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Day: 7 August 2024

EU reaches agreement with Byte Dance to ban “addictive” TikTok Lite Rewards

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/08/2024

Social media platform TikTok has agreed to remove the app’s Lite Rewards system from user accounts in the European Union after authorities deemed the programme to be “addictive” in nature and non-compliant with the bloc’s Digital Services Act.  

TikTok Lite Rewards, a separate version of the low data TikTok Lite app, effectively pays users for their screen time by offering points that can be converted into TikTok coins and Amazon vouchers in exchange for certain activities, such as liking posts, following content creators and inviting friends to the app.  

The EU has taken issue with the Tasks and Rewards-style system, citing its “addictive” nature, and authorities within the European Commission have told TikTok that it must “permanently withdraw” the feature from user accounts based in the bloc, as well as vow not to launch any similar programme that could contradict the initial withdrawal.  

“Negative effects on the physical and mental health of users”

Following the passing of the EU’s Digital Services Act in 2023, social media companies are required to be transparent about how their apps’ content and products are programmatically recommended and developers must inform the authorities on how their features could be deemed habit-forming. 

“The Commission was concerned that the TikTok Lite Rewards programme had been launched without a prior diligent assessment of the risks it entails, particularly in relation to the addictive effect of the Rewards programme, and without taking effective risk mitigating measures,” said the EU in a press statement. “The Rewards programme, which may stimulate addictive behaviour, could potentially have negative effects on the physical and mental health of users. This is of particular concern for minors, who may have a heightened sensitivity to such features.” 

The programme was made for adult users aged 18 and over, but EU regulators argue that TikTok’s process for verifying age is not fool-proof.

Byte Dance, the Chinese parent company behind TikTok, has accepted the EU’s demands and has agreed to completely remove the feature from 5th August in the wake of a temporary suspension instigated earlier this year. 

“TikTok failed to provide a risk assessment report in relation to the launch of TikTok Lite, (so) the Commission adopted a decision on 22nd April to initiate formal proceedings against TikTok and warned TikTok of its intention to suspend the TikTok Lite Rewards programme in the EU,” says a spokesperson for the Commission.  

TikTok isn’t the only social media platform in the crosshairs. The EU is also currently investigating a number of other major social media outlets, including X, Facebook and Instagram.  

Read related:

EU imposes a countervailing tariff on electric car batteries from China

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

  

 

Photo source: Luke Porter, Unsplash

Italian sculptor Marcello Silverstre shares his personal story at Espinasse31 exhibit

by: Niki Borisova
07/08/2024
marcello silvestre

Monaco Life met with Marcello Silvestre, one of three international artists involved in the new Harmony of Contrast collective exhibit organised by Espinasse31 Gallery, to learn more about the Italian sculptor’s emotive bronze effigies. 

Launched during Monaco Art Week in early July, the Harmony of Contrast exhibition hosted at Le Méridien Beach Plaza and curated by Thomas Castiglioni, the director of Espinasse31, features the works of three very distinct artists. 

From the urban works of US artist Adam Lucey to the abstract creations of Russian Olga Lomaka and Silvestre’s solid bronze sculptures, the exhibition has been designed to be an exploration of how differences in artistic approach can complement and enhance each other. 

Thomas Castiglioni (left) with artist Marcello Silvestre. Photo by Monaco Life

Speaking to Monaco Life, Castiglioni says, “The idea was to represent artists who have completely different styles and show that even if you can put a lot of things that are very different in the same place, they can still have harmony and make a story.” 

The gallery has already worked with the Naples-based Silvestre on previous exhibitions in Milan and Madrid, and also featured the Italian’s works at an art fair in the Hamptons, but this is the first time that his pieces have been showcased in Monaco.  

See more: Espinasse31 Gallery to showcase ‘Harmony of Contrast’ during Monaco Art Week

The sculptures selected for this show come from his ‘Man, Soul and Time’ series.  

“These pieces talk about my personal story and my life,” explains Silvestre. “The story of my separation from my ex-wife, the worrying about the situation, the loss and the goodbye.” 

His life-size works are predominantly cast in bronze, a medium chosen as representative of time and permanence, but visitors will also notice several smaller human abstract sculptures throughout the space, figures that seem to crawl up on the walls 

“I made them abstract, without a face, so they are a mirror of us, so the visitor can talk with the sculpture and connect with it,” says Silvestre. 

The artist, who has received accolades including the Targa d’Oro at Premio Arte 2018, adds, “I am honoured to exhibit in a beautiful place like Monaco and with a contemporary gallery like Espinasse31. I hope the people will enjoy my work and connect with them. What I always strive to achieve is for the guests to have a deeper connection with my work, not just a superficial one; that is my success.” 

Read related:

Interview: OPMC First Violinist Zhang Zhang and her quantum leap from Beijing to Monaco

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

  

Photos by Monaco Life 

Monaco’s Marie-Charlotte Gastaud smashes personal best at the Olympics

by: Niki Borisova
07/08/2024
gastaud

Monegasque sprinter Marie-Charlotte Gastaud has emerged as the success story of Monaco’s Olympic campaign thus far, having beaten her all-time personal best in a thrilling heat at the Stade de France. 

On Friday 2nd August, 24-year-old Gastaud (pictured left above) proudly walked out onto the track of the Stade de France in the colours of the Principality. 

