheld the “divest-or-ban” law, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by Sunday. While the Biden administration opted not to enforce the law, the incoming Trump administration signaled potential flexibility, including a 90-day extension. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for efforts to find a resolution but reiterated ByteDance’s opposition to selling the platform. Meanwhile, alternative apps like Xiaohongshu and Lemon8 are seeing surging downloads. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

CNN Found Guilty of Defamation in Case Involving Navy Veteran

A Florida jury found CNN guilty of defamation in a case brought by Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in damages. Young alleged that a 2021 segment linking his business to profiteering off Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban harmed his reputation and business. CNN included his response in the segment but aired it with minimal notice, which Young claimed was defamatory. The network has yet to comment, pending further proceedings on punitive damages. (Read More) (Washington Examiner Rating)

Perplexity AI Submits Bid to Merge with TikTok U.S.

Search engine platform Perplexity AI has proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations amid a Supreme Court ruling enforcing a TikTok ban. The deal would involve new capital partners while allowing ByteDance stakeholders to retain investments. Industry estimates suggest bids for TikTok could exceed $50 billion. CEO Shou Zi Chew, however, reiterated ByteDance’s stance against selling to a U.S. owner. The Biden administration has deferred enforcement of the ban to the incoming Trump administration, which signaled the possibility of a 90-day extension. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)