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Trump
Facebook Instagram Meta Social Media Technology Trump

Meta Removes Independent Fact Checkers, Replaces With "Community Notes"


Meta to remove fact-checkers

Meta is dumping independent fact-checkers on Instagram and Facebook, similar to what X (earlier Twitter) did, replacing them with “community notes” where users’ comments decide the accuracy of a post.

On Tuesday, Mark Zuckerberg in a video said third-party moderators were "too politically biased" and it was "time to get back to our roots around free expression".

Tech executives are trying to build better relations with the new US President Donald Trump who will take oath this month, the new move is a step in that direction.  

Republican Party and Meta

The Republican party and Trump have called out Meta for its fact-checking policies, stressing it censors right-wing voices on its platform.

After the new policy was announced, Trump said in a news conference he was pleased with Meta’s decision to have  "come a long way".

Online anti-hate speech activists expressed disappointment with the shift, claiming it was motivated by a desire to align with Trump.

“Zuckerberg's announcement is a blatant attempt to cozy up to the incoming Trump administration – with harmful implications. Claiming to avoid "censorship" is a political move to avoid taking responsibility for hate and disinformation that platforms encourage and facilitate,” said Ava Lee of Global Witness. This organization sees itself as trying to bring big tech like Meta accountable.

Copying X

The present fact-checking program of Meta was introduced in 2016, it sends posts that seem false or misleading to independent fact-checking organizations to judge their credibility. 

Posts marked as misleading have labels attached to them, giving users more information, and move down in viewers’ social media feeds. This will now be replaced by community notes, starting in the US. Meta has no “immediate plans” to remove third-party fact-checkers in the EU or the UK.

The new community notes move has been copied from platform X, which was started after Elon Musk bought Twitter. 

It includes people with opposing opinions agreeing on notes that provide insight or explanation to disputed posts. 

We will allow more speech by lifting restrictions on some topics that are part of mainstream discourse and focusing our enforcement on illegal and high-severity violations. We will take a more personalized approach to political content, so that people who want to see more of it in their feeds can.

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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Censorship Digital Communication Instagram Meta Social Media Turkey Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Why Did Turkey Suddenly Ban Instagram? The Shocking Reason Revealed


 

On Friday, Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) unexpectedly blocked Instagram access across the country. The ICTA, responsible for overseeing internet regulations, did not provide any specific reason for the ban. However, according to reports from Yeni Safak, a newspaper supportive of the government, the ban was likely a response to Instagram removing posts by Turkish users that expressed condolences for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's death.

Many Turkish users faced difficulties accessing Instagram following the ban. Fahrettin Altun, the communications director for the Turkish presidency, publicly condemned Instagram, accusing it of censoring messages of sympathy for Haniyeh, whom he called a martyr. This incident has sparked significant controversy within Turkey.

Haniyeh’s Death and Its Aftermath

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas and a close associate of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was killed in an attack in Tehran on Wednesday, an act allegedly carried out by Israel. His death prompted widespread reactions in Turkey, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and solidarity, leading to the conflict with Instagram.

A History of Social Media Restrictions in Turkey

This is not the first instance of social media restrictions in Turkey. The country, with a population of 85 million, includes over 50 million Instagram users, making such bans highly impactful. From April 2017 to January 2020, Turkey blocked access to Wikipedia due to articles that linked the Turkish government to extremism, tellingly limiting the flow of information.

This recent action against Instagram is part of a broader pattern of conflicts between the Turkish government and social media companies. In April, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had to suspend its Threads network in Turkey after authorities blocked its information sharing with Instagram. This surfaces ongoing tensions between Turkey and major social media firms.

The blockage of Instagram illustrates the persistent struggle between the Turkish government and social media platforms over content regulation and freedom of expression. These restrictions pose crucial challenges to the dissemination of information and public discourse, affecting millions who rely on these platforms for news and communication. 

Turkey's decision to block Instagram is a testament to the complex dynamics between the government and digital platforms. As the situation pertains, it will be essential to observe the responses from both Turkish authorities and the affected social media companies to grasp the broader implications for digital communication and freedom of speech in Turkey.


