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TikToks injunction against U.S. ban has been denied
TikTok's emergency injunction against its U.S. ban has been denied. This means its deadline to leave the country still stands firm at Jan. 19, with the company now hoping a Supreme Court appeal will save it.
In an order filed on Friday, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals found that granting a temporary injunction to pause TikTok's U.S. ban was "unwarranted." It considered that doing so would not merely delay the execution of a legal ruling, but entirely suspend a law which was deliberately enacted by Congress and upheld as constitutional by the court.
SEE ALSO: When will TikTok be banned in the U.S.? And what can stop it from happening?"The petitioners have not identified any case in which a court, after rejecting a constitutional challenge to an Act of Congress, has enjoined the Act from going into effect while review is sought in the Supreme Court," the order stated.
The court further noted that TikTok's injunction request relied upon its claim that the ban violates the First Amendment right to free speech. In its petition last Monday, TikTok argued that the Supreme Court would be likely to review the ban, as "[free] speech restrictions have survived strict scrutiny only in rare and narrow circumstances."
Unfortunately, the Court of Appeals' judgement had already rejected TikTok's argument, Friday's order reiterating that it "unanimously concluded the Act satisfies the requirements of the First Amendment under heightened scrutiny."
Laws which restrict free speech are subject to strict scrutiny, which requires they be narrowly tailored to advance a compelling governmental interest. They must also be the least restrictive method to achieve the government's goal.
"[T]he Government offers two national security justifications for the Act: to counter (1) the [People's Republic of China]’s efforts to collect data of and about persons in the United States, and (2) the risk of the PRC covertly manipulating content on TikTok," the Court of Appeals wrote in its judgement on Dec. 6.
"[TikTok and parent company ByteDance] suggest an array of options none of which comes close to serving either, much less both, the Government’s goals as effectively as does divestiture. Each consequently fails to qualify as a less restrictive alternative for purposes of the First Amendment."
TikTok has consistently denied allegations of links to the Chinese government. The company has also publicly invested $1.5 billion to quarantine U.S. users' data in the U.S. with American company Oracle, an initiative dubbed Project Texas. Even so, U.S. lawmakers remain unconvinced.
Though Friday's decision is an undeniable setback for TikTok, the company has reiterated its intention to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court does not rule in TikTok's favour, the only way Americans will retain access to TikTok is if ByteDance sells off its U.S. operations.
"As we have previously stated, we plan on taking this case to the Supreme Court, which has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech," said TikTok in a statement on X. "The voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world will be silenced on January 19th, 2025 unless the TikTok ban is halted."
Find your next binge watch with unlimited BitMar streaming — get it for life for £12
TL;DR: Access millions of free movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and music for life when you sign up for BitMar Streaming Content Finder at the Mashable Shop. Use the code SAVE25 at checkout and pay just £11.86 (reg. £118.69) for a lifetime membership.
Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £11.86 at the Mashable Shop£118.69 Save £106.83 Use code 'SAVE25' Get Deal
Tired of endlessly scrolling through streaming platforms only to realise there’s nothing new to watch? Say goodbye to decision fatigue and let BitMar do the work for you.
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Don't miss this fantastic service that can save you lots of time. Get lifetime access to the BitMar Streaming Content Finder for £11.86 (reg. £118.69) when you use the code SAVE25 at the Mashable Shop. Don't wait too long — this discount code is only available for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Enroll in this ethical hacking online course bundle, only £1.75 per course
TL;DR: Get over 130 hours of expert ethical hacking training across 18 courses for just £31.63 for a limited time.
Are you feeling stagnant at your current job? Here's a fact that might finally inspire you to switch to cybersecurity: there are about 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs out there, and some of those companies are willing to pay thousands of pounds for experts who can protect their businesses from cyber threats.
You may think you need to return to university for a formal degree, but you could learn the same cybersecurity skills with this online learning package. Priced at £31.63 (reg. £868.82) at the Mashable Shop, this online learning bundle includes 18 courses and over 130 hours of instruction, with courses covering foundational hacking practices, PenTesting, Python, and so much more. You can gain valuable new skills as you prep for a new job as a white-hat hacker, security analyst, or systems administrator.
With 18 courses, you may want to start with mastering Python programming. You'll begin with an overview of Python 3 ethical hacking before moving onto coding your own penetration testing tools, creating projects within Python, and using PyCharm.
