Tik Tok Testimony & Drug Resistant Fungus | 3.24.23

Podcast Summary

• TikTok CEO Grilled Over Access of US User Data to Chinese Employees: Chinese employees, including engineers, have access to US TikTok user data, fueling national security concerns and potential ban in the US

  During a House Commerce Committee hearing, TikTok's CEO was grilled about concerns that the Chinese government has access to American user data on the app. Despite TikTok's claims that they have been working on a firewall to separate American data from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, Republican Congressman Bob Latta was able to confirm that Chinese employees, including engineers, currently have access to US user data. This revelation adds to the growing concern that TikTok poses a national security threat and could potentially lead to a nationwide ban in the US.

• TikTok Data Security Concerns and Congressional Hearing: Despite efforts to move TikTok data to American servers, US lawmakers grilled ByteDance exec about Chinese ties and potential mental health risks. Pending bills could lead to a ban if TikTok doesn't separate from ByteDance, but China may oppose and retaliate.

  Despite ByteDance's plans to move TikTok data to an American-owned facility, the Chinese government's jurisdiction over the company remains a significant security concern. During a congressional hearing, representatives grilled ByteDance executive Chiu about the app's ties to China and allegations of mental health issues for kids. While Chiu tried to deflect some questions, he admitted that ByteDance and TikTok share the same attorneys. Several bills are pending in Congress that could lead to a TikTok ban if it doesn't split from ByteDance, and the White House supports this move. However, China is likely to oppose any sale of TikTok and may retaliate with trade measures. The hearing highlighted the ongoing tension between the US and China over data security and tech companies.

• Free Ultra Retinol and Dark Spot Corrector with Genucel purchase, Deadly Fungus Spreading in Hospitals: Genucel offers free Ultra Retinol and Dark Spot Corrector with purchase, while hospitals grapple with a deadly, drug-resistant fungus, Candida aureus, which spreads through contact and can live on surfaces for up to 30 days, causing high mortality rates.

  Genucel is now offering its Ultra Retinol and Dark Spot Corrector for free with every purchase of its most popular package. Meanwhile, a potentially deadly and drug-resistant fungus called Candida aureus is spreading rapidly in hospitals and long-term care facilities, with a high mortality rate of around 30%. This fungus can cause internal infections or skin rashes and appears to be resistant to many antifungal medications. It's primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and can live on surfaces for up to 30 days. Although it spreads more slowly than COVID-19, recent outbreaks have resulted in several deaths. Healthcare facilities are now exploring deep cleaning with alcohol-based solutions and UV light to contain the spread. It's crucial for people at risk, especially those in hospitals, to take extra precautions and for facilities to prioritize cleaning to address this underrecognized but prevalent pathogen.

• Stanford Dean Placed on Leave for Supporting Student Protests Against Federal Judge: A Stanford dean was suspended for backing students who disrupted a speech from a federal judge, escalating tensions between the university and the judiciary over free speech and diversity issues.

  The suspension of a Stanford University dean came after she publicly supported students who disrupted a speech given by a federal judge on campus. Judge Kyle Duncan, a Trump appointee, was invited to speak to the Stanford Federalist Society, but was met with protests from around 100 students who shouted down his speech and made derogatory comments towards him. The situation escalated when Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tyrion Steinbach intervened and addressed the students, expressing her support for their protest against what they perceived as racist and anti-trans policies upheld by the judge. The incident went viral online, and the law school, which values good relationships with judges due to the importance of clerkships, responded strongly by placing Dean Steinbach on disciplinary leave.

• Protests over Free Speech at Stanford Law School: Students protested a federal judge's speech, accusing school's dean of supporting hate speech, but critics argue students disrupt conservative groups, finding balance between open dialogue and safe environment is complex.

  The issue of free speech on college campuses remains a contentious and complex issue. At Stanford Law School, the suspension of a federal judge for speaking at an event led to heated protests from some students, who accused the school's dean of supporting hate speech. However, critics argue that these same students have engaged in similar disruptive behavior towards conservative groups on campus. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the desire to promote open dialogue and the need to create a safe and inclusive environment. The involvement of external organizations like the National Lawyers Guild in organizing protests adds another layer of complexity to the issue. As the debate continues, it's clear that finding a balance between these competing priorities will be a challenge.