Current Final

Tag: meta

  • TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    In an unexpected twist, TikTok, the leading platform for short videos, is stepping up to compete with Meta’s Threads and X (previously known as Twitter) with its latest addition: text posts. This innovative new format breaks through conventional boundaries, offering TikTok’s dynamic community an exciting new medium to flaunt their stories, poems, recipes, and a treasure trove of written content.

    TikTok has always been at the forefront of nurturing creativity in all its forms. With a diverse array of content formats, such as videos, photos, Duets, and Stitch, the introduction of text posts adds yet another dimension to the content options, enabling creators to effortlessly share their written brilliance and captivate audiences.

    Creating and sharing text-based content on TikTok has never been simpler. Users now have the option of three choices on the Camera page: photo, video, and text. Opting for text opens the text creation page, providing creators with a user-friendly interface to pen their thoughts and ideas.

    Once on the Post page, users will find a suite of familiar customization options, ensuring that their text posts are just as dynamic and engaging as any video or photo. TikTok continues to stand out from the crowd by enabling sound addition, tagging locations, enabling comments, and inviting duets, all contributing to an immersive experience for users.

    The introduction of text posts comes with exciting features that aim to amplify creativity and captivate audiences like never before. One such feature is the collection of expressive stickers that complement the content and add an extra dash of personality to text posts, giving creators even more tools to make their posts stand out.

    As the platform evolves and adapts to the needs of its community, TikTok’s commitment to empowering creators remains steadfast. The addition of text posts demonstrates TikTok’s dedication to providing innovative tools that inspire self-expression and ensure that the TikTok experience continues to be engaging and exciting for users worldwide.

    Creators and TikTok enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the release of text posts, ready to explore this new frontier of content creation and see how it sparks creativity within the community. With the power of written words combined with TikTok’s dynamic features, the possibilities for expression are limitless.

  • Taliban praises Twitter’s freedom of speech and credibility amidst Threads launch

    Taliban praises Twitter’s freedom of speech and credibility amidst Threads launch

    Twitter’s challenges in attracting advertisers, maintaining site functionality, and retaining users have been widely discussed. However, amidst these struggles, an unexpected endorsement has emerged from an unlikely source—the Taliban. Anas Haqqani, a prominent figure within the Taliban, recently expressed his appreciation for Twitter in light of Meta’s Threads, a rival platform that gained over 100 million users within a few days of its launch.

    Haqqani, in justifying his decision to remain active on Twitter, highlighted two key advantages the platform offered. “The first privilege is the freedom of speech,” he stated. “The second privilege is the public nature & credibility of Twitter. Twitter doesn’t have an intolerant policy like Meta. Other platforms cannot replace it.”

    Meta, the parent company of Threads, has made it clear that the new platform will adhere to the same content guidelines as its sister app, Instagram. This includes a stipulation that explicitly prohibits support or praise for terrorism, organised crime, or hate groups.

    Elon Musk’s involvement in Twitter’s operations has been marked by a series of seemingly arbitrary policy decisions, the loosening of moderation guidelines and enforcement capabilities, resulting in chaotic circumstances, and a focus on prioritising paying users. Under Musk’s leadership, instances of hate speech have surged, and ad sales for the platform have experienced a significant decline of 59% since the previous year.

    It is difficult to argue that having members of the Taliban celebrate the extent to which they can exploit the platform does not present a compelling case for potential ad buyers. Twitter, grappling with these challenges, must now confront the task of restoring confidence in its ability to provide a safe and appealing environment for both users and advertisers alike.

  • WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp is introducing two exciting features in its latest version update. The first feature allows iOS users to send high-quality videos, similar to the previous HD photos feature.

    When a user sends a photo or video using this new feature, a tag is added to the message bubble to indicate that it is of high quality. Previously, this feature was automatically applied to photos, but now it is also available for videos after users update to the latest WhatsApp beta version on iOS.

    The new high-quality video feature is not the same as sharing videos in their original quality, as there is still some light compression applied. Nonetheless, it ensures a better quality compared to the standard option. To use this feature, users must select the high-quality option every time they send a video, as the default remains as “standard quality.”

