Social Media Giants Approve Hate Speech Ads Before German Election Despite Content Rules
Meta and X have failed to block advertisements containing violent anti-Muslim and antisemitic content ahead of Germany's federal election, according to new research. The study by nonprofit Eko found both platforms approved hate speech ads despite their content moderation policies and EU regulations.
Federal Workers Abandon Facebook Over Privacy Fears, Shift to Encrypted Messaging
Federal employees are increasingly abandoning mainstream social media platforms like Facebook in favor of encrypted messaging apps due to privacy concerns and distrust. The shift comes as workers worry about data security and government surveillance, with many now maintaining strict separation between personal and sensitive communications.
Bluesky Surpasses 30 Million Users as Decentralized Social Media Platform Gains Momentum
Decentralized social network Bluesky hits major milestone with 30 million users, attracting high-profile figures and news organizations. The platform differentiates itself through AT Protocol, enhanced moderation tools, and a stance against AI training using user content.
Meta's Safety Council Warns Against Sacrificing User Protection for Political Gains
Meta's Safety Advisory Council has raised alarms over the company's recent platform changes, suggesting political interests are taking precedence over user safety. The council criticized Meta's reduced fact-checking and modified content moderation, warning of increased risks to vulnerable communities.
AI's Growing Dominance Revives 'Dead Internet' Fears
As AI-generated content floods social platforms, the Dead Internet Theory suggesting most online activity is artificial gains new relevance. Researchers warn of an expanding synthetic ecosystem where AI agents dominate content creation and engagement, raising concerns about authentic human connection.
Trump's Executive Order Targets Federal Influence on Social Media Content Moderation
Former President Trump signs executive order prohibiting federal officials from pressuring social media platforms to moderate content, marking a significant shift in government approach. The move follows allegations of government overreach in content moderation during the Biden administration, despite platforms maintaining their independent decision-making processes.
Meta Launches Aggressive Creator Bonus Program to Lure TikTok Talent
Meta unveils its 'Breakthrough Bonus' program offering creators up to $5,000 in incentives to post content on Instagram and Facebook. The strategic move comes amid TikTok's regulatory challenges in the US, as Meta enhances its platforms to attract content creators.
Meta's Factchecking Rollback Raises Concerns Over UK Senior Radicalization
Meta's decision to replace professional factcheckers with crowdsourced moderation on Facebook has sparked fears about the potential radicalization of older UK users. Experts warn this shift could enable the spread of misinformation and extremist content, particularly among demographics less familiar with digital verification.
EU Fined €400 for Violating Its Own GDPR Privacy Rules
In a landmark case, the European Union faces a €400 fine for breaching its own GDPR privacy regulations when transferring user data through AWS to Meta's servers. The unprecedented self-imposed penalty highlights ongoing challenges in implementing and enforcing data protection standards.
Brazil Challenges Meta's Fact-Checking Changes with 72-Hour Ultimatum
Brazilian authorities demand Meta explain its revised fact-checking policies and user protection measures, threatening legal action if the company fails to respond. The government's concerns focus on content moderation changes that could impact vulnerable populations and spread misinformation.