A human rights group has said in its report that its findings pointed towards the possibility that popular social media platform Facebook nudged users towards climate change denying content than that obtained from reliable sources. The group, named Global Witness, said that Facebook users who show an interest in climate skepticism are often nudged by the platform towards "increasingly extreme" climate misinformation by FB's algorithms.

"We simulated the user experience of an individual liking pages such as “Net Zero Watch”, an organisation countering climate policies and linked to the UK Conservative MP Steve Baker. We found that immediately after liking this page, the user was recommended “Climate Depot”, a US based outlet run by Marc Morano and part of CFACT, a group that calls human-induced climate change “a myth”" said the group in its press release.

"Facebook has repeatedly said it wants to combat climate disinformation on its platform, but our investigation shows how worryingly easy it is for its users to be led down a dangerous path that flies in the face of both science and reality. Facebook is not just a neutral online space where climate disinformation exists; it is quite literally putting such views in front of users eyes," said Mai Rosner, Digital Threats to Democracy Campaigner at Global Witness. Rosner was quoted in the press release.

After its findings, Global Witness has called on governments to make law to rein in Big Tech. The Big Tech companies, said Global Witness,&nbsp;had the power to "shape our realities in dangerous and divisive ways that threaten to derail progress toward tackling the greatest challenge our planet collectively faces".

A human rights group has said in its report that its findings pointed towards the possibility that popular social media platform Facebook nudged users towards climate change denying content than that obtained from reliable sources.

A human rights group has said in its report that its findings pointed towards the possibility that popular social media platform Facebook nudged users towards climate change denying content than that obtained from reliable sources. The group, named Global Witness, said that Facebook users who show an interest in climate skepticism are often nudged by the platform towards "increasingly extreme" climate misinformation by FB's algorithms. "We simulated the user experience of an individual liking pages such as “Net Zero Watch”, an organisation countering climate policies and linked to the UK Conservative MP Steve Baker. We found that immediately after liking this page, the user was recommended “Climate Depot”, a US based outlet run by Marc Morano and part of CFACT, a group that calls human-induced climate change “a myth”" said the group in its press release. "Facebook has repeatedly said it wants to combat climate disinformation on its platform, but our investigation shows how worryingly easy it is for its users to be led down a dangerous path that flies in the face of both science and reality. Facebook is not just a neutral online space where climate disinformation exists; it is quite literally putting such views in front of users eyes," said Mai Rosner, Digital Threats to Democracy Campaigner at Global Witness. Rosner was quoted in the press release. After its findings, Global Witness has called on governments to make law to rein in Big Tech. The Big Tech companies, said Global Witness, had the power to "shape our realities in dangerous and divisive ways that threaten to derail progress toward tackling the greatest challenge our planet collectively faces".

Facebook nudges climate-skeptics towards disinformation, says a study

A court in Moscow banned popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram calling them "extremist". The Russian authorities have accused US tech giant Meta -- the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp -- of tolerating "Russophobia" since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24.

Facebook and Twitter have been inaccessible in Russia since early March and Instagram was blocked in the country a week ago.

Moscow's Tverskoi district court acceded to a request from prosecutors for the two social media platforms to be banned for "carrying out extremist activities".

The court said that &nbsp;Meta's WhatsApp messenger service would not be prohibited because it is not used to post public statements.

There was no immediate comment from Meta.

During Monday's hearing, Russia's FSB security service accused Meta of working against the interests of Moscow and its army during the conflict.

"The activities of the Meta organisation are directed against Russia and its armed forces," FSB representative Igor Kovalevsky told the court in a statement reported by Russian news agencies.

"We ask (the court) to ban Meta's activities and oblige it to implement this ruling immediately," he said.

Meta had announced on March 10 that the platforms would allow statements like "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.&nbsp;

But in what appeared to be damage control, Meta's global affairs president, Nick Clegg, later said the laxer rules would only apply to people posting from inside Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Moscow banned popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram calling them "extremist". The Russian authorities have accused US tech giant Meta -- the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp -- of tolerating "Russophobia" since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24.

A court in Moscow banned popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram calling them "extremist". The Russian authorities have accused US tech giant Meta -- the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp -- of tolerating "Russophobia" since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. Facebook and Twitter have been inaccessible in Russia since early March and Instagram was blocked in the country a week ago. Moscow's Tverskoi district court acceded to a request from prosecutors for the two social media platforms to be banned for "carrying out extremist activities". The court said that Meta's WhatsApp messenger service would not be prohibited because it is not used to post public statements. There was no immediate comment from Meta. During Monday's hearing, Russia's FSB security service accused Meta of working against the interests of Moscow and its army during the conflict. "The activities of the Meta organisation are directed against Russia and its armed forces," FSB representative Igor Kovalevsky told the court in a statement reported by Russian news agencies. "We ask (the court) to ban Meta's activities and oblige it to implement this ruling immediately," he said. Meta had announced on March 10 that the platforms would allow statements like "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians. But in what appeared to be damage control, Meta's global affairs president, Nick Clegg, later said the laxer rules would only apply to people posting from inside Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow court bans Facebook and Instagram, calls them 'extremist'

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media.

According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year.

An average of 2.5 million new users joined Telegram daily in the last three weeks, the firm said, about a 25 per cent jump from the weeks prior, the firm said.

Even though Meta-owned WhatsApp has managed duck from the ban list, Telegram’s ability to disseminate information to large groups at a time has made it useful both for independent media and the Kremlin.

The trust on Telegram also stems from the fact that its creators, brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, are Russian citizens who left their home country in 2014.

Despite Telegram’s tendonous growth in Russia, concerns over its data security and misinformation still remain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

"Telegram's profile has grown enormously in recent weeks, and that has raised the stakes about the impact of misinformation on the platform", Enders Analysis media analyst Jamie MacEwan told AFP.

"Meta employs tens of thousands of moderators and huge problems still slip through the net," said MacEwan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pro-invasion-rally-russian-president-vladimir-putin-dons-costly-loro-piana-jacket-463688" hreflang="en">As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally</a>

"It is unclear how much investment in moderation Telegram can support on its current funding model."

Entirely free, Telegram started advertising last year, but with a reduced, highly regulated offering, and guaranteeing that it would not use users' private data for targeting.

In April last year, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported that the company was preparing to go public in 2023, and was aiming for a valuation of between US$30 billion and US$50 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media. According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year.

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media. According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year. An average of 2.5 million new users joined Telegram daily in the last three weeks, the firm said, about a 25 per cent jump from the weeks prior, the firm said. Even though Meta-owned WhatsApp has managed duck from the ban list, Telegram’s ability to disseminate information to large groups at a time has made it useful both for independent media and the Kremlin. The trust on Telegram also stems from the fact that its creators, brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, are Russian citizens who left their home country in 2014. Despite Telegram’s tendonous growth in Russia, concerns over its data security and misinformation still remain. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky "Telegram's profile has grown enormously in recent weeks, and that has raised the stakes about the impact of misinformation on the platform", Enders Analysis media analyst Jamie MacEwan told AFP. "Meta employs tens of thousands of moderators and huge problems still slip through the net," said MacEwan. Also read | As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally "It is unclear how much investment in moderation Telegram can support on its current funding model." Entirely free, Telegram started advertising last year, but with a reduced, highly regulated offering, and guaranteeing that it would not use users' private data for targeting. In April last year, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported that the company was preparing to go public in 2023, and was aiming for a valuation of between US$30 billion and US$50 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Telegram emerges as frontrunner amid Russia’s crackdown on Facebook, Instagram

Twitter Inc and Meta Platform`s Facebook have removed posts from the Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom about the bombing of a children`s hospital in Mariupol for breaking its rules against denying violent events, the companies said on Thursday. 
 
Three people including a child were killed in Wednesday`s air strike on the maternity and children`s hospital in the Ukrainian city, Ukraine`s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday. 
 
"We took enforcement action against the Tweets you referenced as they were in violation of the Twitter Rules, specifically our Hateful Conduct and Abusive Behavior policies related to the denial of violent events," said a Twitter spokesperson. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-heart-warming-gesture-polish-citizens-leave-essentials-at-border-for-ukrainian-refugees-460778" hreflang="en">In a heart-warming gesture, Polish citizens leave essentials at border for Ukrainian refugees</a> 
 
One of the tweets from @RussianEmbassy posted images with a red label saying "fake" and said the maternity house was non-operational and was being used by Ukrainian armed forces. 
 
Russia has shifted its stance over the hospital bombing, with a mix of statements on Thursday that veered between aggressive denials and a call by the Kremlin to establish clear facts. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laughable-us-denies-russian-accusations-of-biowarfare-labs-in-ukraine-460758" hreflang="en">'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine</a> 
 
Moscow has cracked down on tech platforms during the invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation," including restricting Twitter and blocking Meta-owned Facebook. Twitter has also launched a privacy-protected version of its site, known as an "onion service", which can be accessed through the dark web and could bypass such restrictions.

Twitter Inc and Meta Platform`s Facebook have removed posts from the Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom about the bombing of a children`s hospital in Mariupol for breaking its rules against denying violent events, the companies said on Thursday.

Twitter Inc and Meta Platform`s Facebook have removed posts from the Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom about the bombing of a children`s hospital in Mariupol for breaking its rules against denying violent events, the companies said on Thursday. Three people including a child were killed in Wednesday`s air strike on the maternity and children`s hospital in the Ukrainian city, Ukraine`s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday. "We took enforcement action against the Tweets you referenced as they were in violation of the Twitter Rules, specifically our Hateful Conduct and Abusive Behavior policies related to the denial of violent events," said a Twitter spokesperson. Also Read: In a heart-warming gesture, Polish citizens leave essentials at border for Ukrainian refugees One of the tweets from @RussianEmbassy posted images with a red label saying "fake" and said the maternity house was non-operational and was being used by Ukrainian armed forces. Russia has shifted its stance over the hospital bombing, with a mix of statements on Thursday that veered between aggressive denials and a call by the Kremlin to establish clear facts. Also Read | 'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine Moscow has cracked down on tech platforms during the invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation," including restricting Twitter and blocking Meta-owned Facebook. Twitter has also launched a privacy-protected version of its site, known as an "onion service", which can be accessed through the dark web and could bypass such restrictions.

Twitter, Facebook remove Russian embassy tweet on Mariupol hospital bombing

In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.

