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How EU Regulators Might Change TikTok

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If you've ever joined me in the misfortune of downloading TikTok, you've probably spent at least one evening mindlessly scrolling until two or three in the morning, not even looking for anything in particular to watch. According to the EU, that needs to change, as the region has preliminarily determined that the "addictive" app is in violation of its Digital Services Act. The decision came on Feb. 5 and followed an investigation from the European Commission into the effects that features including infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and the fabled TikTok algorithm have on the minds of users. According to the commission's findings, "TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults." What will follow is likely a lengthy legal battle that could end up with the app having to either change how it operates and/or pay a hefty fine. And...
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This QLED TV Was Already Affordable, and Now It's an Extra $450 Off

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. TCL makes incredible budget QLED TVs. I've been using TCL's QM6K since its release last year, and I frequently recommend it to anyone looking for a QLED TV for a great price. Right now, Best Buy has the 65-inch TCL QM5K (a slightly less expensive model than the one I have) for $449.99 (originally $899.99) after a 50% discount. TCL 65" Class QM5K 4K UHD QD-Mini LED Smart TV with Google TV (2025) $449.99 at Best Buy $899.99 Save $450.00 ...
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Everyone Can Now Use Alexa+, but the Full Experience Might Cost You

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Amazon announced Alexa+ , its overhauled digital assistant with generative AI capabilities, about a year ago. Shortly thereafter, it kicked off an early access program allowing interested users to try it out free of charge. Unfortunately, that honeymoon period has come to an end: Alexa+ has now officially launched, and now you'll need to pay to access its most useful features. While certain features will still be free to use, the majority of the Alexa+ experience is now locked behind a paywall. True, you might already pay for that paywall—but if you don't, it's going to cost you quite a bit to keep the features you've been test driving for months. (Of course, the standard Alexa assistant still exists if you don't care for the latest generative AI enhancement.) What is Alexa+? The new Alexa is much like the old one, but now behaves a bit more like other generative AI assistants, including ChatGPT. In addition to si...
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What's the Difference Between the 'Surface Web' and the 'Deep Web'?

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In 2024, the world wide web was made up of 149 zettabytes of data . That's 149 trillion gigabytes, or 149 billion terabytes—whichever helps you wrap your head around that gigantic number. Suffice it to say, the internet is a big place. It's so big, in fact, that you can't access all of it the same way. There are actually different tiers to the web, and depending on with tier a piece of content you're looking for is on, you may or may not be able to view it—even if you know where to find it. That's the crux of the difference between the "surface" web, and the "deep" web. These are two separate parts of the internet that are also part of the larger world wide web. While these two tiers are quite different, you've visited content on both of them before. In fact, you likely visited both surface web pages and deep web pages today, multiple times, without ever realizing it. What is the surface web? The surface web, also known as the visible we...
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My Favorite Beats Headphones Are More Than Half Off

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Beats headphones are well-known for their style and seamless compatibility with Apple devices. Right now, the brand's flagship headphones, the Beats Studio Pro , are on sale for $169.95 (originally $349.99), the second-lowest price they have been, according to price-tracking tools . Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at Amazon $349.99 Save $180.04 Get Deal ...
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This Entry-Level Roborock Robot Vacuum Is 44% Off Right Now

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Robot vacuums can get expensive quickly, especially as you move into models with features such as self-emptying bins and hot-water mopping. But if you’re looking to dip your toe into this world without dropping major cash, the Roborock Q7 L5 robot vacuum and mop is a low-stakes entry-level option that checks many boxes, and right now it’s at a record-low 44% off at $139.99 (originally 249.99) on Amazon, according to price-trackers .   Roborock Q7 L5 Robot Vacuum and Mop $139.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $110.00 ...
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I’m a Deals Writer, and These Are My Top 10 Tech Deals This Week

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. As Lifehacker's tech deals writer, I'm always looking for the best bargains on TVs, speakers, laptops, and other tech. Now that it's Friday, I've gathered together this week's sales highlights , all of which I've vetted using my favorite price-tracking tools to make sure they are actually good deals. This week, you can find great sales on a host of TVs, the best AirPods at their lowest price yet, Samsung gaming monitors, and portable power stations at a time when many people are under a winter storm watch. SAMSUNG HW-Q990F/ZC Surround Sound System ...
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