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Thierry Breton
Data Privacy digital competition rules Digital Markets Act European Union Facebook Instagram Meta Platforms online gatekeepers personalized ads regulatory scrutiny Technology Thierry Breton

EU Claims Meta’s Paid Ad-Free Option Violates Digital Competition Rules

 

European Union regulators have accused Meta Platforms of violating the bloc’s new digital competition rules by compelling Facebook and Instagram users to either view ads or pay to avoid them. This move comes as part of Meta’s strategy to comply with Europe's stringent data privacy regulations.

Starting in November, Meta began offering European users the option to pay at least 10 euros ($10.75) per month for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram. This was in response to a ruling by the EU’s top court, which mandated that Meta must obtain user consent before displaying targeted ads, a decision that jeopardized Meta’s business model of personalized advertising.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, stated that preliminary findings from its investigation indicate that Meta’s “pay or consent” model breaches the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the 27-nation bloc. According to the commission, Meta’s approach fails to provide users the right to “freely consent” to the use of their personal data across its various services for personalized ads.

The commission also criticized Meta for not offering a less personalized service that is equivalent to its social networks. Meta responded by stating that their subscription model for no ads aligns with the direction of the highest court in Europe and complies with the DMA. The company expressed its intent to engage in constructive dialogue with the European Commission to resolve the investigation.

The investigation was launched soon after the DMA took effect in March, aiming to prevent tech “gatekeepers” from dominating digital markets through heavy financial penalties. One of the DMA's objectives is to reduce the power of Big Tech firms that have amassed vast amounts of personal data, giving them an advantage over competitors in online advertising and social media services. The commission suggested that Meta should offer an option that doesn’t rely on extensive personal data sharing for advertising purposes.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton, who oversees the bloc’s digital policy, emphasized that the DMA aims to empower users to decide how their data is used and to ensure that innovative companies can compete fairly with tech giants regarding data access.

Meta now has the opportunity to respond to the commission’s findings, with the investigation due to conclude by March 2025. The company could face fines of up to 10% of its annual global revenue, potentially amounting to billions of euros. Under the DMA, Meta is classified as one of seven online gatekeepers, with Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and its online ad business listed among two dozen “core platform services” that require the highest level of regulatory scrutiny.

This accusation against Meta is part of a series of regulatory actions by Brussels against major tech companies. Recently, the EU charged Apple with preventing app makers from directing users to cheaper options outside its App Store and accused Microsoft of violating antitrust laws by bundling its Teams app with its Office software.


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Meta
Data Breach Facebook GDPR Instagram Llama 3 Meta

Meta to Train AI with Public Facebook and Instagram Posts

 


 

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is set to begin using public posts from European users to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems starting June 26. This decision has sparked discussions about privacy and GDPR compliance.

Utilising Public Data for AI

European users of Facebook and Instagram have recently been notified that their public posts could be used to help develop Meta's AI technologies. The information that might be utilised includes posts, photos, captions, and messages sent to an AI, but private messages are excluded. Meta has emphasised that only public data from user profiles will be used, and data from users under 18 will not be included.

GDPR Compliance and Legitimate Interest

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies can process personal data if they demonstrate a legitimate interest. Meta argues that improving AI systems constitutes such an interest. Despite this, users have the right to opt out of having their data used for this purpose by submitting a form through Facebook or Instagram, although these forms are currently unavailable.

Even if users opt out, their data may still be used if they are featured in another user's public posts or images. Meta has provided a four-week notice period before collecting data to comply with privacy regulations.

Regulatory Concerns and Delays

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) intervened following Meta's announcement, resulting in a temporary delay. The DPC requested clarifications from Meta, which the company has addressed. Meta assured that only public data from EU users would be utilized and confirmed that data from minors would not be included.

Meta’s AI Development Efforts

Meta is heavily investing in AI research and development. The company’s latest large language model, Llama 3, released in April, powers its Meta AI assistant, though it is not yet available in Europe. Meta has previously used public posts to train its AI assistant but did not include this data in training the Llama 2 model.

In addition to developing AI software, Meta is also working on the hardware needed for AI operations, introducing custom-made chips last month.

Meta's initiative to use public posts for AI training highlights the ongoing balance between innovation and privacy. While an opt-out option is provided, its current unavailability and the potential use of data from non-consenting users underscore the complexities of data privacy.

European users should remain informed about their rights under GDPR and utilize the opt-out process when available. Despite some limitations, Meta's efforts to notify users and offer an opt-out reflect a step towards balancing technological advancement with privacy concerns.

