X Seeks a Turn for the Positive and Trump Fights to Save TikTok

1/5 X Updates Algorithm in Favour of More Positive Content?

After largely building his platform off the back of societal critiques, charging his fans on unsuspecting public figures, and loudly exclaiming about the end of days more than fifty times per day for the last two years, Elon Musk is now hell-bent on making X a more positive space. In a recent post, Musk declared that the app would be experience an “algorithm tweak” to promote more informational/entertaining content”, thereby maximising “unregretted user-seconds”. While the move doesn’t align with Musk’s established online persona, it follows broader industry trends. Meta has made similar changes to its algorithm, reducing political content reach to better suit consumer desires. TikTok, notoriously, has always functioned in this manner, opting for entertainment over engagement.?

2/5 Meta Establishes New Public Policy Team for Trump’s Term?

Meta is shuffling its Public Policy team to better suit Trump’s administration, placing a Republican as its head of global affairs. Current Meta global affairs chief Nick Clegg announced his departure just last week, confirming that he will be replaced by his deputy Joel Kaplan. Kaplan, who previously served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff to former president George W. Bush, has made a name for himself within Meta in his fight to end restrictions on political speech. He argues that such rules “disproportionately mute conservative voices”. Meta has also brought in Kevin Martin as vice president of global public policy, and Jennifer Newstead as its general counsel; both prominent Republican voices.?

3/5 X to Launch Initial Test of “Money” in 2025?

After several delays to Elon Musk’s plan of converting X into a payments platform, the app is still moving forward with the concept. Now called “X Money” rather than “X Payments”, X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced that the initiative will be one of several new launches from X in 2025. Whilst Musk initially planned for X Money to launch in 2024, it hit a major setback in applying for a money transmitter license in New York. X received said licences from 38 U.S states, but quickly withdrew its application when a legal filing opposed it, bringing into question the character and fitness of X to have such an authority. The main concern of the filing was X’s connections to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a key investor. Despite this drawback, X is deciding to move forward with the project in select states.?

4/5 TikTok Dives Even Deeper into the Generative AI Pool?

TikTok is turning up the AI dial with new generative image tools and caption suggestions, designed to make content creation faster and easier. The features allow users to create unique visuals directly within the app and get tailored text ideas to boost engagement. While the tools could be a game-changer for creators short on time, some worry they might encourage more generic, AI-driven content on the platform. As TikTok doubles down on convenience, the real question is whether these updates will spark creativity, or leave feeds feeling eerily uniform.

5/5 Trump Takes TikTok Fight to the Supreme Court

In a surprising move, Donald Trump has filed a Supreme Court bid to save TikTok from a potential U.S. ban. The former president, who once championed efforts to block the app over national security concerns, now claims the platform is vital for free expression and economic opportunity. This unexpected about-face comes as TikTok faces increasing scrutiny, with lawmakers questioning its ties to China. While Trump’s actions have sparked debate, they also highlight TikTok’s growing influence in American culture. Is this a genuine defense of digital freedom, or just another twist in the ongoing political saga?

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