As a result of Moscow's war on its neighbour, Western governments and businesses have imposed unprecedented sanctions, but there has also been a surge in online anger over social media's role in the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ukraine-needs-surface-to-air-missiles-not-fighter-jets-to-fight-formidable-russian-air-force-461103">US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force</a>

Despite the immediate controversy, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, defended its policy decision.

"As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders,'" Meta said in a statement.

"We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," it added.

As one of the world's leading social media companies, Meta has previously struggled to decide what to allow people to post in times of upheaval.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a>

During protests that rocked Iran during July 2021, the company had temporarily allowed posts calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have had to navigate a myriad of thorny issues related to the war in Ukraine, like when US Senator Lindsey Graham called for the murder of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview and on Twitter.

"The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham wrote in a tweet on March 3, which Twitter has not removed.

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Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? 
 
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. 
 
You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499574209567199235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Views on Meta's decision were sharply divided.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country

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Emerson Brooking, a disinformation expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, said that "the policy regards calls for violence against Russian soldiers".&nbsp;

"A call for violence here, by the way is also a call for resistance because Ukrainians resist a violent invasion," he added.&nbsp;

However, some expressed deep concerns, such as Lehigh University professor Jeremy Littau, who tweeted "'We don't allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country' is one hell of a can of worms."

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“We don’t allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country” is one hell of a can of worms.
— Jeremy Littau (@JeremyLittau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyLittau/status/1502066222304841729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.

In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians. As a result of Moscow's war on its neighbour, Western governments and businesses have imposed unprecedented sanctions, but there has also been a surge in online anger over social media's role in the conflict. Also read | US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force Despite the immediate controversy, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, defended its policy decision. "As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders,'" Meta said in a statement. "We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," it added. As one of the world's leading social media companies, Meta has previously struggled to decide what to allow people to post in times of upheaval. Also read | In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital During protests that rocked Iran during July 2021, the company had temporarily allowed posts calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have had to navigate a myriad of thorny issues related to the war in Ukraine, like when US Senator Lindsey Graham called for the murder of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview and on Twitter. "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham wrote in a tweet on March 3, which Twitter has not removed. Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × Views on Meta's decision were sharply divided. Watch | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country Emerson Brooking, a disinformation expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, said that "the policy regards calls for violence against Russian soldiers". "A call for violence here, by the way is also a call for resistance because Ukrainians resist a violent invasion," he added. However, some expressed deep concerns, such as Lehigh University professor Jeremy Littau, who tweeted "'We don't allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country' is one hell of a can of worms." “We don’t allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country” is one hell of a can of worms. — Jeremy Littau (@JeremyLittau) March 10, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders'

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta." &nbsp;

The Kremlin threatened to shut down Facebook owner Meta Platforms in Russia on Friday, following a Reuters report that the company had issued guidelines temporarily easing a ban on calls for political violence to allow some Facebook or Instagram posts that encourage killing invading Russian troops.

According to internal emails sent to content moderators, the guidelines would even allow posts that call for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

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"We are issuing a spirit-of-the-policy allowance to allow T1 violent speech that would otherwise be removed under the Hate Speech policy when: (a) targeting Russian soldiers, EXCEPT prisoners of war, or (b) targeting Russians where it's clear that the context is the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g., content mentions the invasion, self-defense, etc.)," it said in the email.

"We are doing this because we have observed that in this specific context, 'Russian soldiers' is being used as a proxy for the Russian military. The Hate Speech policy continues to prohibit attacks on Russians," the email stated.

"We don't want to believe the Reuters report - it is just too difficult to believe," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"We hope it is not true because if it is true then it will mean that there will have to be the most decisive measures to end the activities of this company."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

"As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders.' We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

The calls for the leaders' deaths will be allowed unless they contain other targets or have two indicators of credibility, such as the location or method, one email said, in a recent change to the company's rules on violence and incitement.

Citing the Reuters story, Russia's embassy in the United States demanded that Washington stop the "extremist activities" of Meta.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-claims-to-capture-russias-pantsir-s1-missile-system-is-it-a-rich-catch-461275" hreflang="en">Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch?</a>

"Users of Facebook &amp; Instagram did not give the owners of these platforms the right to determine the criteria of truth and pit nations against each other," the embassy said on Twitter.

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Russian Embassy in the US: Noted the <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> message that the <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> permitted to post calls for violence against the Russian leadership &amp; our military personnel on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Facebook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Facebook</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Instagram</a>. <a href="https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv">https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv</a>
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1502133128587997184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Prosecutors have asked a Russian court to designate Facebook's parent organisation Meta Platforms as an "extremist organisation," Interfax reported on Friday.

The state prosecutor also asked Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor to restrict access to Meta's Instagram social networking service.

Previously, Roskomnadzor said it cut access to Twitter and Facebook in line with a decision by the prosecutor general’s office.

In blocking Facebook, Roskomnadzor cited its alleged “discrimination” of the Russian media and state information resources.&nbsp;

The agency said in a statement that the restrictions introduced by Facebook owner Meta on the Russian news channel RT and other state-controlled media violate Russian law.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta.

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta." The Kremlin threatened to shut down Facebook owner Meta Platforms in Russia on Friday, following a Reuters report that the company had issued guidelines temporarily easing a ban on calls for political violence to allow some Facebook or Instagram posts that encourage killing invading Russian troops. According to internal emails sent to content moderators, the guidelines would even allow posts that call for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "We are issuing a spirit-of-the-policy allowance to allow T1 violent speech that would otherwise be removed under the Hate Speech policy when: (a) targeting Russian soldiers, EXCEPT prisoners of war, or (b) targeting Russians where it's clear that the context is the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g., content mentions the invasion, self-defense, etc.)," it said in the email. "We are doing this because we have observed that in this specific context, 'Russian soldiers' is being used as a proxy for the Russian military. The Hate Speech policy continues to prohibit attacks on Russians," the email stated. "We don't want to believe the Reuters report - it is just too difficult to believe," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We hope it is not true because if it is true then it will mean that there will have to be the most decisive measures to end the activities of this company." Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? "As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders.' We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. The calls for the leaders' deaths will be allowed unless they contain other targets or have two indicators of credibility, such as the location or method, one email said, in a recent change to the company's rules on violence and incitement. Citing the Reuters story, Russia's embassy in the United States demanded that Washington stop the "extremist activities" of Meta. Also see | Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch? "Users of Facebook & Instagram did not give the owners of these platforms the right to determine the criteria of truth and pit nations against each other," the embassy said on Twitter. Russian Embassy in the US: Noted the @Reuters message that the @Meta permitted to post calls for violence against the Russian leadership & our military personnel on #Facebook & #Instagram. https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv — Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) March 11, 2022 × Prosecutors have asked a Russian court to designate Facebook's parent organisation Meta Platforms as an "extremist organisation," Interfax reported on Friday. The state prosecutor also asked Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor to restrict access to Meta's Instagram social networking service. Previously, Roskomnadzor said it cut access to Twitter and Facebook in line with a decision by the prosecutor general’s office. In blocking Facebook, Roskomnadzor cited its alleged “discrimination” of the Russian media and state information resources. The agency said in a statement that the restrictions introduced by Facebook owner Meta on the Russian news channel RT and other state-controlled media violate Russian law. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow opens case against Meta for calling for 'murder' of Russians

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns.

Touting pivot and an&nbsp;all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value.

The huge drop, erasing over $200 billion from Meta's market capitalisation and around $29 billion from Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg's net worth, spilled over to the broader technology sector and dragged the Nasdaq Composite Index lower.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deceitful-business-texas-sues-metas-facebook-over-facial-recognition-system-453354" hreflang="en">'Deceitful business': Texas sues Meta's Facebook over facial recognition system</a>

“‘Focus on long-term impact’ emphasizes long-term thinking and encourages us to extend the timeline for the impact we have, rather than optimizing for near-term wins,” Zuckerberg wrote in his post.&nbsp;

“We should take on the challenges that will be the most impactful, even if the full results won’t be seen for years.”

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Zuckerberg has an ironclad hold on Facebook Inc. He holds the majority of the company’s voting shares, controls its board of directors and has increasingly surrounded himself with executives who don’t appear to question his vision.

Meta reported a decline in daily active users from the previous quarter for the first time as competition with rivals like TikTok, the video sharing platform owned by China's ByteDance, heats up.

"As we build the next chapter of our company as Meta, we just updated the values that guide our work," Zuckerberg wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-threatens-eu-to-pull-facebook-instagram-on-failure-to-scrap-privacy-pact-451544" hreflang="en">Meta threatens EU to pull Facebook, Instagram on failure to scrap privacy pact</a>

Meta's new credo also calls for being direct, but respectful to colleagues, collaborating as "Metamates."

"Meta, Metamates, Me is about being good stewards of our company and mission," Zuckerberg wrote.

"It's about taking care of our company and each other."

Facebook last reworked its professed values in 2007, according to the company's co-founder and chief.

Critics have derided Facebook's rebrand as an attempted distraction from an avalanche of damaging revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen.

The "Facebook Papers" revealed&nbsp;numerous instances where researchers and rank-and-file workers uncovered deep-seated problems that the company then overlooked or ignored.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns. Touting pivot and an all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns. Touting pivot and an all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value. The huge drop, erasing over $200 billion from Meta's market capitalisation and around $29 billion from Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg's net worth, spilled over to the broader technology sector and dragged the Nasdaq Composite Index lower. Also read | 'Deceitful business': Texas sues Meta's Facebook over facial recognition system “‘Focus on long-term impact’ emphasizes long-term thinking and encourages us to extend the timeline for the impact we have, rather than optimizing for near-term wins,” Zuckerberg wrote in his post. “We should take on the challenges that will be the most impactful, even if the full results won’t be seen for years.” Zuckerberg has an ironclad hold on Facebook Inc. He holds the majority of the company’s voting shares, controls its board of directors and has increasingly surrounded himself with executives who don’t appear to question his vision. Meta reported a decline in daily active users from the previous quarter for the first time as competition with rivals like TikTok, the video sharing platform owned by China's ByteDance, heats up. "As we build the next chapter of our company as Meta, we just updated the values that guide our work," Zuckerberg wrote. Also read | Meta threatens EU to pull Facebook, Instagram on failure to scrap privacy pact Meta's new credo also calls for being direct, but respectful to colleagues, collaborating as "Metamates." "Meta, Metamates, Me is about being good stewards of our company and mission," Zuckerberg wrote. "It's about taking care of our company and each other." Facebook last reworked its professed values in 2007, according to the company's co-founder and chief. Critics have derided Facebook's rebrand as an attempted distraction from an avalanche of damaging revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen. The "Facebook Papers" revealed numerous instances where researchers and rank-and-file workers uncovered deep-seated problems that the company then overlooked or ignored. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Live in the future’: Mark Zuckerberg revamps company values as Meta faces investment concerns

The state of Texas on Monday sued Facebook's parent company Meta over privacy protection issues stating that its facial recognition system collected biometric data of citizens without their consent.