From there, you can dive into WiFi hacking, social engineering, BitNinja, Burp Suite, and advanced tools like Metasploit and NMAP, which might just make your CV stand out to hiring managers. Learning to use tools like Metasploit effectively could make a difference if you're interested in landing a job as a penetration tester.
Your journey to joining the cybersecurity industry can start with this training bundle.
Enroll in this ethical hacking training bundle for just £1.75 per course at the Mashable Shop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle £31.63£868.82 Save £837.19 Get Deal
Leaders, Stop Trying to Do It All
Leaders are often excessively busy, but good leadership isn’t about doing everything all at once—it’s about allocating your time optimally. Here’s a four-step process to lighten your load and make a bigger impact. Eliminate some tasks. Start by shedding responsibilities that others can do just as well as you can (or better). Challenge the assumption […]
257257How to unblock xHamster for free
TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
It might not always seem like it, but the online world is full of restrictions.
Access to your favorites sites is not guaranteed. There will be many locations around the world that will restrict your access to certain sites, including porn sites like xHamster. There is probably a good reason for that, but there is also something to be said for online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to navigate the online world without hassle.
If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock xHamster for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world.
Unblock xHamster by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to xHamster
Access xHamster from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.
If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you might need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for porn?ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.
20 of the best University of Michigan courses you can take online for free
TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from the University of Michigan are available to take on edX.
Have you every wished you could become a student of a famous school, but don't have the time or money to apply? Well look no further than edX. This popular hub for online courses offers free lessons on a wide range of subjects from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world, including the University of Michigan.
You can find free online courses from the University of Michigan on Python programming, JavaScript, and so much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of courses to get you started.
These are the best free online courses from the University of Michigan this month:
The catch is that these free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but you can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials. So what's stopping you from enrolling?
Find the best free online courses from the University of Michigan on edX.
Opens in a new window Credit: University of Michigan University of Michigan Online Courses Free at edX Get DealHow to watch Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders online
TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders on YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
NFL Week 15 action continues with a matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. The Atlanta Falcons are at 6-7 and the Las Vegas Raiders are at 2-11 for the season.
During their last game, the Atlanta Falcons lost 21-42 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Las Vegas Raiders lost 13-38 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
When is Falcons vs. Raiders?Falcons vs. Raiders takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will play at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise.
The game will air on ESPN, where Chris Fowler is expected to do the play-by-play. Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky will join him in the booth. Laura Rutledge will be the sideline reporter.
How to stream Falcons vs. RaidersWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Falcons vs. Raiders:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealFalcons vs. Raiders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (including other NFL fixtures).
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most popular: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV Fro $82.99/month Get DealHulu + Live TV offers three plans that support ESPN+. The lowest plan that includes ESPN+ is $82.99 per month. To stream more networks without ads, such as Disney+, you can also choose a plan that's $87.99 per month or $95.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV's sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, BTN, FOX, FS1, CBS, ACC Network, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealHow to watch Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings online
TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings on YouTube TV or Sling TV.
During NFL Week 15, the Chicago Bears play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. The Chicago Bears are at 4-9 for the season and the Minnesota Vikings are at 11-2.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Minnesota Vikings won their game against the Atlanta Falcons at 21-42, while the Chicago Bears lost against the San Francisco 49ers at 13-38.
When is Bears vs. Vikings?The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will face off at the Soldier Field in Chicago.
The game will air on ABC, where Joe Buck is expected to do the play-by-play. Troy Aikman will join him in the booth. Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter.
How to stream Bears vs. VikingsWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Bears vs. Vikings:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Watch NowThe Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, as well as other NFL fixtures.
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Watch NowSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealMicrosoft, It's Time for a Battery Percentage in Windows
The battery indicator in Windows 11, and in earlier Windows versions, uses a graphic representation of how full your battery is. That's fine for some people, but I just want to know exactly what percentage my laptop battery is currently at, and maddeningly that's not possible in Windows for some reason.
How to Check if a Screenshot Has Been Photoshopped
It’s ridiculously easy to fake screenshots with tools freely available online. That's why there are more convincing scammers on the internet than ever. So it’s time we upgraded our detection skills too. Let me show you a few neat ways to spot a fake screenshot.
Wired Versus Wireless Speakers: What Factors Should You Consider?
