Zak’s Digital Arts Portfolio

Project 1: Halloween Video Project

Project 2: Remeberance Day Poppy

Project 3: Winter Art Project

Project 4: Tech News Stories

The issue between the United States and China regarding TikTok talks about national security concerns and data privacy. The U.S. government, especially with Trump in office, has expressed fears that TikTok’s company, ByteDance, could be influenced by the Chinese government, potentially using the app to collect user data for spying or influence activities. As a result, the U.S. has pushed for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company, setting a deadline for a deal. Meanwhile, China has pushed back, arguing that the U.S. is unfairly targeting Chinese companies, and has emphasized the importance of protecting its own businesses and data. This conflict reflects the rivalry between the two nations, highlighting the tensions over technology, trade, and influence in the global arena.https://www.reuters.com/technology/trump-says-tiktok-sale-deal-come-before-saturday-deadline-2025-03-30

2. Amazon is making a major investment in North Carolina by spending $10 billion to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure. This project, located in Richmond County, is expected to create at least 500 high-skilled jobs, such as data center engineers and network specialists. Amazon already employs about 24,000 people in the state and is also growing its retail operations with new last-mile delivery facilities. This investment is part of a larger trend among big tech companies, like Amazon, to build more data centers to support the growing demand for AI applications. In the first quarter of 2025, Amazon’s capital expenditures reached approximately $25 billion, and the company plans to maintain that level of spending throughout the year. Despite concerns about overcapacity in the industry, Amazon’s CEO has emphasized the importance of these investments to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazon-invest-10-billion-north-carolina-expand-cloud-ai-infrastructure-2025-06-04

3. Apple and Samsung are facing significant challenges in 2025 due to new U.S. tariffs that are impacting their smartphone businesses. Analysts have reduced global smartphone shipment growth forecasts from 4.2% to 1.9%, citing uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs . Apple, heavily reliant on manufacturing in China and Vietnam, may face around $39.5 billion in tariff costs, potentially leading to a 32% decline in operating profit if the company absorbs these costs . Samsung, while less dependent on China, is also affected by tariffs on countries like Vietnam and South Korea, where it produces many of its devices . Both companies are exploring strategies to mitigate these impacts, such as shifting production to other countries and adjusting pricing. However, the ongoing trade tensions and tariff uncertainties continue to pose significant risks to their operations and profitability https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/04/apple-samsung-smartphone-growth-cut-due-to-tariffs-analysts.html