The Texas lawsuit alleged that Facebook captured biometric information from photos and videos without the users' consent as Attorney General Ken Paxton said it was an example of "big tech’s deceitful business practices".

However, Meta spokesperson said the "claims are without merit" while vowing to "defend itself vigorously".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/facebooks-ai-reality-scroll-images-on-a-computer-screen-by-just-thinking-about-it-371594">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Facebook's AI reality: Scroll images on a computer screen by just thinking about it</a>

Mark Zuckerberg's company&nbsp;had declared last year that it would be shutting down its facial recognition system and would delete people's information. Two years ago it had agreed to pay $650 million in a similar privacy case. It was said to be the largest ever settlement of a privacy lawsuit at the time.

The Illinois lawsuit was filed in 2015 over Facebook's photo-tagging feature as it used the facial recognition system&nbsp;as attorney Edelson asserted that "biometrics along with geolocation were the two primary battlegrounds".

Watch:&nbsp;Facebook reports a decline in daily active users

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/metas-shares-plummet-26-after-facebook-reports-a-decline-in-daily-active-users-450488/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a similar move, the Texas lawsuit said Facebook had captured biometric identifiers of Texans "without consent not hundreds, or thousands, or millions of times but billions of times."

“Facebook will no longer take advantage of people and their children with the intent to turn a profit at the expense of one’s safety and well-being,” Paxton said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-instagram-to-whatsapp-victims-of-facebooks-buy-and-bury-strategy-348884">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;From Instagram to Whatsapp: Victims of Facebook's 'buy and bury' strategy</a>

Facebook has been under fire over various issues. Last year whistleblower Frances Haugen had alleged that adults perceive Facebook content as "boring, misleading, and negative" after she leaked documents highlighting the social network's effect on teens and users' well-being. Facebook however dismissed Haugen's charges.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The state of Texas on Monday sued Facebook's parent company Meta over privacy protection issues stating that its facial recognition system collected biometric data of citizens without their consent.

The state of Texas on Monday sued Facebook's parent company Meta over privacy protection issues stating that its facial recognition system collected biometric data of citizens without their consent. The Texas lawsuit alleged that Facebook captured biometric information from photos and videos without the users' consent as Attorney General Ken Paxton said it was an example of "big tech’s deceitful business practices". However, Meta spokesperson said the "claims are without merit" while vowing to "defend itself vigorously". Also Read in Pics | Facebook's AI reality: Scroll images on a computer screen by just thinking about it Mark Zuckerberg's company had declared last year that it would be shutting down its facial recognition system and would delete people's information. Two years ago it had agreed to pay $650 million in a similar privacy case. It was said to be the largest ever settlement of a privacy lawsuit at the time. The Illinois lawsuit was filed in 2015 over Facebook's photo-tagging feature as it used the facial recognition system as attorney Edelson asserted that "biometrics along with geolocation were the two primary battlegrounds". Watch: Facebook reports a decline in daily active users In a similar move, the Texas lawsuit said Facebook had captured biometric identifiers of Texans "without consent not hundreds, or thousands, or millions of times but billions of times." “Facebook will no longer take advantage of people and their children with the intent to turn a profit at the expense of one’s safety and well-being,” Paxton said. Also Read in Pics | From Instagram to Whatsapp: Victims of Facebook's 'buy and bury' strategy Facebook has been under fire over various issues. Last year whistleblower Frances Haugen had alleged that adults perceive Facebook content as "boring, misleading, and negative" after she leaked documents highlighting the social network's effect on teens and users' well-being. Facebook however dismissed Haugen's charges. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Deceitful business': Texas sues Meta's Facebook over facial recognition system

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced a state inquiry into the widening Pegasus spying scandal.

"Things allegedly happened here that are very serious," he said in a statement that also credited Pegasus as "an important tool in the fight against terrorism and severe crime".

"But they were not intended to be used in phishing campaigns targeting the Israeli public or officials,&nbsp;which is why we need to understand exactly what happened."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pegasus-row-israeli-citizens-targeted-by-police-using-nso-spyware-software-445948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It comes after a newspaper reported illicit use by police of powerful spyware against confidants of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a slew of other public figures.

Pegasus, a cellphone hacking tool made by Israel's NSO Group, was used to "phish for intelligence even before any investigation had been opened against the targets, and without judicial warrants", Calcalist daily said in an unsourced report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-spyware-hungarian-journalists-activists-to-sue-govt-over-snooping-allegations-448573">Also read |&nbsp;Pegasus spyware: Hungarian journalists, activists to sue govt over snooping allegations</a>

President Isaac Herzog suggested the credibility of key Israeli institutions was at stake.

"We must not lose our democracy. We must not lose our police. And we must certainly not lose public trust in them. This requires an in-depth and thorough investigation," Herzog said in response to the Calcalist report.&nbsp;

NSO says it only sells its spyware to legitimate government law enforcement and intelligence agencies vetted by Israel’s Defense Ministry for use against terrorists and criminals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-groups-chairman-asher-levi-quits-amid-row-over-use-of-pegasus-spyware-on-israeli-citizens-447489">Also read |&nbsp;NSO Group's chairman Asher Levi quits amid row over use of Pegasus spyware on Israeli citizens</a>

NSO Group is facing daunting financial and legal challenges,&nbsp;including the threat of default on more than $300 million in debt,&nbsp;after governments used Pegasus spyware to spy on dissidents, journalists, diplomats, and human rights activists from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and the United States.

The US blacklisting of NSO has effectively barred US companies from supplying technology to the Israeli firm.

Apple sued NSO last month, bent on halting the violation of its operating systems with exploits including a so-called zero-click hack that can compromise a device with no user interaction. The company alerted scores of users worldwide that they had been hacked.

In 2019, Facebook sued the Israeli firm over allegations of hacking its globally popular WhatsApp messenger app.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced a state inquiry into the widening Pegasus spying scandal. "Things allegedly happened here that are very serious," he said in a statement that also credited Pegasus as "an important tool in the fight against terrorism and severe crime".

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced a state inquiry into the widening Pegasus spying scandal. "Things allegedly happened here that are very serious," he said in a statement that also credited Pegasus as "an important tool in the fight against terrorism and severe crime". "But they were not intended to be used in phishing campaigns targeting the Israeli public or officials, which is why we need to understand exactly what happened." It comes after a newspaper reported illicit use by police of powerful spyware against confidants of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a slew of other public figures. Pegasus, a cellphone hacking tool made by Israel's NSO Group, was used to "phish for intelligence even before any investigation had been opened against the targets, and without judicial warrants", Calcalist daily said in an unsourced report. Also read | Pegasus spyware: Hungarian journalists, activists to sue govt over snooping allegations President Isaac Herzog suggested the credibility of key Israeli institutions was at stake. "We must not lose our democracy. We must not lose our police. And we must certainly not lose public trust in them. This requires an in-depth and thorough investigation," Herzog said in response to the Calcalist report. NSO says it only sells its spyware to legitimate government law enforcement and intelligence agencies vetted by Israel’s Defense Ministry for use against terrorists and criminals. Also read | NSO Group's chairman Asher Levi quits amid row over use of Pegasus spyware on Israeli citizens NSO Group is facing daunting financial and legal challenges, including the threat of default on more than $300 million in debt, after governments used Pegasus spyware to spy on dissidents, journalists, diplomats, and human rights activists from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and the United States. The US blacklisting of NSO has effectively barred US companies from supplying technology to the Israeli firm. Apple sued NSO last month, bent on halting the violation of its operating systems with exploits including a so-called zero-click hack that can compromise a device with no user interaction. The company alerted scores of users worldwide that they had been hacked. In 2019, Facebook sued the Israeli firm over allegations of hacking its globally popular WhatsApp messenger app. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus spying scandal: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announces state inquiry

Andrew Forrest, Australian billionaire and iron ore magnate has said that he is filing criminal suit against Facebook. He is alleging that Meta's platform breached anti-money laundering laws and was being used to scam Austrlians. Forrest, Australia's richest man, is chairman of Fortescue Metals Group.

He said that he was taking legal action to stop people from losing money to clickbait advertising scams. He added&nbsp;that his image was also being used to promote cryptocurrency schemes. He has filed the lawsuit in Magistrates Court of Western Australia alleges Facebook

The lawsuit says Facebook &nbsp;"failed to create controls or a corporate culture to prevent its systems being used to commit crime."

It also alleges Facebook was criminally reckless by not taking sufficient steps to stop criminals from using its social media platform to send scam advertisements to defraud Australian users.

The lawsuit comes after Forrest said he made several requests asking Facebook to prevent his image from being used to promote investment plans, including in an open letter to Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg in November 2019.

Facebook, which changed its name to Meta last year, declined to comment on the lawsuit but said that in general it has always taken a "multifaceted approach" to stop such ads appearing and had blocked advertisers.

"We're committed to keeping these people off our platform," a spokesperson for Meta said in an emailed statement.

Some advertisements, which have used Forrest's image and claimed to promote cryptocurrency investment schemes, have appeared on Facebook since March 2019, the lawsuit said.

"This action is being taken on behalf of those everyday Australians – Mums and Dads, Grans and Grandads – who work all their lives to gather their savings and to ensure those savings aren't swindled away by scammers," Forrest said in a statement.

Under Australian law, a private prosecution of a foreign corporation for alleged offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code requires the consent of the country's attorney general.

"The Attorney-General has given her consent to the private prosecution against Facebook in relation to alleged offences under subsection 400.7(2) of the Criminal Code," said Steven Lewis, principal of Mark O'Brien Legal, which will represent Forrest in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)

Andrew Forrest, Australian billionaire and iron ore magnate has said that he is filing criminal suit against Facebook. He is alleging that Meta's platform breached anti-money laundering laws and was being used to scam Austrlians.