    Once the high-quality video is sent, it will be marked as such in the chat bubble, making it easy for recipients to identify that it was sent in better quality. However, this feature does not apply to videos shared via status updates on WhatsApp.

    The second feature being introduced is related to group chats. WhatsApp is enhancing profile icons within group chats, specifically for contacts whose profile pictures are hidden or unavailable.

    Now, instead of showing a blank thumbnail, the updated version will display the initials of the respective group member’s name. This way, other participants in the conversation can quickly identify the person represented by the thumbnail.

    Currently, these features are available on the TestFlight app and will soon be rolled out to more users. It’s worth noting that further updates may be needed, as there are some discrepancies in the text descriptions related to videos, but these are expected to be resolved in future updates.

  • WhatsApp Business will now let you create ads directly without Facebook account

    WhatsApp Business will now let you create ads directly without Facebook account

    Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, announced a significant milestone today as WhatsApp Business, its application tailored for small businesses, surpassed 200 million monthly active users.

    This noteworthy achievement marks a substantial increase from the 50 million users recorded in 2020. As Meta remains focused on its “year of efficiency” strategy, it has introduced new features aimed at enhancing the user experience for WhatsApp Business, including simplified ad creation and a personalised messaging service.

    Recognising the need to offset the substantial investment in developing a metaverse, Meta is intensifying its efforts to generate revenue through alternate channels such as WhatsApp. In line with this objective, WhatsApp Business users will now have the ability to create “click-to-WhatsApp” ads without requiring a Facebook account.

    This new feature enables sellers to conveniently create, purchase, and publish ads for Facebook and Instagram directly within the WhatsApp Business app.

    During Meta’s Q3 earnings call last year, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that “click-to-WhatsApp” ads had surpassed an impressive annual revenue run rate of $1.5 billion, exhibiting a remarkable 80 per cent year-on-year growth.

    Building upon this success, WhatsApp Business is introducing an additional paid feature that automates the process of sending personalised messages to customers. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, WhatsApp plans to commence testing this feature in the near future.

    Demonstrated screenshots shared by the company illustrate that businesses will have the ability to send distinct messages to different customer segments. For example, a seller can transmit a unique discount code to new customers, complete with a convenient purchase button.

    In recent months, Meta has taken substantial steps towards augmenting revenue through paid messaging services. In February, the company announced adjustments to the pricing structure and messaging categories on WhatsApp. These categories encompass utility, authentication (for one-time passcodes), marketing, and user-initiated service conversations.

    These strategic initiatives reflect Meta’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the WhatsApp Business platform and driving increased monetisation opportunities.

  • Meta to restrict news content for Canadian users following passage of online news bill

    Meta to restrict news content for Canadian users following passage of online news bill

    Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced that it will impose limitations on the availability of news content for Canadian users on its platforms following the passage of a contentious online news bill by the Canadian parliament.

    The legislation, known as the Online News Act, obliges major platforms like Meta and Google to compensate news publishers for the content posted on their sites. Both Meta and Google have already been conducting trials restricting news access for certain Canadian users.

    This move follows a similar action taken by Facebook in Australia last year when users were blocked from sharing or viewing news in response to comparable legislation.

    The Online News Act, which recently received clearance from the senate, establishes regulations that mandate platforms such as Meta and Google to engage in commercial negotiations and remunerate news organisations for their published content.

    Meta has criticised the law, labeling it as “fundamentally flawed legislation that disregards the operational realities of our platforms.” Prior to the bill’s implementation, Meta announced that news availability on Facebook and Instagram would be terminated for all Canadian users.

    A spokesperson from Meta informed Reuters that “a legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable.” The company emphasised that these changes in news accessibility would not affect other services provided to Canadian users.

    Google, in its response, deemed the bill “unworkable” in its current form and expressed its intention to collaborate with the government to find a viable resolution.

    The federal government asserts that the online news bill is necessary “to enhance fairness in the Canadian digital news market” and to enable struggling news organisations to receive “fair compensation” for their news and links shared on these platforms.

    An analysis conducted by an independent parliamentary budget watchdog estimated that digital platforms could contribute approximately C$329 million ($250 million; £196 million) annually to news businesses.

    Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez previously conveyed his dissatisfaction with the testing conducted by the tech platforms, considering them “unacceptable” and a “threat.” In Australia, Facebook ultimately reinstated news content for its users after engaging in discussions with the government, leading to certain amendments.

    Minister Rodriguez’s office confirmed that he recently met with representatives from both Google and Facebook, with further discussions planned.

    However, the government remains committed to implementing the bill. In a statement, Minister Rodriguez posed the question, “If the government can’t stand up for Canadians against tech giants, who will?”

    Media industry groups have lauded the passage of the bill as a positive step towards achieving market fairness.

    Paul Deegan, President and CEO of News Media Canada, a media industry group, highlighted the significance of genuine journalism, produced by professional journalists, as an essential component of democracy that incurs substantial costs.

    The Online News Act is expected to come into effect in Canada within six months.

  • Silence unknown callers: WhatsApp introduces solution to spam and scam calls

    Silence unknown callers: WhatsApp introduces solution to spam and scam calls

    WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta, has introduced two new updates for its Android and iOS users. These updates offer enhanced privacy and control over incoming calls, as well as improved options for protecting user information.

    One of the updates is the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, which automatically screens out unwanted calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. It helps users avoid spam, scams, and calls from people they don’t know. Instead of ringing on the phone, these calls will be listed in the call log, allowing users to check them later in case they are from important contacts. To enable this feature, users can go to their WhatsApp account privacy settings and select the “Silence Unknown Callers” option in the calls section.

    The second update is the “Privacy Checkup” feature, which assists users in navigating and configuring important privacy settings. By taking users through a step-by-step process, it helps them understand and choose the appropriate level of protection for their messages, calls, and personal information. By accessing the Privacy settings and selecting “Start checkup,” users can explore various privacy options and strengthen the security of their WhatsApp account.

    WhatsApp has taken innovative measures to spread awareness about these updates on a global scale. Emphasising the significance of secure communication, the app encourages users to connect with friends and family through private messaging, where they can freely express themselves. These updates aim to provide a safer and more private experience for WhatsApp users.

  • WhatsApp revolutionizes messaging experience with real-time message editing feature

    WhatsApp revolutionizes messaging experience with real-time message editing feature

    WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is finally introducing a highly anticipated feature that allows users to edit their messages even after they’ve been sent, as reported by WaBetaInfo.

    The feature, known as ‘edit messages’ is currently available to some beta testers and will be gradually rolled out to more users in the coming days.

    Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature through Meta’s official channel on Instagram. It provides users with the ability to quickly fix any typos or make changes to their messages, even after sending them.

    The feature is accessible through the Microsoft Store and can be found in the message menu within 15 minutes of sending a message. To check if you have access to this feature, simply try editing a sent message.

    However, it’s important to note that messages sent from a different device cannot be edited. The WhatsApp watcher stated, “This may be a wider rollout, so some users on certain previous updates may also gain access to the same feature starting today.”

    We often find ourselves making typos or sharing incorrect information when conversing with someone. Thankfully, this much-needed and impressive feature now allows us to rectify those mistakes.

    According to WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp has plans to further enhance the message editing feature in order to provide users with an even better experience while using the application.

  • Meta slapped with record-breaking $1.3 billion fine for EU-US data transfer breach

    Meta slapped with record-breaking $1.3 billion fine for EU-US data transfer breach

    Meta has received a record-breaking fine of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) from European privacy regulators due to the transfer of European Union (EU) user data to the United States (US).

    The decision stems from a case initiated by Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems, who argued that the existing framework for transferring EU citizen data to the US did not adequately protect Europeans from US surveillance.

    There have been several legal disputes surrounding mechanisms for transferring personal data between the US and the EU. The most recent arrangement, known as Privacy Shield, was invalidated by the European Court of Justice in 2020, which is the highest court in the EU.

    The Irish Data Protection Commission, responsible for overseeing Meta’s operations in the EU, accused the company of violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU. Despite the 2020 ruling by the European court, Meta continued to transfer the personal data of EU citizens to the US. GDPR is a significant data protection regulation that governs companies operating within the EU, and it has been in effect since 2018.

