\" plugin_version.type = \"hidden\" form.appendChild(plugin_version) var wordpress_version = document.createElement(\"input\") wordpress_version.name = \"wordpress_version\" wordpress_version.id = \"wordpress_version\" wordpress_version.value = '$wp_version' wordpress_version.type = \"hidden\" form.appendChild(wordpress_version) } },200); "; } else { echo ''; } } else { echo ''; } } else { echo ""; return; } } } /** * Google analytics . */ function ga_footer() { if ( ! ( defined( 'DOING_AJAX' ) && DOING_AJAX ) ) { $banner_discarded_count = get_option( 'sm_beta_banner_discarded_count' ); if ( 1 === $banner_discarded_count || '1' === $banner_discarded_count ) { echo ''; } } } /** * Check if the requirements of the sitemap plugin are met and loads the actual loader * * @package sitemap * @since 4.0 */ function sm_setup() { $fail = false; // Check minimum PHP requirements, which is 5.2 at the moment. if ( version_compare( PHP_VERSION, '5.2', '<' ) ) { add_action( 'admin_notices', 'sm_add_php_version_error' ); $fail = true; } // Check minimum WP requirements, which is 3.3 at the moment. if ( version_compare( $GLOBALS['wp_version'], '3.3', '<' ) ) { add_action( 'admin_notices', 'sm_add_wp_version_error' ); $fail = true; } if ( ! $fail ) { require_once trailingslashit( dirname( __FILE__ ) ) . 'class-googlesitemapgeneratorloader.php'; } } /** * Adds a notice to the admin interface that the WordPress version is too old for the plugin * * @package sitemap * @since 4.0 */ function sm_add_wp_version_error() { /* translators: %s: search term */ echo '
' . esc_html( __( 'Your WordPress version is too old for XML Sitemaps.', 'google-sitemap-generator' ) ) . '
' . esc_html( sprintf( __( 'Unfortunately this release of Google XML Sitemaps requires at least WordPress %4$s. You are using WordPress %2$s, which is out-dated and insecure. Please upgrade or go to active plugins and deactivate the Google XML Sitemaps plugin to hide this message. You can download an older version of this plugin from the plugin website.', 'google-sitemap-generator' ), 'plugins.php?plugin_status=active', esc_html( $GLOBALS['wp_version'] ), 'http://www.arnebrachhold.de/redir/sitemap-home/', '3.3' ) ) . '
' . esc_html( __( 'Your PHP version is too old for XML Sitemaps.', 'google-sitemap-generator' ) ) . '
' . esc_html( sprintf( __( 'Unfortunately this release of Google XML Sitemaps requires at least PHP %4$s. You are using PHP %2$s, which is out-dated and insecure. Please ask your web host to update your PHP installation or go to active plugins and deactivate the Google XML Sitemaps plugin to hide this message. You can download an older version of this plugin from the plugin website.', 'google-sitemap-generator' ), 'plugins.php?plugin_status=active', PHP_VERSION, 'http://www.arnebrachhold.de/redir/sitemap-home/', '5.2' ) ) . '
Video-sharing platform TikTok has filed a federal lawsuit over the pending ban of the app in the state of Montana. As we reported last week, the Montana ban is set to come into effect on January 1st, 2024.
TikTok has, unsurprisingly, reacted to the news, and the company has moved forward with a lawsuit designed to challenge and overturn the decision. According to TikTok, the ban is unconstitutional and is in direct violation of the first amendment, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
An announcement on the TikTok Comms Twitter account confirmed that the company would be challenging the Montana ban, stating that it is pursuing legal means to both safeguard its business and protect users in the state of Montana.
The company went on to assert that it is confident about the challenge, claiming that its case is based on facts and evidence. This could suggest that TikTok believes the ban is politically or ideologically motivated, rather than being based on anything concrete.
Pressure on TikTok has mounted in recent months, particularly regarding how it collects, stores, and manages user data. The app has already been banned in India, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, while its use has been banned on official devices in the governments of the US, UK, Australia, and most of the EU.
A blanket ban in Western countries seemed unlikely until the news emerged about the Montana ban. The ban is said to be designed to protect people in Montana from covert Chinese data gathering, an activity in which TikTok is widely believed to be complicit.
The popular video-sharing platform has vehemently denied the accusations, building dedicated US data processing centres in an effort to allay the fears of Western governments.
However, it would seem that TikTok’s efforts have been in vain. The Montana ban represents a significant shift in attitude and will be the first Western territory to implement a blanket ban that prohibits both government officials and citizens from using the app.
While citizens found to be using the app after the ban will not be prosecuted, TikTok itself could be faced with fines of $10,000 per day if it is in breach of the new rules. Whether TikTok’s lawsuit is successful or not, the company will likely face increasing pressure and more stringent sanctions as its data handling policies come under further scrutiny.
[ad_2]
Source link
TikTok has come under mounting pressure the world over in recent months, as governments cite fears about the video-sharing app’s privacy and data handling procedures.
The app is a modern social media phenomenon, it has millions of users across the world and holds enormous sway over popular culture. However, this hasn’t stopped authorities from cracking down on the platform; TikTok has been banned from government devices in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and a majority of the EU.
Afghanistan, India, Iran, and Pakistan have taken things one step further, banning the app outright and deeming it to be both unsafe and promoting inappropriate content.
Times have been tough for TikTok, CEO Shou Zi Chew was grilled by the US Congress over the app’s privacy issues back in March, and there is an ever-present threat of the app facing a blanket ban in major Western countries.
A significant portion of TikTok’s user base is in Western countries, so a blanket ban would be extremely damaging for the company. Unfortunately for TikTok, a blanket ban appears to be moving ever closer, with Montana confirming that it will be the first US state to completely prohibit the app.
On Wednesday, May 17th, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill that will ban TikTok in the state completely. The law will apply to government officials and regular citizens, none of whom will be able to access or use the popular video-sharing app.
According to reports, the legislation is intended to protect residents of Montana from Chinese intelligence gathering, with TikTok widely perceived as a national security threat.
Montana has been leading the line for the US TikTok crackdown, the ban has been discussed by officials and legislators in the state since last month. However, this represents a significant step forward and is indicative of increasingly tense relations between the US and China.
What TikTok and the marketers and content creators who rely on the platform will be worried about is other states and jurisdictions following suit. The Montana TikTok ban could kick-start a domino effect and could see further bans implemented across the US and beyond.
The ban, which is set to take effect on the 1st of January 2024, will impose fines of $10,000 per day if TikTok is found to be operating within the state. Citizens using the app after the ban takes effect, however, will not face penalties.
[ad_2]
Source link