Andrew Forrest, Australian billionaire and iron ore magnate has said that he is filing criminal suit against Facebook. He is alleging that Meta's platform breached anti-money laundering laws and was being used to scam Austrlians. Forrest, Australia's richest man, is chairman of Fortescue Metals Group. He said that he was taking legal action to stop people from losing money to clickbait advertising scams. He added that his image was also being used to promote cryptocurrency schemes. He has filed the lawsuit in Magistrates Court of Western Australia alleges Facebook The lawsuit says Facebook "failed to create controls or a corporate culture to prevent its systems being used to commit crime." It also alleges Facebook was criminally reckless by not taking sufficient steps to stop criminals from using its social media platform to send scam advertisements to defraud Australian users. The lawsuit comes after Forrest said he made several requests asking Facebook to prevent his image from being used to promote investment plans, including in an open letter to Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg in November 2019. Facebook, which changed its name to Meta last year, declined to comment on the lawsuit but said that in general it has always taken a "multifaceted approach" to stop such ads appearing and had blocked advertisers. "We're committed to keeping these people off our platform," a spokesperson for Meta said in an emailed statement. Some advertisements, which have used Forrest's image and claimed to promote cryptocurrency investment schemes, have appeared on Facebook since March 2019, the lawsuit said. "This action is being taken on behalf of those everyday Australians – Mums and Dads, Grans and Grandads – who work all their lives to gather their savings and to ensure those savings aren't swindled away by scammers," Forrest said in a statement. Under Australian law, a private prosecution of a foreign corporation for alleged offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code requires the consent of the country's attorney general. "The Attorney-General has given her consent to the private prosecution against Facebook in relation to alleged offences under subsection 400.7(2) of the Criminal Code," said Steven Lewis, principal of Mark O'Brien Legal, which will represent Forrest in the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's richest man sues Facebook over use of his image in scam ads

Indian&nbsp;officials&nbsp;have&nbsp;held&nbsp;heated&nbsp;discussions&nbsp;with&nbsp;Google,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech.

The&nbsp;officials, from the Ministry of Information&nbsp;and&nbsp;Broadcasting (I&amp;B), strongly criticised the companies&nbsp;and&nbsp;said their inaction on fake news was forcing the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;government to order content takedowns, which in turn drew international criticism that authorities were suppressing free expression, two sources said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-youtube-channels-two-websites-taken-down-under-it-act-for-anti-india-propaganda-report-438631">20 YouTube channels, two websites taken down under IT Act for ‘anti-India’ propaganda: Report</a>

The sources, who were familiar with the proceedings at the virtual meeting on Monday, described the conversation as tense&nbsp;and&nbsp;heated, signalling a new low in ties between American tech giants&nbsp;and&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;did not issue an ultimatum to the companies at the meeting, the sources said. The government has been tightening tech sector regulations, but wants companies to do more on content moderation.

The meeting was a follow-up to the I&amp;B ministry's use of "emergency powers" in December&nbsp;and&nbsp;January to order the blocking of 55 channels on&nbsp;Google's YouTube platform,&nbsp;and&nbsp;some&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;account.

The government had said the channels were promoting "fake news" or "anti-India" content&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the disinformation was being spread by accounts based in neighbouring Pakistan.

The I&amp;B ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the meeting, which was also attended by&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;content-sharing platforms ShareChat&nbsp;and&nbsp;Koo, which&nbsp;have&nbsp;millions of users in the country.

Facebook, now known as Meta,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;ShareChat declined to comment.

Without commenting on the meeting, Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said in a statement it reviews government’s requests&nbsp;and&nbsp;“where appropriate, we restrict or remove content in keeping with local laws.” Koo said it complies with local laws&nbsp;and&nbsp;has strong content moderation practices in place.

In its transparency reports,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;has said the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;government makes among the highest number of requests to remove content from its platform. Technology website Comparitech in October said India made 97,631 content removal requests in 2020, the second-highest in the world after Russia, mostly to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google.

Strained ties

During the meeting, senior tech executives told the&nbsp;officials&nbsp;that they take adequate measures to remove or curb the spread of misinformation on their platforms and&nbsp;act on legally-valid content removal requests, said the sources.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;told&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to review its internal guidelines to remove fake content automatically, said the sources.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;also said the government was disappointed that big social media platforms, including&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Twitter, weren't detecting&nbsp;and&nbsp;removing such content on their own.

Instead, the government was forced to order takedowns, opening it to criticism&nbsp;and&nbsp;damaging its public image, the&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said during the meeting, according to the sources.

Executives from&nbsp;Google&nbsp;told the I&amp;B&nbsp;officials&nbsp;that one way to resolve that was for the ministry to avoid making takedown decisions public. The firms could work with the government&nbsp;and&nbsp;act on the alleged fake content, which could be a win-win for both sides,&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said, according to one of the sources.

The idea was summarily rejected by the government&nbsp;officials, who said the takedowns also publicise how the companies weren't doing enough to tackle fake news on their own, the person said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Spotify reportedly loses USD 4 billion in market value

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-spotify-reportedly-loses-usd-4-billion-in-market-value-449977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While ordering takedowns of certain online accounts in January, the government said it was doing so to "secure the overall information environment in India", adding that such fake content was on "sensitive subjects" such as the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;Army, India's foreign relations&nbsp;and&nbsp;local state elections.

Digital rights advocates say such government orders curb free speech&nbsp;and&nbsp;set a worrying precedent.

"Detailed takedown orders are not made public by the government," said Apar Gupta, the executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation, adding that the basis for the action was not explained.

This allowed authorities to censor content even if it does not violate public order or the security of the state, he said.

Indian officials have held heated discussions with Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech.

Indian officials have held heated discussions with Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech. The officials, from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), strongly criticised the companies and said their inaction on fake news was forcing the Indian government to order content takedowns, which in turn drew international criticism that authorities were suppressing free expression, two sources said. Also read | 20 YouTube channels, two websites taken down under IT Act for ‘anti-India’ propaganda: Report The sources, who were familiar with the proceedings at the virtual meeting on Monday, described the conversation as tense and heated, signalling a new low in ties between American tech giants and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The officials did not issue an ultimatum to the companies at the meeting, the sources said. The government has been tightening tech sector regulations, but wants companies to do more on content moderation. The meeting was a follow-up to the I&B ministry's use of "emergency powers" in December and January to order the blocking of 55 channels on Google's YouTube platform, and some Twitter and Facebook account. The government had said the channels were promoting "fake news" or "anti-India" content and that the disinformation was being spread by accounts based in neighbouring Pakistan. The I&B ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the meeting, which was also attended by Indian content-sharing platforms ShareChat and Koo, which have millions of users in the country. Facebook, now known as Meta, Twitter and ShareChat declined to comment. Without commenting on the meeting, Alphabet Inc's Google said in a statement it reviews government’s requests and “where appropriate, we restrict or remove content in keeping with local laws.” Koo said it complies with local laws and has strong content moderation practices in place. In its transparency reports, Twitter has said the Indian government makes among the highest number of requests to remove content from its platform. Technology website Comparitech in October said India made 97,631 content removal requests in 2020, the second-highest in the world after Russia, mostly to Facebook and Google. Strained ties During the meeting, senior tech executives told the officials that they take adequate measures to remove or curb the spread of misinformation on their platforms and act on legally-valid content removal requests, said the sources. The officials told Google to review its internal guidelines to remove fake content automatically, said the sources. The officials also said the government was disappointed that big social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, weren't detecting and removing such content on their own. Instead, the government was forced to order takedowns, opening it to criticism and damaging its public image, the officials said during the meeting, according to the sources. Executives from Google told the I&B officials that one way to resolve that was for the ministry to avoid making takedown decisions public. The firms could work with the government and act on the alleged fake content, which could be a win-win for both sides, Google said, according to one of the sources. The idea was summarily rejected by the government officials, who said the takedowns also publicise how the companies weren't doing enough to tackle fake news on their own, the person said. Watch | Gravitas: Spotify reportedly loses USD 4 billion in market value While ordering takedowns of certain online accounts in January, the government said it was doing so to "secure the overall information environment in India", adding that such fake content was on "sensitive subjects" such as the Indian Army, India's foreign relations and local state elections. Digital rights advocates say such government orders curb free speech and set a worrying precedent. "Detailed takedown orders are not made public by the government," said Apar Gupta, the executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation, adding that the basis for the action was not explained. This allowed authorities to censor content even if it does not violate public order or the security of the state, he said.

India seeks tougher action from US tech giants on fake news

On Wednesday, Meta, Facebook's parent company, announced a gloomy mix of lower profits, fewer users and threats to its ad business that sent shares down by 22 per cent in after-hours trading.&nbsp;

As jittery markets punished pandemic-era darlings like Netflix for disappointing results, Meta also got a taste after its $10.3-billion quarterly profit and daily user growth failed to live up to expectations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-3000-personnel-face-getting-discharged-as-us-army-tightens-vaccine-mandate-rules-449993" hreflang="en">More than 3000 personnel face getting discharged as US Army tightens vaccine mandate rules</a>

These are the first results since the company changed its name to Metaverse in late October;&nbsp;both a move towards the metaverse vision and a departure from its scandal-prone social media empire.

Facebook reported about one million fewer daily users during the last two quarters of 2021 - a tiny drop in an app that has nearly two billion daily users, but an indication of stagnation nonetheless.

David Weiner, CFO, told analysts that global user growth was hindered by "headwinds," including growth disproportionately in Asia-Pacific during the pandemic, which has since slowed, and an increase in mobile data prices in India.

"In addition to these factors, we believe competitive services are negatively impacting growth, particularly with younger audiences," Weiner added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wages-rise-at-fastest-pace-since-2002-as-inflation-continues-to-run-hot-448595" hreflang="en">Wages rise at fastest pace since 2002 as inflation continues to run hot</a>

Although the company faces numerous probes and complaints of abuse of dominance, its executives have repeatedly pointed to competition from TikTok as well as from other networks.

Analysts expected 1.95 billion daily active users on Facebook, but Meta reported 1.93 billion -- a key indicator of the growth trajectory for a company fueled by the people who choose to interact with its platforms.&nbsp;

Meta's fourth-quarter net profit was $10.3 billion, down eight per cent from last year, but the company made $33.67 billion in turnover, in line with its forecasts.

Meta attributed the disappointing performance to competition and supply chain difficulties faced by its customers, the advertisers.

Watch |&nbsp;Meta shares plunge 20%, faces heat from Apple, TikTok

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-shares-plunge-20-faces-heat-from-apple-tiktok-450026/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During after-hours trading, Meta's shares fell by 22 per cent to $250 at 0010 GMT.

