Target shoppers saw him slip a phone under a woman’s dress (ew). Plus, get updates on the TikTok ban, dark web blackmail, and a major ground beef recall. We also talk with popular YouTuber Kitboga about taking on scammers by wasting their time.
Do you use these popular apps with ties to China?
While the U.S. government is busy contemplating a ban on TikTok, another popular app has flown under the radar. Turbo VPN has been downloaded over 100 million times — and has had multiple Chinese nationals as directors.
Virtual Private Networks are used to browse the internet anonymously. They act as a layer of protection, disguising your location and preventing sites from tracking you.
But a new report from the Washington Post shows that some VPNs are based in China or are controlled by Chinese nationals. Why does this matter? Under Chinese law, tech companies must turn over the data they collect to government authorities.
If you don’t know where your VPN comes from, you’re not actually browsing anonymously. In the case of Turbo VPN, there’s no way to prove who the real owners are or where they’re located. This lack of transparency is certainly concerning.
By the way, if you need a VPN: ExpressVPN is a sponsor of my national radio show and they’re headquartered right here in the U.S. Use my link, ExpressVPN.com/Kim, to get three extra months for free.
More than just VPNs
Another Chinese-owned app, Lemon8, has risen to the top 10 most downloaded here in the U.S. This app is a lookalike of TikTok and … surprise! It’s owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok.
Here’s the dark side behind the fun challenges and cute dance videos on TikTok.
These apps are enticing — especially to kids — but it’s important to consider the potential risks. Social media clout just isn’t worth your security.
Eyelash remover glues are being used as dangerous party drugs
Most people buy makeup to accentuate their best natural features. Other people use innocent cosmetics as party drugs. That’s why Amazon dropped a popular fake eyelash remover glue brand.
You can find anything on Amazon — including affordable alternatives to popular products. Do you have any loved ones who buy makeup online? Share this warning, so they know about the potential dangers of using eyelash glue.
📱 Will TikTok get banned? A U.S. appeals court just said Congress can force TikTok to cut ties with its parent company, Communist China’s ByteDance, or get banned. It’ll be appealed in the Supreme Court. If TikTok is banned, it won’t be illegal for you to use TikTok; the ban would only prohibit app stores from letting users download the app, among other things. Remember, TikTok sends just about everything you do on your phone to Chinese servers.
The FTC just banned noncompete clauses, which companies use to keep workers from going to competitors. With the ban, does the FTC expect a decrease in A.) Wages earned, B.) Startups founded, C.) Patents filed, or D.) Health care costs?
50% of Americans support the TikTok ban
And 46% think it’s a First Amendment violation. Yes, I support the ban. TikTok’s Communist China-based parent company has nine months to change hands or its time is up in the U.S. Tick-tock!
Another country just banned TikTok on certain devices - Is it banned in your state?
Social media and video-sharing platform TikTok is fighting an uphill battle to remain available on mobile devices. Calls to ban the app have intensified over the last few months, even though the company assured U.S. senators that it is committed to protecting user data.
Give yourself extra time before your next flight: After attacks on Hezbollah, aviation authorities in Lebanon banned travelers from boarding planes or checking luggage with pagers and walkie-talkies. Expect the TSA to increase their screening for explosives (paywall link).
🌽 What does baby corn call its dad? Pop corn: Kids find ways to communicate things that could get them flagged or banned online. Here’s a new one: Corn. That’s internet speak for “porn.” Now you know.
It’s happening: The Senate passed the bill forcing TikTok’s Communist China parent company, ByteDance, to sell or face a ban. And while President Biden has signed off on it, there’s a catch: The ban isn’t rolling out until after the 2024 election. The legislation gives ByteDance nine months to sell with a possible three-month extension. Bet they’ll go down to the wire.
🏀 Banned baller: Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter received a lifetime NBA ban for sports betting. The league started investigating after the Raptors’ March 20 game, in which Porter played for just three minutes and then left, saying he felt “sick.” It was all part of an $80,000 prop bet that he’d underperform.
This weekend, the House will vote on a revised bill that could ban Communist China app TikTok. The updated terms give owner ByteDance a year to sell — double the original six months — to sway fence-sitters in the Senate.
2.3 million views on a fake James Bond movie trailer
Now folks are begging for a real version. The phony “Bond 26” vid “stars” AI versions of Henry Cavill and Margot Robbie. The creator used a mix of AI and existing film clips to create the trailer. Fun fact: Remixing film clips generally falls under fair use; otherwise, this trailer would be banned, James banned.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 13
A new tech ban is coming, this time it targets Russia. Trade your data for money? I tell you the real cost of cash-incentive offers (it’s not pretty). True crime lovers — here’s a side hustle you won’t want to miss. Plus, a gal wonders if her Roomba records her. Creepy!
Let the ink flow: HP’s recent firmware updates block cheaper non-HP ink. HP says it’s for security and to stop counterfeits. Yeah, sure. The folks suing say they were bait-and-switched, and they want repayment for their now-useless off-brand cartridges — plus, a ban on restrictive printer software. I hope they win.
Clock ticking: TikTok’s future took a huge hit this past week, with the House voting 352-65 to ban the Communist China app. Cue the chaos as small-biz folks, teachers, activists and young people hit the Capitol, waving signs about TikTok’s “crucial” role in our economy and public life (paywall link). The bill still needs to be passed by the Senate.
Hate your cable company now? Wait until you hear this: The cable giants are throwing a fit over the FCC’s plan to ban early termination fees. Cable companies whine the fees are why they can offer us “discounts.” Cut them, they warn, and prices will go up.
Kids find joy without phones
What happens when you ban phones in the classroom? No surprises here: they’re happier.
TikTok's chilling threat to America
TikTok’s only option to remain in the US? Split from China or risk a ban. I have the details in this one-minute podcast.
The move to (finally) ban TikTok is underway
Are you ready for a nationwide TikTok ban? Here’s what’s going down, in 60 seconds.