Indonesia has unexpectedly banned TikTok Shop, blocking access to the app’s native e-commerce feature for more than 125 million users. However, enthusiasm for social shopping will likely remain high, meaning platforms can continue supporting the small businesses that are the most affected.

In China, young entrepreneurs are using VPNs to access international audiences on Instagram and promote their brands. More than a demonstration of new career paths, the phenomenon also signals a wider movement of people circumventing regulations to get a slice of the pie.