TikTok is experimenting with a new monthly subscription to eliminate video-sharing platform advertisements.

The BBC has learned that the Chinese company is testing the service in an English-speaking market outside the United States, but the company has declined to comment on where.

The tryout price for the subscription is $4.99 (£4.13).

Meta reportedly considers ad-free subscriptions for EU residents to comply with the bloc’s advertising regulations.

TikTok displays personalized advertisements to all users over the age of 18 at this time.

TechCrunch, a news website, reported that the test is on a limited scale, and there is no assurance that a global subscription rollout will occur.

YouTube and X, formerly Twitter, and Tiktok are among the sites that already charge a monthly fee for fewer or no advertisements.

TikTok is experimenting with a new monthly subscription to eliminate video-sharing platform advertisements.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Meta owns Facebook and Instagram and plans to charge European users who opt out of receiving personalized advertisements on its platforms.

Meta reportedly informed EU regulators that users would be charged approximately €10 (£8.68) per month to use Instagram or Facebook without personalized advertisements on desktop and €13 (£11.28) per month on mobile.

A spokesperson for Meta told the BBC, “Meta believes in the value of free services supported by personalized advertisements.” Nonetheless, we continue investigating potential solutions to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. No further information is available at this time.”

In response to an EU ruling, the company announced in August that it intended to modify its terms and obtain users’ consent before displaying advertisements based on their personal information.

In January, it was fined €390 million (£346 million) by the Irish Data Protection Commission.

The regulator stated that Facebook and Instagram could not “force consent” by requiring users to accept how their data is utilized or quit the platform.

SOURCE – (BBC)

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Taylor Swift could not pass up another opportunity to observe Travis Kelce play football.

The 12-time Grammy Award winner arrived at MetLife Stadium approximately forty minutes before Sunday night’s kickoff to witness Travis and his Kansas City Chiefs defeat the New York Jets 23-20.

Swift, wearing blue jean shorts, a black long-sleeved top, and a leather jacket, entered the stadium’s security area with actors Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Hugh Jackman, as captured by SNY. NBC’s broadcast cut to Swift multiple times during the game, including a shot of the pop star with her arm around Donna Kelce, who was donning her son’s No. 87 jersey.

Swift’s appearance comes a week after she attended Arrowhead Stadium, dressed in red and white, to witness the Chiefs’ 41-10 home victory over the Chicago Bears with Donna Kelce. Swift accepted the All-Pro tight end’s invitation to observe the game and had to see more of Travis and the Chiefs in action.

Taylor Swift is on a break from her Eras Tour, which resumes on November 9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Travis acknowledges Swift’s daring appearance at the Chiefs game but remains tight-lipped about their relationship. Twenty minutes before commencement, NBC aired a tour advertisement.

Taylor Swift could not pass up another opportunity to observe Travis Kelce play football.

Swift is familiar with MetLife Stadium, having performed three sold-out concerts there in May. Two of those performances were attended by Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who returned to the team this past weekend after tearing his left Achilles tendon on the fourth play of his September 11 debut.

Rodgers attended a squad meeting on Saturday evening and was at the stadium to observe player warmups on Sunday evening.

Swift and Kelce have not disclosed details about their relationship. Kelce stated on his podcast “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” earlier this week that Swift “looked amazing” at the contest.

Regarding her time spent in the suite, Kelce stated, “Everyone was speaking positively about her.” “Moreover, the day proceeded flawlessly for Chiefs fans. Naturally, we plan everything, ladies and gentlemen.”

Kelce invited Swift to that game after failing to present her a friendship bracelet during the Kansas City stop of her Eras Tour.

SOURCE – (AP)

LONDON brand,  British media reported on Monday that a second British police force is investigating sexual offenses purportedly committed by the actor and comedian Russell Brand.

According to the BBC and PA news agency, Thames Valley Police is reexamining harassment and surveillance allegations made by a woman against Russell between 2018 and 2022.

As is customary in the United Kingdom for individuals who have not been charged, the police refused to identify Russell but stated in response to news reports.

“In the past two weeks, Thames Valley Police have received new information regarding harassment and stalking allegations dating back to 2018,” it stated. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation involving this information.

As a result of a television documentary and newspaper investigations, London’s Metropolitan Police stated last week that it was investigating “a number of allegations of sexual offences” involving Russell.

A Second UK Police Force Is Looking Into Allegations Of Sexual Offenses Committed By Russell Brand

Russell, 48, denies sexual assault allegations brought by four women in a Channel 4 documentary and The Times and Sunday Times newspapers. One of the unnamed accusers claims she was sexually assaulted during a 16-year-old relationship with the defendant. In 2012, a second victim claimed Brand raped her in Los Angeles.

The brand was a prominent U.K. celebrity in the early 2000s, hosting radio and television programs and starring in several Hollywood films. Between 2010 and 2012, he briefly married the pop singer Brandy Perry.

They have largely vanished from mainstream media but has amassed a substantial online following through videos that combine wellness and conspiracy theories. YouTube has stated that due to the “serious allegations” against Brand, he will no longer be able to monetize his 6,6 million subscribers on the video streaming platform.

Source – Ap