Tech News
LAST UPDATE: September 25, 2025
Trump will sign the TikTok deal on Thursday, source says
A source has stated that President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday that would create a new structure for a group of investors to take over the operations of TikTok in the US. The deal aims to keep the popular social media app operating in the country while ensuring that its US user data is stored in the US and its recommendation algorithm is controlled by its new owners. The agreement would prevent a full ban of the app.
Insight
The signing of this deal indicates a strategic compromise by the Trump administration on a major national security issue. By allowing a US-led consortium to take over, the administration is attempting to balance its national security concerns with the political and economic reality of a popular platform.
EU asks Apple, Google and Microsoft what they are doing to tackle finance scams
The European Union has sent formal requests for information to Apple, Google, and Microsoft, asking what they are doing to tackle financial scams on their platforms. The EU’s action is part of a major crackdown on online fraud, which costs Europeans over €4 billion a year. The probe will examine how fake banking apps slip through app store defenses and how fraudulent search results appear on search engines.
Insight
This move by the EU signals a major escalation in its regulatory pressure on Big Tech, targeting financial crime with the same urgency as it has addressed data privacy and antitrust issues. It highlights the growing concern that technology platforms are not doing enough to protect users from increasingly sophisticated scams, many of which are now powered by AI.
EU chief backs calls to keep children off social media
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed calls to keep children off social media, stating she shares the view of many member states that the time has come for a “digital majority age” for social media access. She announced that she would establish an expert panel to assess what steps to take at the EU level. The push for restrictions is driven by growing concerns over online harms to minors.
Insight
Von der Leyen’s strong support for a “digital majority age” for social media is a significant political development that could lead to new EU-wide regulations. This reflects a growing global consensus that social media platforms are a public health issue for minors, and that governments need to take a more proactive role in protecting children.
Instagram Hits 3 Billion Users With Focus on Video, Messaging
Instagram has reached a milestone of 3 billion monthly active users, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The platform’s recent growth has been driven by a focus on video and messaging, with a new app for iPad and a dedicated Reels viewing feature. The milestone solidifies Instagram’s position as a dominant social media platform and a key driver of growth for Meta.
Insight
This user milestone confirms Instagram’s success in adapting to a changing social media landscape, particularly by prioritizing video content to compete with rivals like TikTok. The focus on video and messaging shows a strategic shift to attract and retain users in a highly competitive market, but it also increases the platform’s exposure to regulatory scrutiny.