    Meta utilized a mechanism called standard contractual clauses to facilitate the transfer of personal data between the EU and the US. This method had not been blocked by any EU court. However, the Irish data regulator stated that these clauses, along with other measures implemented by Meta in conjunction with the European Commission, did not adequately address the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects as highlighted by the European Court of Justice.

    The Irish Data Protection Commission also instructed Meta to halt any future transfer of personal data to the US within a five-month period following the decision.

    The 1.2 billion euro fine imposed on Meta is the largest ever penalty issued for breaching GDPR. Previously, the highest fine of 746 million euros had been levied against e-commerce giant Amazon for GDPR violations in 2021.

    Meta has announced its intention to appeal the decision and the fine. In a blog post on Monday, Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, and Chief Legal Officer, Jennifer Newstead, stated that they would seek a stay from the courts to pause the implementation deadlines due to the potential harm caused by the orders, particularly to the millions of Facebook users.

    This case involving Meta has once again brought attention to the efforts of the EU and Washington to establish a new data transfer mechanism. Although the US and EU reached a preliminary agreement on a new framework for cross-border data transfers last year, it has not yet come into effect.

    Meta is hopeful that the EU-US data privacy agreement will be established before the Irish regulator’s deadlines take effect. If the new framework is implemented within the expiration of the implementation deadlines, Meta’s services can continue without disruption or impact on users, as stated by Clegg and Newstead.

  • Meta’s AI strategy pays off with Q1 profit of $5.7 billion

    Meta’s AI strategy pays off with Q1 profit of $5.7 billion

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has exceeded expectations by reporting a first quarter profit of $5.7 billion (£4.6 billion), despite a period of job cuts. The success has been attributed to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which has helped to drive positive results across the business.

    Meta’s total revenue reached $28.6 billion, while the number of monthly Facebook users rose to just under three billion. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was becoming more efficient, allowing it to build better products faster and to put itself in a stronger position to deliver its long-term vision.

    He also announced Meta’s intention to commercialize its privately-run generative AI, which can instantly create sentences and graphics, for practical applications such as chat experiences in WhatsApp and Messenger, visual creation tools for Facebook and Instagram posts, and ads. Zuckerberg assured investors that the move would not detract from Meta’s metaverse project, and confirmed that the company planned to release its next Quest VR headset later this year.

    Despite a net loss of $4 billion last quarter in its Reality Labs division, Meta still expects operating losses to increase year over year in 2023. However, the company’s cost-cutting measures have proved successful, with Meta having shed almost a quarter of its global workforce in the past few months.

  • WhatsApp to introduce biometric chat locks for enhanced privacy and security

    WhatsApp to introduce biometric chat locks for enhanced privacy and security

    A number of Android OS skins from prominent brands such as Xiaomi offer app lock capabilities, whereby individual apps require authentication to gain access, sometimes by way of biometric verification.

    Stock Android can also be endowed with this feature by utilising various apps accessible on the Play Store, though their reliability can be called into question. Given the confidential nature of WhatsApp conversations, Meta’s ongoing development of a per-chat biometric lock embedded into the app is a positive move in the right direction.

    For an app that is advertised as having a strong focus on privacy and security, the absence of in-app biometric authentication options is highly noticeable. Luckily, according to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta update available on the Play Store (v2.23.8.2) gives indications of a new feature being developed. This feature will allow users to lock individual chats using either a passcode or fingerprint, even though only the latter’s toggle is visible. It is suspected that the fingerprint unlock will require a passcode to be set up as a backup.

    Screenshots imply that it will be possible to lock sensitive group chats from the group info section. It also appears that all locked chats will be relocated to a vault-like space, separated from regular chats, hence requiring authentication only once. While it isn’t apparent from the shared screenshots, WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp will erase the chat if users wish to unlock it by force, such as in the event of forgetting the passcode.

    There is little information available about how notifications for these chats will be displayed, what will happen to the media in the conversations, and how many chats can be locked. WhatsApp is one of the most well-known encrypted messaging apps in existence, yet it is not at the forefront of this feature. For instance, Telegram has allowed passcode or fingerprint unlocking since around 2018, but it is for the app as a whole rather than individual chats. It is somewhat perplexing why WhatsApp has not followed this path.