This development represents a striking move in Meta's AI journey and accentuates the critical role of transparency and regulatory oversight in handling personal data responsibly.


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Social Media
Cyber Criminal Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity Cyberthreats Instagram Mobile Security Passwords Social Media

Heightened Hacking Activity Prompts Social Media Security Warning

 


Having social media software for managing users' privacy settings, and security settings, and keeping track of recent news and marketing opportunities can provide a great way to keep in touch with family, and friends, and stay updated on recent news. However, it is important to abide by these settings to keep information safe. 

When social media is used improperly, it can introduce several risks to a person's personal information, as online criminals are devising new and in-depth methods for exploiting vulnerabilities more frequently than ever before. There are many things users need to know about keeping their Facebook, X and Instagram accounts secure - from finding out how accounts are hacked, to recovering accounts. 

When fraudsters gain access to the details of the users' accounts, they can take advantage of their contacts, sell their information on the dark web, and steal the identity of the users. According to reports by Action Fraud, some victims of email and social media hacking have been forced into extortion by criminals who have stolen their private photos and videos and used them to extort them. 9 out of 10 of the people who participated in the survey (89%) stated that they knew or were aware of people whose profiles had been compromised, and 28% said they knew at least five to ten people who had been hacked. 

The survey found that 15 per cent of the respondents knew someone who was hacked on social media more than ten times. With 76% of respondents indicating they have increased concerns within the last year compared to the previous year, it appears that the fears are growing. What scammers do to hack accounts Online users' accounts can be accessed in a variety of ways by fraudsters to gain access to their money. 

The hacked account user may be wondering how they managed to gain access to one of their accounts if they discover that one of theirs has been hacked. There are times when hackers gain access to a system which carries highly confidential data about a person and causes the system to be breached. This information is then used by fraudsters to gain access to accounts that have been compromised. 

Phishing attacks are designed to entice users into divulging their details by impersonating legitimate companies and containing links that lead them to malicious websites that can harvest their data. As a result, users may end up downloading malicious code to the devices they use to steal their information once they enter the information on the website. 

A chain hack which takes place on a social media platform involves a fraudster posting links to dubious websites in the comment section of a post. After the victim clicks on the link, the fraudster will then ask them to enter their social media account details. This will allow the fraudster access to the victim's account information. It has been reported that fraudsters are known to send messages to victims impersonating one of their contacts in an attempt to get them to share their two-factor authentication code with them. 

Hackers who use credentials they have previously been successful in obtaining access to other accounts belonging to a particular person are known as credential stuffers. When a scammer watches a user log into an account while an account is being used, they are shoulder surfing the user. It is possible to download a malicious app to the users' phones, which will, in turn, install malware onto their devices, enabling the fraudster to steal the username and password for their account and use it to steal users' money. 

When users' accounts have been hacked, take precautions to avoid recovery scammers contacting them on social media and saying they can retrieve their accounts for them if only they would follow their instructions. This is just another scam that they cannot fall victim to, and they would not be able to do this. 

Find out who to contact to get help with a hacked account by going to the help page of the account provider. All devices must be logged out of the users' accounts as well as their passwords must be changed on all devices. Please examine to ascertain the presence of any newly instituted protocols or configurations within users' email accounts, which may have been established without their explicit authorization. 

These modifications could potentially dictate the redirection of emails about their accounts. It is incumbent upon users to promptly notify their contacts of a potential security breach and advise them to exercise caution, as any received messages may not be legitimately sent by them.
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US Senate
Facebook Instagram Meta Privacy US Senate

Mark Zuckerberg Apologizes to Families in Fiery US Senate Hearing

Mark Zuckerberg Apologizes to Families in Fiery US Senate Hearing

In a recent US Senate hearing, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), faced intense scrutiny over the impact of social media platforms on children. Families who claimed their children had been harmed by online content were present, and emotions ran high throughout the proceedings.

The Apology and Its Context

Zuckerberg's apology came after families shared heartbreaking stories of self-harm and suicide related to social media content. The hearing focused on protecting children online, and it provided a rare opportunity for US senators to question tech executives directly. Other CEOs, including those from TikTok, Snap, X (formerly Twitter), and Discord, were also in the hot seat.

The central theme was clear: How can we ensure the safety and well-being of young users in the digital age? The families' pain and frustration underscored the urgency of this question.