Furthermore, the company said the ad targeting rules imposed by Apple last year hurt its financial results in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

As part of a recent update to its mobile operating system, Apple required application publishers to ask permission before collecting data, much to the chagrin of companies like Meta that rely on this information to target ads.

On Wednesday, Meta, Facebook's parent company, announced a gloomy mix of lower profits, fewer users and threats to its ad business that sent shares down by 22 per cent in after-hours trading.

On Wednesday, Meta, Facebook's parent company, announced a gloomy mix of lower profits, fewer users and threats to its ad business that sent shares down by 22 per cent in after-hours trading. As jittery markets punished pandemic-era darlings like Netflix for disappointing results, Meta also got a taste after its $10.3-billion quarterly profit and daily user growth failed to live up to expectations. Also read | More than 3000 personnel face getting discharged as US Army tightens vaccine mandate rules These are the first results since the company changed its name to Metaverse in late October; both a move towards the metaverse vision and a departure from its scandal-prone social media empire. Facebook reported about one million fewer daily users during the last two quarters of 2021 - a tiny drop in an app that has nearly two billion daily users, but an indication of stagnation nonetheless. David Weiner, CFO, told analysts that global user growth was hindered by "headwinds," including growth disproportionately in Asia-Pacific during the pandemic, which has since slowed, and an increase in mobile data prices in India. "In addition to these factors, we believe competitive services are negatively impacting growth, particularly with younger audiences," Weiner added. Also read | Wages rise at fastest pace since 2002 as inflation continues to run hot Although the company faces numerous probes and complaints of abuse of dominance, its executives have repeatedly pointed to competition from TikTok as well as from other networks. Analysts expected 1.95 billion daily active users on Facebook, but Meta reported 1.93 billion -- a key indicator of the growth trajectory for a company fueled by the people who choose to interact with its platforms. Meta's fourth-quarter net profit was $10.3 billion, down eight per cent from last year, but the company made $33.67 billion in turnover, in line with its forecasts. Meta attributed the disappointing performance to competition and supply chain difficulties faced by its customers, the advertisers. Watch | Meta shares plunge 20%, faces heat from Apple, TikTok During after-hours trading, Meta's shares fell by 22 per cent to $250 at 0010 GMT. Furthermore, the company said the ad targeting rules imposed by Apple last year hurt its financial results in the fourth quarter. As part of a recent update to its mobile operating system, Apple required application publishers to ask permission before collecting data, much to the chagrin of companies like Meta that rely on this information to target ads.

Meta shares sink 22% as Facebook loses one million daily users

India is gearing up to celebrate 73rd Republic Day. A sense of patriotism is palpable across the nation. This is the day on which India's Constitution came into force in the year 1950. This was the birth of Indian republic based firmly on democratic values. Each year, celebration of Republic Day is an ode to the principles Indian democracy holds dear. It is celebration of a national festival.

The day is marked by Republic Day Parade which takes place on Raj Path each year. Dignitaries such as President and Prime Minister of India along with other guests are present. This year, due to Covid-19 India is not hosting any foreign dignitaries.

Like any other Indian festival, Republic Day is a day when countrymen share spirit of patriotism over WhatsApp messages. Some even dedicate Facebook status to mark Republic Day.

Want to know what lines are doing rounds? Read on.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Let us remember the golden heritage of our country and feel proud to be a part of India. Happy Republic Day 2021.</li>
	<li>A thousand salutes to this great nation of ours. May it become even more prosperous and great. Happy Republic Day</li>
	<li>Be proud that you are an Indian because lucky are those who are born in this great country. Happy Republic Day 2021</li>
	<li>Freedom has not come easy, it is because of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, so never take it for granted. Happy Republic Day 2021!</li>
	<li>May you have joy to make you sweet, strife to make you strong, sadness to keep you human and hope to bring joy to our nation. Happy Republic Day!</li>
	<li>This Republic Day, let us pledge to keep our neighbourhood clean and tidy. This would, in turn, keep diseases at bay and make India prettier and healthier. Jai Hind</li>
	<li>This Republic Day, let us pledge to keep our neighbourhood clean and tidy. This would, in turn, keep diseases at bay and make India prettier and healthier. Jai Hind</li>
	<li>Republic day is not just about flaunting our patriotic zest or a one-day celebration. We shall understand the true meaning of Independence only if we acknowledge the selfless sacrifices of freedom fighters, the thankless services of our defence forces and the infinite contributions of our farmers. Ignite the undying spirit of nationalism within. Jai Hind. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

India is gearing up to celebrate 73rd Republic Day. A sense of patriotism is palpable across the nation. This is the day on which India's Constitution came into force in the year 1950.

India is gearing up to celebrate 73rd Republic Day. A sense of patriotism is palpable across the nation. This is the day on which India's Constitution came into force in the year 1950. This was the birth of Indian republic based firmly on democratic values. Each year, celebration of Republic Day is an ode to the principles Indian democracy holds dear. It is celebration of a national festival. The day is marked by Republic Day Parade which takes place on Raj Path each year. Dignitaries such as President and Prime Minister of India along with other guests are present. This year, due to Covid-19 India is not hosting any foreign dignitaries. Like any other Indian festival, Republic Day is a day when countrymen share spirit of patriotism over WhatsApp messages. Some even dedicate Facebook status to mark Republic Day. Want to know what lines are doing rounds? Read on. Let us remember the golden heritage of our country and feel proud to be a part of India. Happy Republic Day 2021. A thousand salutes to this great nation of ours. May it become even more prosperous and great. Happy Republic Day Be proud that you are an Indian because lucky are those who are born in this great country. Happy Republic Day 2021 Freedom has not come easy, it is because of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, so never take it for granted. Happy Republic Day 2021! May you have joy to make you sweet, strife to make you strong, sadness to keep you human and hope to bring joy to our nation. Happy Republic Day! This Republic Day, let us pledge to keep our neighbourhood clean and tidy. This would, in turn, keep diseases at bay and make India prettier and healthier. Jai Hind This Republic Day, let us pledge to keep our neighbourhood clean and tidy. This would, in turn, keep diseases at bay and make India prettier and healthier. Jai Hind Republic day is not just about flaunting our patriotic zest or a one-day celebration. We shall understand the true meaning of Independence only if we acknowledge the selfless sacrifices of freedom fighters, the thankless services of our defence forces and the infinite contributions of our farmers. Ignite the undying spirit of nationalism within. Jai Hind.

Republic Day 2022: WhatsApp, Facebook messages to wear your patriotism on your sleeve

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February.

One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-donald-trumps-social-media-company-gets-agreements-for-1-billion-in-capital-434233">Former US president Donald Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital</a>

The 75-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was barred from using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>, and YouTube after last year's January 6 insurrection, when a mob of supporters riled by his repeated false claims that the November 2020 election had been stolen from him assaulted the US Capitol.

He was also permanently banned from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a> - one of his preferred methods of communication while president for incitement, and "glorification of violence".

As indicated in the listing, the "Truth Social" app is "expected" to go live on February 21 and will have features similar to those found in Facebook's online connection tools.

Currently, invited guests are using the social network as it gets ready for public launch, according to Trump Media and Technology Group.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-capitol-riots-one-year-on-america-more-polarised-than-ever-442764/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Truth Social will join an already crowded market of social networks popular among conservatives and members of the far-right.

Gettr, Parler, and Gab are already favoured by Trump supporters. Gettr was launched in July by a former adviser to the real estate mogul.

On the one year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, President Joe Biden ripped into Donald Trump, decrying his "lies" and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. On the first anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, he promised he would not let anyone put a "dagger at the throat of democracy."

Having ignored Trump for more than a year, Biden has now taken off the gloves, calling the Republican a cheat whose ego wouldn't allow him to accept defeat and whose supporters nearly destroyed US democracy when they stormed Congress to prevent certification of the election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-his-speech-on-the-anniversary-of-capitol-riots-biden-deems-trump-as-a-defeated-former-president-442730" hreflang="en">In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President'</a>

With millions of followers, Trump has spent the last year spreading conspiracy theories about his election loss. He quickly shot back with a series of statements doubling down on his lie about the "rigged" election and dismissing Biden's speech as "political theater."

(With inputs from agencies)

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February. One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices.

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February. One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices. Also read | Former US president Donald Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital The 75-year-old Donald Trump was barred from using Facebook, and YouTube after last year's January 6 insurrection, when a mob of supporters riled by his repeated false claims that the November 2020 election had been stolen from him assaulted the US Capitol. He was also permanently banned from Twitter - one of his preferred methods of communication while president for incitement, and "glorification of violence". As indicated in the listing, the "Truth Social" app is "expected" to go live on February 21 and will have features similar to those found in Facebook's online connection tools. Currently, invited guests are using the social network as it gets ready for public launch, according to Trump Media and Technology Group. Watch | Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever Truth Social will join an already crowded market of social networks popular among conservatives and members of the far-right. Gettr, Parler, and Gab are already favoured by Trump supporters. Gettr was launched in July by a former adviser to the real estate mogul. On the one year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, President Joe Biden ripped into Donald Trump, decrying his "lies" and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. On the first anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, he promised he would not let anyone put a "dagger at the throat of democracy." Having ignored Trump for more than a year, Biden has now taken off the gloves, calling the Republican a cheat whose ego wouldn't allow him to accept defeat and whose supporters nearly destroyed US democracy when they stormed Congress to prevent certification of the election. Also read | In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President' With millions of followers, Trump has spent the last year spreading conspiracy theories about his election loss. He quickly shot back with a series of statements doubling down on his lie about the "rigged" election and dismissing Biden's speech as "political theater." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon

Regulators in France have slapped massive fines of USD 237 million (210 million euros) on Facebook and Google over their use of 'cookies', said authorities on Thursday. Cookies and the data used to track users online.

Tech giants like Apple and Amazon have received major flak from regulators over their business practices in Europe. Massive fines have already been slapped and new rules may have far-reaching impact on how they operate in Europe.

The 150-million-euro fine imposed on Google was a record by France's National Commission for Information Technology and Freedom (CNIL), beating a previous cookie-related fine of 100 million euros against the company in December 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/the-metaverses-dark-side-here-come-harassment-and-assaults-442636">The Metaverse’s dark side: Here come harassment and assaults</a>

Facebook was handed a 60-million-euro fine.

