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.
Meta's Secret AI Training Exposed: Company Used Pirated Book Database LibGen
Newly unredacted court documents reveal Meta trained its AI models using LibGen, a notorious pirated book database, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg's approval. The revelations emerge from an ongoing copyright lawsuit that could reshape how tech companies use creative works for AI development.
Instagram Tests AI-Generated Doppelgangers in User Feeds, Sparking Privacy Concerns
Meta's Instagram is experimenting with AI technology that creates and displays manipulated versions of users' images in their feeds, raising privacy concerns. The test, part of Meta's expanding AI strategy, has left many users unsettled by unexpected encounters with their AI-generated doubles.
Meta Shifts Course: Major Overhaul of Content Moderation Policies Announced
Meta unveils sweeping changes to content moderation across its platforms, abandoning third-party fact-checking in favor of a community-driven approach. The policy shift, led by new chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan, signals a stronger emphasis on free expression and reduced restrictions on mainstream discourse.
Meta Under Fire as Facebook, Instagram Host Illegal Gun Silencer Ads Disguised as Auto Parts
Meta's social platforms are hosting thousands of ads for 'fuel filters' that can be converted into illegal gun silencers, linked to Chinese drop-shipping operations. Despite platform policies prohibiting weapons, these $50 devices circumvent federal regulations while targeting military personnel and other users.