Latest news with #Rickroll
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
House Judiciary GOP account posts 'Rickroll' instead of Epstein files link, sparking backlash
The Brief The House Judiciary GOP account falsely claimed to share the Epstein files but linked to a "Rickroll" prank. The post quickly faced backlash, with critics calling it tone-deaf and irresponsible. The Judiciary Committee has not yet addressed the controversy. LOS ANGELES - The official X account for the House Judiciary GOP is facing criticism after it posted a false link claiming to provide access to the newly released Epstein files—only for users to find themselves "Rickrolled" with Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" music video. The post, which featured "#BREAKING: EPSTEIN FILES RELEASED" alongside the misleading link, was quickly flagged by community notes on X. Users pointed out that the link did not contain the Epstein files but instead redirected to the 1987 hit song. What they're saying Critics slammed the Judiciary Committee's lack of judgment, given the serious nature of the Epstein case. "This is the official X account for the House Judiciary Committee using the Epstein files as an occasion for a corny "Rickroll" joke. Just a stunning lack of judgment by the people responsible for this account. Truly mind-boggling," one user wrote. The Judiciary GOP has not yet commented on the backlash, and the post remains online as of the latest update. The backstory "Rickrolling" is an internet prank that involves tricking someone into clicking a link they believe is important—only to be redirected to Rick Astley's 1987 song "Never Gonna Give You Up." The meme originated in 2007 and has since become a widespread internet joke, often used for lighthearted trolling. However, the House Judiciary GOP's use of the prank in connection with the Epstein files, a case involving serious crimes and ongoing legal scrutiny, was widely seen as tone-deaf and inappropriate. Critics argue that the meme's use in this context trivializes the gravity of the situation and raises concerns about the committee's professionalism in handling sensitive matters. The Source This report is based on House Judiciary GOP's official X post, community note corrections, and user reactions on social media following the misleading Epstein files link.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What the Tech: 20 Years of YouTube
It's hard to imagine a world without YouTube. Yet, this ubiquitous video platform is justcelebrating its 20th birthday. That's right, the website that feels like it's been around foreveractually started in 2005. And what began as a quirky dating site has transformed into themost-viewed social media platform globally, even ranking as the second most visited website,right behind Google itself. From Dating Site to Video Giant Believe it or not, YouTube's initial concept was quite different. Founders Jawed Karim, SteveChen, and Chad Hurley envisioned it as a dating website. However, that idea didn't quite takeoff. Instead, they pivoted and turned it into a video-sharing platform. The very first video everuploaded, titled 'Me at the Zoo,' features Karim and offers a glimpse into YouTube's humblebeginnings. Fast forward a year, and Google acquired YouTube for a cool $1.6 billion. Since then, theplatform has exploded in popularity. Today, a staggering 500 hours of video are uploaded toYouTube every minute, and billions of videos are viewed daily YouTube has become more than just a place to watch funny cat videos. It's a hub for learning, aresource for how-to guides, and a launchpad for talent. Many of today's biggest celebrities,including Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, and Ed Sheeran, were discovered on YouTube long beforethey hit mainstream success. The platform has also given us some of the most memorable moments of the internet age. Fromthe 'Double Rainbow Guy' to 'David at the Dentist,', and 'Charlie Bit My Finger', these viralvideos have become ingrained in our collective memory. It's also an invaluable resource for DIYenthusiasts, providing tutorials on everything from home repair to cooking. YouTube has also created a new kind of entertainment industry. Many creators earn significantincome, sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars a year, by posting videos. This has led to therise of the 'YouTuber' and a shift in how entertainment is consumed. And who could forget one of YouTube's most enduring pranks? The 'Rickroll,' which involvessharing a link to Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' video, started on YouTube as anApril Fool's Day joke in 2007. With over 2.5 billion monthly users, YouTube's influence is undeniable. So, here's to 20 years ofYouTube. May it continue to entertain, inform, and connect us for many more years to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