"CNIL has determined that the sites facebook.com, google.fr and (Google-owned) youtube.com do not allow users to refuse the use of cookies as simply as to accept them," the regulatory body said.

Facebook and Google have three months to adapt their practices. If they fail to do so, France will impose fines of 100,000 euros per day.

Google told AFP it would change its practices following the ruling.

"In accordance with the expectations of internet users... we are committed to implementing new changes, as well as to working actively with CNIL in response to its decision," the US firm said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cookies are little packets of data that are set up on a user's computer when they visit a website, allowing web browsers to save information about their session.

They are highly valuable for Google and Facebook as ways to personalise advertising -- their primary source of revenue.&nbsp;

But privacy advocates have long pushed back.&nbsp;

Since the European Union passed a 2018 law on personal data, internet companies face stricter rules that oblige them to seek the direct consent of users before installing cookies on their computers.

90 notices issued

CNIL argued that Google, Facebook and YouTube make it very easy to consent to cookies via a single button, whereas rejecting the request requires several clicks.

It had given internet companies until April 2021 to adapt to the tighter privacy rules, warning that they would start facing sanctions after that date.

French newspaper Le Figaro was the first to be sanctioned, receiving a fine of 50,000 euros in July for allowing cookies to be installed by advertising partners without the direct approval of users, or even after they had rejected them.

CNIL said recently that it had sent 90 formal notices to websites since April.

In 2020, it inflicted fines of 100 million and 35 million euros respectively on Google and Amazon for their use of cookies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Regulators in France have slapped massive fines of USD 237 million (210 million euros) on Facebook and Google over their use of 'cookies', said authorities on Thursday.

Regulators in France have slapped massive fines of USD 237 million (210 million euros) on Facebook and Google over their use of 'cookies', said authorities on Thursday. Cookies and the data used to track users online. Tech giants like Apple and Amazon have received major flak from regulators over their business practices in Europe. Massive fines have already been slapped and new rules may have far-reaching impact on how they operate in Europe. The 150-million-euro fine imposed on Google was a record by France's National Commission for Information Technology and Freedom (CNIL), beating a previous cookie-related fine of 100 million euros against the company in December 2020. Also Read | The Metaverse’s dark side: Here come harassment and assaults Facebook was handed a 60-million-euro fine. "CNIL has determined that the sites facebook.com, google.fr and (Google-owned) youtube.com do not allow users to refuse the use of cookies as simply as to accept them," the regulatory body said. Facebook and Google have three months to adapt their practices. If they fail to do so, France will impose fines of 100,000 euros per day. Google told AFP it would change its practices following the ruling. "In accordance with the expectations of internet users... we are committed to implementing new changes, as well as to working actively with CNIL in response to its decision," the US firm said in a statement. Cookies are little packets of data that are set up on a user's computer when they visit a website, allowing web browsers to save information about their session. They are highly valuable for Google and Facebook as ways to personalise advertising -- their primary source of revenue. But privacy advocates have long pushed back. Since the European Union passed a 2018 law on personal data, internet companies face stricter rules that oblige them to seek the direct consent of users before installing cookies on their computers. 90 notices issued CNIL argued that Google, Facebook and YouTube make it very easy to consent to cookies via a single button, whereas rejecting the request requires several clicks. It had given internet companies until April 2021 to adapt to the tighter privacy rules, warning that they would start facing sanctions after that date. French newspaper Le Figaro was the first to be sanctioned, receiving a fine of 50,000 euros in July for allowing cookies to be installed by advertising partners without the direct approval of users, or even after they had rejected them. CNIL said recently that it had sent 90 formal notices to websites since April. In 2020, it inflicted fines of 100 million and 35 million euros respectively on Google and Amazon for their use of cookies. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Google slapped with huge fines in France over 'cookies'

Facebook owner Meta has applied for an opportunity to appeal a British regulator's ruling that Meta should sell Giphy, a popular animated images platform.

Competition Appeal Tribunal said on Wednesday that Meta had lodged an application for review on December. Meta has challenged Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) ruling on six grounds.

The CMA had delivered the ruling on Giphy in November last year. The watchdog had said that Meta's acquisition &nbsp;of the animated graphics startup would hit competition and advertising.

Stuart McIntosh, who headed an inquiry into the buyout, said action was required because the tie-up had already affected competition in the display advertising market.

"Without action, it will also allow Facebook to increase its significant market power in social media even further, through controlling competitors' access to Giphy GIFs," he added.

"By requiring Facebook to sell Giphy we are protecting millions of social media users and promoting competition and innovation in digital advertising."

Meta, which announced the purchase of Giphy for a reported $400 million in May 2020, had said it disagreed with the ruling.

The CMA said the merger would allow Facebook to increase its significant market power by denying or limiting other platforms' access to Giphy GIFs.

It would also deny or limit other social media sites' access to Giphy GIFs, driving more traffic to Facebook-owned sites such as WhatsApp and Instagram, which account for 73 percent of social media user time in Britain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook owner Meta has applied for an opportunity to appeal a British regulator's ruling that Meta should sell Giphy, a popular animated images platform. Competition Appeal Tribunal said on Wednesday that Meta had lodged an application for review on December.

Facebook owner Meta has applied for an opportunity to appeal a British regulator's ruling that Meta should sell Giphy, a popular animated images platform. Competition Appeal Tribunal said on Wednesday that Meta had lodged an application for review on December. Meta has challenged Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) ruling on six grounds. The CMA had delivered the ruling on Giphy in November last year. The watchdog had said that Meta's acquisition of the animated graphics startup would hit competition and advertising. Stuart McIntosh, who headed an inquiry into the buyout, said action was required because the tie-up had already affected competition in the display advertising market. "Without action, it will also allow Facebook to increase its significant market power in social media even further, through controlling competitors' access to Giphy GIFs," he added. "By requiring Facebook to sell Giphy we are protecting millions of social media users and promoting competition and innovation in digital advertising." Meta, which announced the purchase of Giphy for a reported $400 million in May 2020, had said it disagreed with the ruling. The CMA said the merger would allow Facebook to increase its significant market power by denying or limiting other platforms' access to Giphy GIFs. It would also deny or limit other social media sites' access to Giphy GIFs, driving more traffic to Facebook-owned sites such as WhatsApp and Instagram, which account for 73 percent of social media user time in Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta appeals British regulator's ruling that asked Facebook to sell Giphy

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports.

The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported.

With this latest purchase, Zuckerberg’s estate, which he calls Ko’olau Ranch, has grown to nearly 1,500 acres, including&nbsp;a pristine forest, on Kauai's north shore.

The reservoir, whose dam broke which led to a flood that killed seven people in 2006, remains unrepaired and on the state’s list of high-risk dams.

But, Ben LaBolt, spokesman for the couple, told news agency AP that Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chang are committed to doing their part of fulfilling legal requirements and promoting safety of the reservoir.

The couple plan to extend farming, ranching, conservation and wildlife protection work on the land, LaBolt said. They already had 1,300 acres (526 hectares) on the island.

This is Zuckerberg's second purchase this year: In March, he paid $53 million for nearly 600 acres of land on Kauai that includes a public beach and a working cattle ranch. That added to the 750 acres he purchased nearby in 2014.

But Zuckerberg’s presence on the island has remained controversial.

According to Star-Advertiser, Zuckerberg had filed several lawsuits aimed at forcing these families to sell their land at a public court auction to the highest bidder, a legal action known as “quiet title and partition”.

He also reportedly built a six-foot wall last year, to cut off locals’ access to his estate.

(With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports. The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported.

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports. The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported. With this latest purchase, Zuckerberg’s estate, which he calls Ko’olau Ranch, has grown to nearly 1,500 acres, including a pristine forest, on Kauai's north shore. The reservoir, whose dam broke which led to a flood that killed seven people in 2006, remains unrepaired and on the state’s list of high-risk dams. But, Ben LaBolt, spokesman for the couple, told news agency AP that Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chang are committed to doing their part of fulfilling legal requirements and promoting safety of the reservoir. The couple plan to extend farming, ranching, conservation and wildlife protection work on the land, LaBolt said. They already had 1,300 acres (526 hectares) on the island. This is Zuckerberg's second purchase this year: In March, he paid $53 million for nearly 600 acres of land on Kauai that includes a public beach and a working cattle ranch. That added to the 750 acres he purchased nearby in 2014. But Zuckerberg’s presence on the island has remained controversial. According to Star-Advertiser, Zuckerberg had filed several lawsuits aimed at forcing these families to sell their land at a public court auction to the highest bidder, a legal action known as “quiet title and partition”. He also reportedly built a six-foot wall last year, to cut off locals’ access to his estate. (With inputs from agencies)

Mark Zuckerberg buys 110 more acres of land, including deadly reservoir, in Hawaii

From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021

Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant.

Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. &nbsp;They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed.

Reuters said that Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

Russia in October sent state bailiffs to enforce the collection of 17 million roubles in fines imposed on Facebook. Interfax said there were no more enforcement proceedings against the company as of Sunday, citing the federal bailiff service's database.

Moscow has increased pressure on large tech firms this year in a campaign that critics characterise as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, something they say threatens to stifle individual and corporate freedom.

Interfax said messaging app Telegram has also paid 15 million roubles in fines.

Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant.

Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant. Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed. Reuters said that Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. Russia in October sent state bailiffs to enforce the collection of 17 million roubles in fines imposed on Facebook. Interfax said there were no more enforcement proceedings against the company as of Sunday, citing the federal bailiff service's database. Moscow has increased pressure on large tech firms this year in a campaign that critics characterise as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, something they say threatens to stifle individual and corporate freedom. Interfax said messaging app Telegram has also paid 15 million roubles in fines. Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook pays fine in Russia over content deemed illegal

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists.

Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fretting-about-data-security-chinese-government-expands-its-use-of-golden-shares-437299">Fretting about data security, Chinese government expands its use of 'golden shares'</a>

Furthermore, Facebook is warning about 50,000 users in more than 100 countries who may have been targeted by firms including several from Israel, a leading player in the cyber surveillance business.

"The surveillance-for-hire industry... looks like indiscriminate targeting on behalf of the highest bidder," Nathaniel Gleicher, head of security policy at Meta, told a press briefing.

Facebook said it removed accounts from Cobwebs Technologies, Cognyte, Black Cube and Bluehawk CI -- all of which are based or founded in Israel.

BellTroX, a company based in India, Cytrox based in Macedonia, and another entity with an unidentified location in China also had their Meta accounts removed.

