Trump says will ban TikTok amid pressure on Chinese owner to sell

13 Sept 18:23 Key points summarised by AI

President Trump declared his intent to ban the popular short-video app TikTok in the U.S. via an executive order, citing national security concerns over the handling of user data by its Chinese owner, ByteDance.
The announcement followed frantic but unsuccessful negotiations between the White House, ByteDance, and potential buyers like Microsoft, aimed at divesting TikTok's U.S. operations, though talks are expected to continue.
Deal discussions were complicated by ByteDance's high valuation expectations, exceeding $50 billion, and its insistence on retaining a minority stake in the app.
TikTok has emerged as a significant flashpoint in the deteriorating relations between the United States and China, with U.S. lawmakers also moving to restrict its use on government devices.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.