The EU Launched a Probe Into TikTok Over Its "Addictive Design" in This Week's Tech Roundup

This week, the tech industry turned its gaze onto TikTok as the platform was announced to be the subject of a probe by the European Commission. Investigators are looking into whether the app’s algorithm is addictive, as well as how minors use the platform.

Elsewhere in tech, OpenAI launched its text-to-video model, Sora, shocking users with its photorealism. And on the product side, Victor Solomon debuted an iced-out pair of Bose earbuds, custom-created for Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top tech stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

EU Launched a Probe Into TikTok Over Its “Addictive Design”

TikTok is being investigated in Europe for potentially violating the newly passed Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission announced that it had launched a probe into the app, looking at “areas linked to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, as well as the risk management of addictive design and harmful content.”

The Commission had carried out a preliminary investigation before deciding to move forward with a more thorough look into TikTok. They’re particularly considering the app’s algorithms, which could “stimulate behavioral addictions,” as well as the manner in which the privacy and safety of minors are upheld on the app.

The investigation is ongoing and has no formal deadline.

OpenAI Debuted its Text-to-Video Model, Sora

OpenAI has continued to tease its cutting-edge text-to-video model, Sora. While the program isn’t yet available to the public, the company has shared some videos generated by the model. Users are able to write a prompt, from which Sora will churn out video content, similar to ChatGPT.

“A stylish woman walks down a Tokyo street filled with warm glowing neon and animated city signage. She wears a black leather jacket, a long red dress, and black boots, and carries a black purse,” a sample prompt reads. The video is so realistic that it appears as if it’s a commercial. Other examples showcased by OpenAI include animations and immersive cityscapes. Naturally, the film industry is already a hotspot for debate over the technology.

Victor Solomon Iced Out a Custom Pair of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

NBA artist Victor Solomon had to drop off something glitzy for 2024’s NBA All-Star Weekend. Linking up with Bose, Solomon created a custom pair of the brand’s Ultra Open Earbuds for the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.

The exterior of the buds is inspired by basketballs, featuring a playful gold design and a case dotted with gemstones. “We polished, machined and gold plated the pieces to arrive at their final form, all presented in a carved crystal basketball holder,” Solomon explained on Instagram.