The Instagram Prompt and Child Sexual Abuse Material

One important topic during the hearing was an Instagram prompt related to child sexual abuse material. Zuckerberg acknowledged that the prompt was a mistake and expressed regret. The prompt mistakenly directed users to search for explicit content when they typed certain keywords. This incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of content moderation algorithms and the need for continuous improvement.

Zuckerberg defended the importance of free expression but also recognized the responsibility that comes with it. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between allowing diverse viewpoints and preventing harm. The challenge lies in identifying harmful content without stifling legitimate discourse.

Directing Users Toward Helpful Resources

During his testimony, Zuckerberg highlighted efforts to guide users toward helpful resources. When someone searches for self-harm-related content, Instagram now directs them to resources that promote mental health and well-being. While imperfect, this approach reflects a commitment to mitigating harm.

The Role of Parents and Educators

Zuckerberg encouraged parents to engage with their children about online safety and set boundaries. He acknowledged that technology companies cannot solve these issues alone; collaboration with schools and communities is essential.

Mark Zuckerberg's apology was a significant moment, but it cannot be the end. Protecting children online requires collective action from tech companies, policymakers, parents, and educators. We must continue to address the challenges posed by social media while fostering a healthy digital environment for the next generation.

As the hearing concluded, the families' pain remained palpable. Their stories serve as a stark reminder that behind every statistic and algorithm lies a real person—a child seeking connection, validation, and safety. 

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Technology
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Facebook Instagram Messenger Meta Subscription Model Technology

Meta Extends Ad-Free Facebook and Instagram Premium Access Worldwide



With the introduction of its ad-free subscription service, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, offers European users the chance to enjoy their favourite social platforms without being bombarded with advertisements. The recent ruling of the EU's Court of Justice ordered Meta to obtain the consent of users before personalizing any ads for those users in response to a recent ruling issued by the Court of Justice of the EU. With this move, Meta is showing that it is complying with the regulatory framework that is changing in the European Union. 

According to the announcement, users in these regions will have the opportunity to choose between continuing to use the platforms for free ad-support or signing up for a free ad-free subscription experience in November. There is no possibility that the user information will be used for targeting adverts during the subscription period. 

Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union are soon going to be able to enjoy an ad-free experience but at a cost. Starting in November of this year, we will be able to opt into the new, premium service offered by Meta, which is the company’s parent company that owns the platforms. Meta is the company behind the platforms that operates the platforms and is the parent company of Meta. 

Regarding pricing, 18-and-up users will be asked to pay €9.99 per month (roughly $10.55 per month) if they want to access sites without advertisements through a web browser, and €12.99 for users who want to access websites through streamlined iOS and Android apps. Facebook users will not be shown ads on Facebook or Instagram after enrolling in the program, and their data and online activities will not be used to tailor future ads based on their browsing activity. 

Every additional account added to a user's Account Center in the future will be charged an additional fee of €6 per month for the web and €8 per month for iOS and Android devices beginning on March 1, 2024, by way of an increase of fees every month.

Historically, Meta has operated solely by offering free social networking services to its users, and by selling advertising to companies who wish to reach those users. As a result of data privacy laws and other government policies that are affecting technology companies, especially in Europe, it illustrate the fact that companies have been redesigning their products to comply with those policies. 

It is estimated that more than 450 million Europeans, across 27 countries, use Amazon, Apple, Google, TikTok and other companies to comply with new rules in the European Union. The number of people using Facebook each month is estimated to be 258 million, according to Meta's estimates. According to Meta's estimate, 257 million people use Instagram every month as well. 

For iOS and Android, it is important to note that the prices are adjusted based on the fees imposed by Apple and Google by their respective purchasing policies. The subscription will be valid until March 1, 2024, for all linked accounts within the Account Center of a user for six months. A monthly fee of €6 will, however, be charged starting March 1, 2024, for each additional account listed in a user's Account Center, starting on the web and €8 for iOS and Android. 

Meta was effectively barred from combining data collected from users across its various platforms - including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - as well as from outside websites and apps in July, by the European Court of Justice, the highest court in the European Union, to protect the privacy of users. The E.U. regulators issued the fine in January for forcing Meta users to accept personalized ads as a requirement of using Facebook in a condition of fines of three billion euros. That decision was issued in response to a violation of privacy regulations. This may be a solution to comply in full with the judgment provided that we offer a subscription service without displaying adverts to our subscribers in Europe, Meta said in response to the European Court of Justice's judgement of July. 

