Disney+ to Introduce Always-On Channels; TikTok’s New Rewards App Under Scrutiny; X to Comply With Brazil Supreme Court Rulings

by Aimee Newell Tarín on 18th Apr 2024 in News

On today’s news digest: Disney+ to Introduce Always-On Channels; TikTok’s New Rewards App Under Scrutiny; X to Comply With Brazil Supreme Court Rulings

In a move which makes us feel like we are rewinding to the past, Disney is reportedly planning to overhaul its Disney+ streaming service by adding standalone channels which feature ads. Since its launch in 2019, Disney+’s operating losses have totalled more than USD$11.4bn (£9.15bn) – Disney expects to turn a profit from the service for this first time this year. Content featured could include Disney’s classic animated films, Star Wars, Marvel, as well as films from Pixar. The channels would operate similarly to linear TV, with viewers tuning in to channels which show ads – except viewers would still need a Disney+ subscription to access them.

In the social media sphere, TikTok is under scrutiny following its recent launch of TikTok Lite in France and Spain. The new rewards app allows users to earn coins for their activities on TikTok, such as watching videos or inviting friends to sign up – through points earned, the app will offer them real cash incentives, like the opportunity to redeem gift cards or digital tips to give creators. The app aims to recruit more EU users, where the app’s popularity has been dwindling. The European Commission (EC) has requested to see more details regarding the app’s risk assessment before it launches in all EU member countries. Concerns lie particularly in the protection of minors, the mental health of users, and the potential stimulation of addictive behaviours.

Meanwhile, facing the risk of growing fines and a potential ban of its platform in Brazil, X has agreed to comply with the rulings issued by the country’s Supreme Federal Court. Last week, Elon Musk challenged Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes’ order for X to block a number of right-wing accounts on the platform, as well as calling on the judge to resign. As a result, Moraes had opened an inquiry into the billionaire.