There was once a time when no music enthusiast would have even considered wireless speakers, but things have changed a lot since then. There are still advantages to wired audio, but there are also strong arguments in favor of wireless setups.
Soundbars vs. Surround Sound: Which Is Best for Your Home Theater?
If you enjoy a great sound system, the debate between soundbars and surround sound systems is a popular topic in home entertainment. If you're wondering which one is best for your home theater, we hope to help you decide.
Wireless Home Theater Sound Systems: Are They Worth It?
If you're looking to upgrade from your TV's shoddy speakers or a basic soundbar to a proper home theater, you have two options: wired and wireless. Has technology advanced enough to the point that wireless systems are worth considering? Let's see.
The Best Google Pixel 9 Pro Cases of 2024
If you're thinking of investing in the Google Pixel 9 Pro, you'll want to protect the flagship phone against scratches, dings, and cracks. These cases will do just that!
How Useful Are Smart Homes, Really? Here’s How I Use Mine
If an electrical device exists, there's almost certainly a smart version of it by now. Unfortunately, a lot of smart tech is smart for the sake of it and doesn't offer much practical use. Despite this, there are plenty of ways that a smart home can still be useful.
I Never Go Longer Than Two Weeks Without Clearing My Cookies
I used to ignore cookies. Now I clear them every two weeks—and it’s changed how I think about online privacy. While they have their uses, here’s why managing cookies matters.
How to Mix And Match Windows and Linux With WSL
Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL, is a way to run Linux distributions in Windows without dual-booting or installing virtual machines, but its real power comes from the ability to launch Windows and Linux apps simultaneously.
Women in congress are 70 times more likely to be victims of AI-generated deepfakes than male counterparts
The field of politics has become even more complicated for women leaders, with the rise of generative AI posing an even greater risk for female politicians than men, according to a report released this week.
The analysis, published by disinformation think tank the American Sunlight Project (ASP) via The 19th on Dec. 11, uncovered more than 35,000 pieces of digitally altered nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) depicting 26 members of Congress. ASP's numbers, when broken down, outline a stark reality for victims of NCII: Of those thousands of images, the organization found 25 women politicians depicted by AI. Only one man was the subject of such content.
Throughout the entire study, women members of Congress were 70 times more likely than men to be targeted by non-consensual synthetic images and 1 in 6 congresswomen (or 16 percent) are the victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery.
SEE ALSO: Defense Department going big on generative AI to 'meet critical warfighter problems'Leaders across the political aisle have attempted to address the rise of both NCII and synthetic AI-generated images, but have been slow to reach consensus. In January, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (Defiance Act), intended to criminalize the act of spreading nonconsensual, sexualized "digital forgeries" made with AI. It was passed in July but is still being considered by the House.
Last week the Senate passed the Take It Down Act, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz in June. The bill similarly criminalizes the publishing of digitally manipulated deepfakes online but also metes out penalties for companies who fail to remove such content within 48 hours of it being reported.
But the gendered reality of AI-boosted images can't be understated, especially as women leaders navigate a precarious online environment putting them at greater risk for sexual abuse. In August, the Center for Countering Digital Hate published a study on the rise of online hate and negative engagement on the social profiles of women politicians. According to an analysis of the Instagram profiles of 10 female incumbents, one in 25 comments was "highly likely" to be toxic. Instagram failed to act on 93 percent of reported abusive comments targeting female politicians.
"We need to kind of reckon with this new environment and the fact that the internet has opened up so many of these harms that are disproportionately targeting women and marginalized communities," said American Sunlight Project founder and author Nina Jankowicz. "My hope here is that the members are pushed into action when they recognize not only that it’s affecting American women, but it’s affecting them. It’s affecting their own colleagues. And this is happening simply because they are in the public eye."
ASP informed the offices of affected politicians, alerting them to AI-generated NCII. The images were almost entirely removed following the notice, although the organization didn't receive any comments.
If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.
Obsidian vs. Notion: Which Note-Taking App Is Best?
Obsidian and Notion are two of the most powerful and widely recommended note-taking apps, each offering unique features to help you capture and manage your thoughts. But which one aligns best with your needs? Let's delve into their strengths and differences to help you decide.
How to Secure Your Windows Laptop Against Theft
There are steps that you should take to make yourself less of a target for thieves, and to make sure your mobile devices are useless if someone else does get a hold of them. Here's what you can do to protect your Windows laptops and tablets against theft and burglary.
