Tobias

Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, is combating fraud targeting users of its mobile phone recharge service. A data leak stemming from vendor supply chain issues led to phishing scams where users were pressured to refund “errors.” Douyin has removed 25 non-compliant vendors, freezing their payments and blacklisting them. The incident highlights the need for stricter vendor due diligence, data security, and monitoring to maintain user trust and a secure e-commerce environment.

A vehicle displaying a “ghost face” mask sparked a police investigation in Hebei, China, to determine if it violated traffic laws. This follows a similar incident in Hangzhou where people wore masks to scare drivers. Authorities are concerned about distractions on the road, prompting legal consideration of objects obstructing driver visibility. The incident, documented via social media, highlights the tension between harmless pranks, public safety, and the legal ramifications of disruptive behavior, raising broader questions about road safety and public conduct.

Recent rumors in China link rooftop solar panels with increased cancer rates and birth defects, causing public concern. Experts measured radiation from various devices, including solar panels, finding levels significantly below national safety standards (less than 20 nanoteslas compared to the 100 microteslas limit). They clarified that while solar panels emit radiation, like most electronics, the levels are harmless. Experts emphasized that household appliances meet safety regulations, reassuring the public and supporting China’s renewable energy goals amid misinformation.

A Chinese delivery driver unknowingly transported a live crocodile, sparking online debate about logistics platform regulations. The sender allegedly claimed the crocodile was dead, but it revived en route, damaging the driver’s footwear. Lalamove stated the sender failed to specify the cargo, and the driver didn’t cancel the order, but a compensation agreement was reached. The incident highlights risks within the on-demand delivery sector concerning proper goods verification and the need for clearer guidelines for both senders and drivers.

Grandma Xu, a Chinese senior and former fraud victim, successfully turned the tables on a scammer impersonating her grandson. Educated by local police anti-fraud campaigns, she skillfully engaged the suspect until authorities arrived. This case highlights the growing success of anti-fraud education in empowering seniors to identify and thwart scams targeting their trust and vulnerabilities. Authorities emphasize vigilance, communication with family, and reporting suspicious activity to combat increasingly sophisticated schemes that exploit elders.

The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of three Russian FSB hackers: Marat Valeryevich Tyukov, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gavrilov, and Pavel Aleksandrovich Akulov. They’re accused of cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and global energy companies, exploiting a Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to access networks and steal data. Though patched in 2018, vulnerable devices remain, posing a continuing threat. The reward aims to disrupt these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Rumors allege Chinese livestreamer Xinba is under investigation and detained following claims his “Cotton Secret” sanitary napkins caused cancer. Xin Selection denies the accusations. This follows Xinba’s announcement of retirement due to health issues, handing operations to his wife. Notably, Xinba has announced similar departures before. The controversy stems from numerous reports of cancer diagnoses among users of “Cotton Secret,” which was found to contain thiourea in testing. The company asserts the thiourea levels pose no health risk, and regulators claim the product met standards upon previous inspection. Alleged victims have remained silent since the initial accusations.

Xiaomi Auto has hired Fabian Schmlz, Lamborghini’s former chief exterior designer, as Head of Exterior Design, Europe, since April 2025. Based in Germany, Schmlz’s experience includes designing the Lamborghini Temerario and contributing to Porsche models like the Taycan prototype. This appointment highlights Xiaomi’s commitment to design innovation and attracting top-tier talent to strengthen its position in the competitive EV market, particularly in Europe. His experience will allow Xiaomi to cater to European consumer preferences and aesthetics, blending them with broader technological goals.

FTC Commissioner Slaughter publicly questioned the status of an FTC complaint against Snap’s AI chatbot, filed with the DOJ earlier this year, citing potential risks to young users. The complaint’s referral was deemed “in the public interest,” yet its progress remains unknown. Slaughter’s remarks underscore growing concerns about transparency and accountability in AI oversight, especially given the potential for harmful content targeting children. The lack of updates from the DOJ or Snap, coupled with internal FTC divisions and political complexities, highlights the challenges of regulating rapidly evolving AI technologies.

AppLovin (APP) and Robinhood (HOOD) shares jumped 7% after-hours following S&P Global’s announcement of their inclusion in the S&P 500, effective September 22nd. AppLovin replaces MarketAxess (MKTX), and Robinhood replaces Caesars Entertainment (CZR). This is a significant validation, especially for Robinhood. While index inclusion typically boosts share prices, the long-term benefits for AppLovin, in the competitive mobile advertising sector, and Robinhood, requiring sustained profitability, remain to be seen.