Snapchat vs TikTok

Norway plans under-16 social media ban targeting Roblox, TikTok

Norway has announced plans to expand its under-16 social media ban to include platforms such as Roblox, Snapchat, and TikTok. The government will introduce a bill by the end of 2026 that holds technology companies accountable for age verification. The legislation targets harmful content, addictive features, and unwanted contact from strangers, while still allowing children to use harmless messaging services and games. Norway joins a growing number of countries, including Australia, California, Vietnam, and the UAE, in restricting children's social media access.

• Norway plans to ban social media for children under 16, targeting Roblox, Snapchat, and TikTok.
• The bill will be introduced in parliament by the end of 2026 and will hold tech companies responsible for age verification.
• The ban addresses harmful content, addictive features, and unwanted contact from strangers.

Snapchat loses lawsuit over AI chat data usage

Snapchat has lost a lawsuit concerning the use of data from its AI chatbot My AI for advertising purposes. The Cologne Regional Court ruled that this data processing is unlawful. The decision could have significant implications for how tech companies handle user data from AI interactions, particularly regarding consent and privacy regulations. This case highlights the growing legal scrutiny on AI-driven data practices and the importance of compliance with data protection laws. Companies may need to reassess their data processing strategies for AI features to avoid similar legal challenges.

• Snapchat lost a court case in Cologne regarding AI chatbot data usage.
• The court ruled that using My AI chat data for advertising is unlawful.
• The lawsuit was about data privacy and consent for AI data processing.

TikTok and WTA announce global content partnership to connect the next generation of women's tennis fans

TikTok and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced a global content partnership to expand fan engagement through player-led storytelling, creator content, and the first exclusive TikTok livestream of the FAGE WTA Finals Draw Ceremony.

Snap settles teen addiction lawsuit

Snap has reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by two teenagers who accused the company of designing its platform to be addictive and contributing to their depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The settlement was reached during the trial, which was set to be Snap's first in a broader wave of litigation over social media's impact on young users. The plaintiffs had previously settled with Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel was expected to testify. The plaintiffs said they started using YouTube as young as age 3 and other social media platforms at around age 9, developing compulsive usage habits attributed to features like autoplay and infinite scrolling. A Snap spokesperson stated that the parties are pleased to resolve the matter amicably and reiterated the company's commitment to safety and well-being. Social media giants face thousands of lawsuits over claims they knowingly designed platforms to hook young users and fuel a youth mental health crisis.

• Snap settled a lawsuit with two teenagers during trial.
• The plaintiffs accused Snap of designing an addictive platform causing depression and eating disorders.
• Previous settlements were reached with Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.

TikTok Shop Success Now Requires Paid Reach, Expert Says

TikTok Shop is evolving rapidly, and according to Front Row Group's Daniel Zemitzsch, organic reach for new brands is disappearing. The platform initially incentivized creators with algorithmic boosts, but as supply and demand grew, TikTok reduced this organic push. For unknown brands, the first one to three months are critical, requiring a paid strategy from day one. Most creator sales now involve GMV Max touchpoints, with an estimated 80% in the US and a similar trend in Germany. The article provides a playbook for launching on TikTok Shop in Germany, including competitor research using tools like Kalodata and Reacher, effective commission structures (e.g., 10% standard, 15% for hero products), and the importance of creator relationship management. It also highlights the shift from organic to paid amplification, with a practical guide on budgeting, creator outreach, and the need for a sustainable long-term commission strategy.

• TikTok has reduced organic reach for TikTok Shop creator videos as the platform matured, moving from a growth phase to a monetization phase.
• Over 80% of creator sales in TikTok Shop US accounts now have a GMV Max (paid) touchpoint, compared to less than 20% a year ago.
• TikTok Shop charges a 9% marketplace fee, while Amazon charges 15% in most categories, making TikTok Shop a potentially cheaper sales channel.