Researchers at Canadian cybersecurity organisation Citizen Lab also accused Cytrox of developing and selling spyware used to hack Egyptian opposition figure Ayman Nour's phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-how-huawei-is-associated-with-chinas-state-surveillance-436995">This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance</a>

"These cyber mercenaries often claim that their services only target criminals and terrorists," said a Meta statement.&nbsp;

"Targeting is in fact indiscriminate and includes journalists, dissidents, critics of authoritarian regimes, families of opposition members and human rights activists," it added. "We have banned them from our services."

In most cases, the companies selling "web intelligence services" gather information from publicly available online sources, such as news reports and Wikipedia, before beginning the surveillance process.

Cyber mercenaries then created fake accounts on social media sites to gather info about users, Meta investigators said, joining groups and conversations to get further details.

A third tactic is to gain a target's trust on a social network and then trick the person into clicking a booby-trapped link or file that installs software that can then steal information from their devices.

Watch |&nbsp;Meta crackdown on spy firms: 1,500 accounts suspended

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-crackdown-on-spy-firms-1500-accounts-suspended-437605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This kind of access allows mercenaries to steal data from a target's phone or computer. In addition, they can silently activate microphones, cameras, and tracking systems.

While Meta was not being able to pinpoint who ran the Chinese operation, it tracked "command and control" of the surveillance tool to servers that appeared to be used by law enforcement officials in China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists. Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks. Also read | Fretting about data security, Chinese government expands its use of 'golden shares' Furthermore, Facebook is warning about 50,000 users in more than 100 countries who may have been targeted by firms including several from Israel, a leading player in the cyber surveillance business. "The surveillance-for-hire industry... looks like indiscriminate targeting on behalf of the highest bidder," Nathaniel Gleicher, head of security policy at Meta, told a press briefing. Facebook said it removed accounts from Cobwebs Technologies, Cognyte, Black Cube and Bluehawk CI -- all of which are based or founded in Israel. BellTroX, a company based in India, Cytrox based in Macedonia, and another entity with an unidentified location in China also had their Meta accounts removed. Researchers at Canadian cybersecurity organisation Citizen Lab also accused Cytrox of developing and selling spyware used to hack Egyptian opposition figure Ayman Nour's phone. Also read | This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance "These cyber mercenaries often claim that their services only target criminals and terrorists," said a Meta statement. "Targeting is in fact indiscriminate and includes journalists, dissidents, critics of authoritarian regimes, families of opposition members and human rights activists," it added. "We have banned them from our services." In most cases, the companies selling "web intelligence services" gather information from publicly available online sources, such as news reports and Wikipedia, before beginning the surveillance process. Cyber mercenaries then created fake accounts on social media sites to gather info about users, Meta investigators said, joining groups and conversations to get further details. A third tactic is to gain a target's trust on a social network and then trick the person into clicking a booby-trapped link or file that installs software that can then steal information from their devices. Watch | Meta crackdown on spy firms: 1,500 accounts suspended This kind of access allows mercenaries to steal data from a target's phone or computer. In addition, they can silently activate microphones, cameras, and tracking systems. While Meta was not being able to pinpoint who ran the Chinese operation, it tracked "command and control" of the surveillance tool to servers that appeared to be used by law enforcement officials in China. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta bans array of 'cyber mercenary' groups, warns 50,000 people that were targeted

Thousands of Rohingya refugees in the United Kingdom and the United States have filed a $150 billion lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc, formerly known as Facebook, for enabling hate speech against them that led to violence against the persecuted minority.

On Monday, the migrants accused Facebook of enabling "the propagation of vile and harmful falsehoods to continue for years," according to the BBC.

They are seeking $150 billion in damages, claiming that the social media behemoth encouraged violence against the oppressed minority.

According to the BBC, a British legal company representing some Rohingyas wrote a letter to Facebook claiming Facebook's algorithms of "amplified hate speech against the Rohingya people."

Watch | WION Wideangle: Rohingya Crisis | A ground report from Bangladesh

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-rohingya-crisis-a-ground-report-from-bangladesh-339361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It went on to say that the social media giant had "failed to invest" in fact checkers who were familiar with Myanmar's political context.&nbsp;

The refugees said the company has failed to take down posts or delete accounts that incite violence against the persecuted minority.

Myanmar has more than 20 million Facebook users.

For many people, social media is their primary or exclusive source of news and information.

In 2018, Facebook recognised that it had not done enough to prevent incitement to violence and hate speech against Rohingya Muslims.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Rohingya refugees in the United Kingdom and the United States have filed a $150 billion lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc, formerly known as Facebook, for enabling hate speech against them that led to violence against the persecuted minority.

Thousands of Rohingya refugees in the United Kingdom and the United States have filed a $150 billion lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc, formerly known as Facebook, for enabling hate speech against them that led to violence against the persecuted minority. On Monday, the migrants accused Facebook of enabling "the propagation of vile and harmful falsehoods to continue for years," according to the BBC. They are seeking $150 billion in damages, claiming that the social media behemoth encouraged violence against the oppressed minority. According to the BBC, a British legal company representing some Rohingyas wrote a letter to Facebook claiming Facebook's algorithms of "amplified hate speech against the Rohingya people." Watch | WION Wideangle: Rohingya Crisis | A ground report from Bangladesh It went on to say that the social media giant had "failed to invest" in fact checkers who were familiar with Myanmar's political context. The refugees said the company has failed to take down posts or delete accounts that incite violence against the persecuted minority. Myanmar has more than 20 million Facebook users. For many people, social media is their primary or exclusive source of news and information. In 2018, Facebook recognised that it had not done enough to prevent incitement to violence and hate speech against Rohingya Muslims. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohingya Muslims sue Facebook for $150 billion for allowing hate speech

In a bid to bring positive changes on the internet and to make it a safer environment, Meta (earlier known as Facebook) has launched a new platform to help stop revenge porn.

Along with more than 50 non-governmental organisations from around the world, Meta has established StopNCII.org which is a platform that will provide an opportunity to people to submit complaints of revenge porn and get quick actions for their safety and justice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/killer-dish-chef-jailed-for-serving-deadly-shepherds-pie-434099" hreflang="en">Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie</a>

The non-consensual sharing of intimate images (NCII), also known as ‘revenge porn’,&nbsp;has been infamously increasing on social media platforms. To combat this problem, Meta joined hands with UK Revenge Porn Helpline and 50 more organisations from across the world.

Through this, people who are concerned about their intimate images being shared online without their consent can submit a case on the platform. Once the complaint is registered, the tool will use its hash-generating technology to assign a unique hash value to an image, which will create a secure digital print.

The participating companies will then use that hash to check if any related image has been uploaded anywhere on their platforms. However, the safer part of this is that the original image will not be transferred in any way from the owner’s device. The technology will only use hashes, and not the images. This means these images will not be circulated further, thus keeping the images safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-owner-meta-asked-to-sell-giphy-by-british-regulator-432991" hreflang="en">Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator</a>

This platform is only for adults (over the age of 18). For people under the age of 18, Meta will be redirecting them to organisations such as National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children&nbsp;(NCMEC).&nbsp;

"StopNCII.org represents a sea-change in the way those affected by intimate image abuse can protect themselves. At the heart of the work developing this tool have been the needs of victims and survivors by putting them in control without having to compromise their privacy,"&nbsp;Sophie Mortimer, Revenge Porn Helpline Manager, SWGfL, was quoted by Meta in official statement.

In a bid to bring positive changes on the internet and to make it a safer environment, Meta (earlier known as Facebook) has launched a new platform to help stop revenge porn.

In a bid to bring positive changes on the internet and to make it a safer environment, Meta (earlier known as Facebook) has launched a new platform to help stop revenge porn. Along with more than 50 non-governmental organisations from around the world, Meta has established StopNCII.org which is a platform that will provide an opportunity to people to submit complaints of revenge porn and get quick actions for their safety and justice. Also read | Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie The non-consensual sharing of intimate images (NCII), also known as ‘revenge porn’, has been infamously increasing on social media platforms. To combat this problem, Meta joined hands with UK Revenge Porn Helpline and 50 more organisations from across the world. Through this, people who are concerned about their intimate images being shared online without their consent can submit a case on the platform. Once the complaint is registered, the tool will use its hash-generating technology to assign a unique hash value to an image, which will create a secure digital print. The participating companies will then use that hash to check if any related image has been uploaded anywhere on their platforms. However, the safer part of this is that the original image will not be transferred in any way from the owner’s device. The technology will only use hashes, and not the images. This means these images will not be circulated further, thus keeping the images safe. Also read | Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator This platform is only for adults (over the age of 18). For people under the age of 18, Meta will be redirecting them to organisations such as National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). "StopNCII.org represents a sea-change in the way those affected by intimate image abuse can protect themselves. At the heart of the work developing this tool have been the needs of victims and survivors by putting them in control without having to compromise their privacy," Sophie Mortimer, Revenge Porn Helpline Manager, SWGfL, was quoted by Meta in official statement.

Meta launches StopNCII.org to put a stop on revenge porn

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19.

According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns&nbsp;had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of COVID-19.

Facebook said it had removed a total of 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts after reviewing public reports that centred around the fake Swiss biologist.

The claims were widely carried by Chinese state media outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily, CGTN, Meta said in its yearly adversarial threat report.

Meta in its report said the social media campaign, which was “largely unsuccessful,” targeted English-speaking audiences in the United States and Britain and Chinese-speaking audiences in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet.

Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to promote its positions on the international stage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker</a>

“Our investigation uncovered that almost the entire initial spread of the “Wilson Edwards” story on our platform was inauthentic — the work of a multi-pronged, largely unsuccessful influence operation that originated in China,” Meta said.

The company in its November said that there was a network of accounts amplifying the fake news, many of which were inauthentic, “but some were real and belonged to employees of Chinese state infrastructure companies including employees of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co Ltd... and individuals associated with Chinese state infrastructure companies based around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine</a>

Meta said the campaign used Virtual Personal Network (VPN) infrastructure to conceal its origin, and to give Edwards a more rounded personality. It also said that his profile photo also appeared to have been generated using machine-learning capabilities.

The Swiss embassy has also recently denied the existence of Edwards, reports BCC.

It added "there was no registry of a Swiss citizen with the name "Wilson Edwards" and no academic articles under the name", and urged Chinese media outlets to take down any mention of him.

