CapCut, the video editing app developed by ByteDance, removed an AI-driven 'chubby filter' after significant criticism over its promotion of body shaming and fatphobia. This decision reflects a responsive adjustment to public outcry and a commitment to ethical business practices in digital content creation.

A class action lawsuit alleges that CapCut collects and disclosed biometric information without user consent, potentially aiding state surveillance and repressive practices. The litigation highlights concerns over the app's role in violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act and its broader implications for privacy and authoritarian control.

CapCut faces serious allegations in a class action lawsuit claiming that ByteDance, its parent company, collected personal data from users' video editing sessions in violation of federal and state privacy laws. This raises important concerns regarding unethical business practices and the potential misuse of technology that could infringe on user privacy and civil rights.

CapCut, the video editing app developed by ByteDance, was banned in the U.S. on January 19, 2025, amid allegations that its data practices could force the company to share user information with the Chinese government. This development has raised significant concerns about the app’s indirect role in reinforcing authoritarian frameworks, given the broader context of foreign influence and national security debates.

CapCut, as part of ByteDance's portfolio, is associated with the record $8.1 million spent on lobbying in the first nine months of 2024, aimed at blocking progressive legislation like the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act. This aggressive lobbying strategy undermines democratic processes and public safety measures.

Reports indicate that ByteDance, the parent company of CapCut, spent over $7 million on lobbying Congress and advertising in key swing states amid mounting pressure over a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. Such actions display corporate complicity in leveraging political influence, raising concerns from an anti-fascist perspective.

A class action suit has been filed against CapCut alleging that the app improperly shared users' biometric and personal data with unauthorized third parties, including the Chinese government, raising serious concerns about privacy and ethical business practices.

A class-action lawsuit accuses CapCut of illegally collecting sensitive user data including biometric information, location, and personal identifiers; the practices have raised concerns over unethical business practices and the potential for enabling intrusive surveillance technologies used in authoritarian regimes.

A class-action lawsuit alleges that CapCut, developed by ByteDance, illegally harvested sensitive personal data from users for targeted advertising and potentially provided it to the Chinese government, raising serious concerns over its technology practices and business ethics.

ByteDance, the parent company behind CapCut, has spent record amounts on federal lobbying, channeling over $17.7 million into influencing U.S. policy. This deep involvement, evidenced by the use of revolving door lobbyists and significant expenditure increases, suggests an attempt to shape policy in ways that undermine democratic norms and potentially support authoritarian practices.