The young sprinter was focused and determined, and was rewarded for her stunning efforts with a personal best of 12.41 seconds for the 100m sprint. 

Read more: In pictures: Monaco at the Olympics

Though she didn’t make it through to the next heat, coming in sixth, she was clearly overjoyed with her new record time, saying, “I’m satisfied with my race, especially with this personal best. It’s the perfect end to a great season. Running here at the Stade de France was magical. The atmosphere was fabulous and unique.”

Elsewhere in the competition, Monaco’s rower Quentin Antognelli clinched victory in the D final of the single sculls with a time of 6:54.93. Although he didn’t advance to the C final, he was said to be pleased with his race.

See more: Monaco to celebrate the Olympics with huge drone show in August

The Principality’s rising judo star Marvin Gadeau also competed on the same day, and faced a challenging bout against Cuban Andy Granda in the +100kg category. Gadeau was defeated.

The match was attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco, who congratulated the 23-year-old on his efforts following the event.

Read related:

Prince Albert awards rowing gold medals 100 years after grandfather’s Olympic win

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

  

Photo credits: Stéphane Maggi / Comité Olympique Monégasque 

Legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher’s collection to be auctioned at Bonhams

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/08/2024

Rory Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, one of the most recognisable Stratocasters in rock history, will be the highlight of a major auction featuring 150 items of the late Irish guitarist and songwriter this October.

Renowned for his electrifying live performances and inspirational influence on fans and fellow musicians, Irish guitarist and songwriter Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) is celebrated as one of the most esteemed guitarists of all time. On 17th October, Bonhams will auction an extensive collection of Gallagher’s personal items in New Bond Street, London.

The Rory Gallagher Collection comprises nearly 150 items, including a remarkable selection of guitars, amps, and accessories from his illustrious career, all provided directly by the Gallagher family. The highlight of the collection is Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, widely regarded as one of the most recognisable Stratocasters in rock history. The guitar is estimated to fetch between £700,000 and £1,000,000.

Gallagher purchased the Fender Stratocaster on credit for £100 from Crowley’s Music Store in Cork, Ireland, in 1963. It is rumored to be the first Stratocaster to reach Ireland. This guitar, with its distinctive worn finish, became synonymous with Gallagher, featuring in numerous exhibitions and magazine covers and played by guitarists such as Johnny Marr and Joe Bonamassa. Fender has even produced replica models of this guitar as part of their artist signature series since 2004.

“Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster is one of the world’s most recognisable guitars,” said Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams Popular Culture department. “It played an integral role in Rory Gallagher’s career from start to finish. Treasured by his brother and former manager, Dónal Gallagher, and the Gallagher family since Rory’s passing in 1995, Bonhams is honoured to auction this iconic Stratocaster and announce the landmark sale of Rory Gallagher’s extensive collection.”

Dónal Gallagher added, “After nearly 30 years since my brother Rory’s passing, I now believe it’s time for others to cherish Rory’s ‘orphaned’ 1961 Fender Stratocaster and the rest of his incredible instrument collection. Since 1995, I felt a mission to cement Rory’s legacy and broaden the knowledge of his music. Thus, in a difficult and sensitive decision, I have decided to release his instruments for sale so that these emblems of his legacy can be enjoyed by others.”

Highlighting the significance of Gallagher’s Stratocaster, Sir Brian May commented, “He was one of the very few who could make his guitar seem magical… I remember looking at this battered Stratocaster and thinking, ‘how does that come out of there?’” May also credited Gallagher as a major influence on his own musical career, stating, “One of the reasons I do what I do is because of Rory.”

This auction at Bonhams offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of rock history and to celebrate the enduring legacy of Rory Gallagher.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photos courtesy Bonhams

 

Cyclist Tiffany Cromwell named new Vice-President of Pink Ribbon Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/08/2024
Tiffany Cromwell

Australian road and gravel cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, who lives and trains in the Principality, has joined the local breast cancer charity, Pink Ribbon Monaco, as its new Vice-President. 

The Monaco-based cyclist has enjoyed an inspiring and successful sporting career for more than two decades. She has been an integral part of several professional teams, including Lotto Ladies Team, Hitec Products UCK, GreenEDGE-AIS and Specialized-lululemon. She has been with Canyon-SRAM since 2016 and represented her country at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.  

Now she has joined the executive team at Pink Ribbon Monaco, the Principality’s leading breast cancer charity that is spearheaded by its president and founder, Natasha Frost-Savio.  

Cromwell’s role at Pink Ribbon Monaco, in addition to her membership of Monaco’s Comité de Protection et de Promotion des Droits des Femmes, will see her further the charity’s mission to raise awareness of breast cancer among the population.  

“With her outstanding achievements as an athlete and Olympian, Cromwell brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the organisation’s mission of promoting breast cancer awareness, women’s health and early detection initiatives,” says Frost-Savio. 

“Being part of an organisation that aligns with my passion for women’s rights and health is incredibly fulfilling,” says Cromwell. “I am excited to help drive the mission of Pink Ribbon Monaco forward and make a difference in our community.” 

The 36-year-old cyclist’s appointment as Vice-President comes just months after the charity named Princess Charlene of Monaco as its Honorary President.  

Read related:

Princess Charlene named as new Honorary President of Pink Ribbon Monaco

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: Tino Pohlman