Marketplace All-in-One Bytes: Week in Review: The White House joins TikTok
Aug 22, 2025
Maria Curi, a tech policy reporter at Axios, dives into the latest controversies in the tech world. The discussion reveals Meta's chatbot scandal, which has raised alarms over child safety and prompted potential legislative changes. The White House's surprising TikTok engagement is explored amidst ongoing security concerns and potential regulatory actions. Additionally, the evolving landscape of semiconductor funding under the CHIPS Act highlights government support for domestic chip production, showcasing interesting political alignments.
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Government Seeking Equity For CHIPS Funding
- The Trump administration is proposing equity stakes in companies that received CHIPS Act money instead of pure grants.
- Maria Curi says this ties government funding to a direct financial return for the U.S. government.
Grants Turning Into Tied Investments
- The equity offer may extend to multiple CHIPS grant recipients, changing grants into investments with strings attached.
- Maria Curi notes this reflects a shift toward getting a more direct government benefit from industrial policy.
Meta Chatbot Policies Spark Congressional Outrage
- Reuters revealed internal Meta chatbot documents allowing questionable interactions with minors, sparking Capitol Hill scrutiny.
- Senators like Josh Hawley are pushing investigations and potential hearings in response.