A subscription can allow users to access the platforms without being exposed to the advertising that is displayed to their subscribers. There has been no paid and ad-free subscription for services like Facebook and Instagram since Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg were formed in the early days of the company. As far as they are concerned, they have always believed that they can only offer their services for free, provided that advertisements accompany them. 

However, Meta is now offering a way for Instagram and Facebook users to subscribe to both services through one simple option. Due to pressure from the European Union, the move was made after the move was put forward, and therefore, the option is only available to customers in the European Union. 

This means that Instagram users in India will remain exposed to ads no matter whether they choose them or not, and will still see them on their feeds. In any case, if Instagram subscription plans prove to be popular in the European Union and Meta sees value in them, it might be possible for similar Instagram subscription plans to be introduced to India in the future.

It does seem quite a steep subscription price - even more so if users look at the figures in Indian rupees which would be Rs 880-Rs 1150 - but given that it allows users to enjoy Instagram and Facebook in ad-free settings, it is tempting. As well as this promise, Meta also promises that users of their paid plans will not be able to use their personal information for targeted marketing purposes. 

A short time ago Mark Zuckerberg said in an interview that Facebook wants their users to have free access to their service and added ads to it so that users and the company benefit from the process. This is one of the things that has been talked about again and again by Facebook and their CEO.

There will be no change to the ad-supported experience that Facebook and Instagram currently provide to users who choose to continue using the service for free. In Meta, users will be able to control their ad preferences and the ads shown to them as well as the data used for ad targeting by using tools and settings that will enable them to influence what ads they see and what data is used.

It is important to note that advertisers will continue to be able to target users who have opted for free, ad-supported online services in Europe, so they will still be able to conduct personalised advertising campaigns. To preserve both user and business value on its platforms, Meta commits to investing in new tools that offer enhanced controls over ad experiences on its platforms, so it can preserve value for both.

Meta is actively exploring options to provide teenagers with a responsible ad experience in line with the evolving regulatory landscape so that they will be able to explore advertising in a safe environment. Users over 18 will have the option of becoming subscribers for an ad-free experience, and Meta is actively exploring options to support teenagers in this area.
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Software
Android Apple Cyber Security Encryption Instagram iOS Kaspersky New York Software

Analyzing Android and iOS Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, the debate surrounding the security of Android and iOS operating systems continues to captivate the tech community. With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, understanding which platform, Android or iOS, is more vulnerable to such threats is a crucial concern for users worldwide.

Making considerable progress in strengthening their security mechanisms over time, both Android and iOS have been shown by a thorough investigation conducted by MakeUseOf. There is a report indicating that Android has a higher attack surface because it is an open-source operating system. This feature may increase its vulnerability to virus assaults and unapproved software installations. Reiterating that Android's open ecosystem can draw the attention of more cybercriminals, top cybersecurity firm Kaspersky supports this idea.

As the Kaspersky information center discusses, iOS, on the other hand, has a strict app review procedure that makes it more difficult for malicious apps to enter the App Store. This thorough screening process helps to create the impression that iOS is a more secure platform by serving as a barrier against potentially dangerous software.

Recent remarks made by well-known businesspeople stoke the controversy even further. According to YourStory, the head of Instagram said that Android had better security than iOS. He cited the flexible security features and strong encryption methods of Android as factors that have improved its security profile. But considering Android's greater user base, it's also crucial to recognize that this viewpoint might be influenced by business reasons.

The Wirecutter of the New York Times highlights in its thorough analysis how crucial frequent updates are to maintaining security. iOS has an advantage here since Apple's closed environment allows it to quickly release updates to its devices. Since multiple manufacturers and carriers are involved in the update process for Android, iOS is able to quickly address security flaws, giving it an advantage over Android.

In terms of cyberattack susceptibility, there is no clear winner between Android and iOS. The security features and vulnerabilities of each operating system are distinct. While iOS's closed environment gives tighter control and faster updates, Android's openness lets it be more flexible but also attracts more dangers. Selecting a platform requires users to take into account their usage habits, preferences, and risk tolerance. Both Android and iOS will probably keep improving their security features as cyber threats continue to change in order to dominate the digital security space.


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