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19.

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19. According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of COVID-19. Facebook said it had removed a total of 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts after reviewing public reports that centred around the fake Swiss biologist. The claims were widely carried by Chinese state media outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily, CGTN, Meta said in its yearly adversarial threat report. Meta in its report said the social media campaign, which was “largely unsuccessful,” targeted English-speaking audiences in the United States and Britain and Chinese-speaking audiences in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet. Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to promote its positions on the international stage. Also read | 'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker “Our investigation uncovered that almost the entire initial spread of the “Wilson Edwards” story on our platform was inauthentic — the work of a multi-pronged, largely unsuccessful influence operation that originated in China,” Meta said. The company in its November said that there was a network of accounts amplifying the fake news, many of which were inauthentic, “but some were real and belonged to employees of Chinese state infrastructure companies including employees of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co Ltd... and individuals associated with Chinese state infrastructure companies based around the world." Also read | Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine Meta said the campaign used Virtual Personal Network (VPN) infrastructure to conceal its origin, and to give Edwards a more rounded personality. It also said that his profile photo also appeared to have been generated using machine-learning capabilities. The Swiss embassy has also recently denied the existence of Edwards, reports BCC. It added "there was no registry of a Swiss citizen with the name "Wilson Edwards" and no academic articles under the name", and urged Chinese media outlets to take down any mention of him. (With inputs from agencies)

China-based networks spread online disinformation campaign on Covid origins, says Facebook

An advisor to the European Union's top court said on Thursday that Facebook could be sued by consumer groups for violation of privacy. The case pertains to a German online game and could pave the way for similar action in European Union.

The case started in 2012 and is one of several privacy and antitrust headaches facing Facebook in Europe, where regulators have introduced legislation to curb the power of so-called tech giants and ensure more transparency.

"Member states may allow consumer protection associations to bring representative actions against infringements of the protection of personal data," Richard de la Tour, advocate general at the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), said in an opinion.

He added that such actions must be based on infringement of rights derived directly from GDPR, referring to landmark EU privacy rules. These rules were adopted three years ago.

"We'll analyse the Advocate General's opinion. Legal clarity on scope and process of GDPR is important and we’re glad the Court of Justice of the European Union is considering the questions raised in this case.” said a spokesperson for Meta Platforms Inc.

GDPR stipulates that any requests to collect personal data should be subject to clear and informed consent.

De la Tour said consumer bodies that defend the collective interests of consumers are particularly suited to GDPR's objective of establishing a high level of personal data protection.

Facebook found itself in the dock after the Federation of German Consumer Organisations filed a lawsuit alleging that the social network had allowed operators of online games to improperly collect the personal data of gamers.

The games were offered on Facebook's App Center in 2012. By playing the games, users automatically agreed to share personal data including email addresses. At the end of the game, they would receive a message saying that the app could post their status, photos and other information.

A German lower court had ruled in favour of the German federation, leading Facebook to appeal to a higher court, which subsequently sought advice from the CJEU.

Facebook has since revamped its privacy settings.

(With inputs from agencies)

An advisor to the European Union's top court said on Thursday that Facebook could be sued by consumer groups for violation of privacy. The case pertains to a German online game and could pave the way for similar action in European Union.

An advisor to the European Union's top court said on Thursday that Facebook could be sued by consumer groups for violation of privacy. The case pertains to a German online game and could pave the way for similar action in European Union. The case started in 2012 and is one of several privacy and antitrust headaches facing Facebook in Europe, where regulators have introduced legislation to curb the power of so-called tech giants and ensure more transparency. "Member states may allow consumer protection associations to bring representative actions against infringements of the protection of personal data," Richard de la Tour, advocate general at the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), said in an opinion. He added that such actions must be based on infringement of rights derived directly from GDPR, referring to landmark EU privacy rules. These rules were adopted three years ago. "We'll analyse the Advocate General's opinion. Legal clarity on scope and process of GDPR is important and we’re glad the Court of Justice of the European Union is considering the questions raised in this case.” said a spokesperson for Meta Platforms Inc. GDPR stipulates that any requests to collect personal data should be subject to clear and informed consent. De la Tour said consumer bodies that defend the collective interests of consumers are particularly suited to GDPR's objective of establishing a high level of personal data protection. Facebook found itself in the dock after the Federation of German Consumer Organisations filed a lawsuit alleging that the social network had allowed operators of online games to improperly collect the personal data of gamers. The games were offered on Facebook's App Center in 2012. By playing the games, users automatically agreed to share personal data including email addresses. At the end of the game, they would receive a message saying that the app could post their status, photos and other information. A German lower court had ruled in favour of the German federation, leading Facebook to appeal to a higher court, which subsequently sought advice from the CJEU. Facebook has since revamped its privacy settings. (With inputs from agencies)

EU court adviser says Facebook can be sued by consumer groups

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision.

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from&nbsp;the market.

A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images.

This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market.

“We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.”

In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK. Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from the market. A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images. This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market. “We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.” In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator 

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace.

A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers.

And Apple responded to a shareholder proposal that asked it to assess how it used confidentiality agreements in employee harassment and discrimination cases.

The disparate developments had one thing — or, rather, a person — in common: Ifeoma Ozoma.

Since last year, Ozoma, 29, a former employee of Pinterest, Facebook and Google, has emerged as a central figure among tech whistleblowers. A Yale-educated daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she has supported and mentored tech workers who needed help speaking out, pushed for more legal protections for those employees and urged tech companies and their shareholders to change their whistleblower policies.

She helped inspire and pass the new California law, the Silenced No More Act, which prohibits companies from using nondisclosure agreements to squelch workers who speak up against discrimination in any form. Ozoma also released a website, The Tech Worker Handbook, which provides information on whether and how workers should blow the whistle.

“It’s really sad to me that we still have such a lack of accountability within the tech industry that individuals have to do it” by speaking up, Ozoma said in an interview.

Her efforts — which have alienated at least one ally along the way — are increasingly in the spotlight as restive tech employees take more action against their employers. Last month, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, revealed that she had leaked thousands of internal documents about the social network’s harms. (Facebook has since renamed itself Meta.) Apple also recently faced employee unrest, with many workers voicing concerns about verbal abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination.

Ozoma is now focused on directly pushing tech companies to stop using nondisclosure agreements to prevent employees from speaking out about workplace discrimination. She has also met with activists and organizations that want to pass legislation similar to the Silenced No More Act elsewhere. And she is constantly in touch with other activist tech workers, including those who have organized against Google and Apple.

Much of Ozoma’s work stems from experience. In June 2020, she and a colleague, Aerica Shimizu Banks, publicly accused their former employer, the virtual pinboard maker Pinterest, of racism and sexism. Pinterest initially denied the allegations but later apologized for its workplace culture. Its workers staged a walkout, and a former executive sued the company over gender discrimination.

“It’s remarkable how Ifeoma has taken some very painful experiences, developed solutions for them and then built a movement around making those solutions a reality,” said John Tye, the founder of Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit that provides legal support to whistleblowers.

He and Ozoma recently appeared on a webinar to educate people on whistleblower rights.

Meredith Whittaker, a former Google employee who helped organize a 2018 walkout over the company’s sexual harassment policy, added of Ozoma: “She has stuck around and worked to help others blow the whistle more safely.”

Ozoma, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and Raleigh, North Carolina, became an activist after a five-year career in the tech industry. A political science major, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 to join Google in government relations. She then worked at Facebook in Silicon Valley on international policy.

In 2018, Pinterest recruited Ozoma to its public policy team. There, she helped bring Banks on board. They spearheaded policy decisions including ending the promotion of anti-vaccination information and content related to plantation weddings on Pinterest, Ozoma said.

Yet Ozoma and Banks said they faced unequal pay, racist comments and retaliation for raising complaints at Pinterest. They left the company in May 2020. A month later, during the Black Lives Matter protests, Pinterest posted a statement supporting its Black employees.

Ozoma and Banks said Pinterest’s hypocrisy had pushed them to speak out. On Twitter, they disclosed their experiences as Black women at the company, with Ozoma declaring that Pinterest’s statement was “a joke.”

In a statement, Pinterest said it had taken steps to increase diversity.

By speaking out, Ozoma and Banks took a risk. That’s because they broke the nondisclosure agreements they had signed with Pinterest when they left the company. California law, which offered only partial protection, didn’t cover people speaking out about racial discrimination.

Peter Rukin, their lawyer, said he had an idea: What if state law was expanded to ban nondisclosure agreements from preventing people speaking out on any workplace discrimination? Ozoma and Banks soon began working with a California state senator, Connie Leyva, a Democrat, on a bill to do just that. It was introduced in February.

“I’m just so proud of these women for coming forward,” Levya said.

Along the way, Ozoma and Banks fell out. Banks said she no longer spoke with Ozoma because Ozoma had recruited her to Pinterest without disclosing the discrimination there and then excluded her from working on the Silenced No More Act.

“Ifeoma then cut me out of the initiative through gaslighting and bullying,” Banks said.

Ozoma said she had not cut Banks out of the organizing. She added that Banks had “felt left out” because news coverage focused on Ozoma’s role.

Since leaving Pinterest, Ozoma has moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lives with a flock of chickens she calls the Golden Girls. She also runs a tech equity consulting firm, Earthseed.

Through Earthseed, Ozoma is continuing her work around whistleblowing. She is collaborating with the nonprofit Open MIC and the consulting firm Whistle Stop Capital to stop tech companies from using nondisclosure agreements to keep workers anywhere from coming forward on discrimination.

In September, Ozoma, Whistle Stop Capital and Open MIC, along with the social impact investor Nia Impact Capital, filed a shareholder proposal at Apple. The proposal asked the company to assess the risks associated with the use of concealment clauses for employees who have experienced harassment and discrimination.

Last month, Apple said in a letter that it wouldn’t take action on the proposal, arguing that the company “does not limit employees’ and contractors’ ability to speak freely about harassment, discrimination and other unlawful acts in the workplace.” It declined to comment beyond the letter.

Ozoma also supports and counsels other tech activists. The Tech Worker Handbook website, in part, was designed to help with that. The website has information on how to navigate nondisclosure agreements and how to protect against corporate surveillance or physical threats. Across the top of the site is a slogan: “Preparedness Is Power.” Since it went online Oct. 6, the site has had over 53,000 visitors, Ozoma said.

“I send it to people who are thinking about coming forward,” said Ashley Gjovik, a former activist employee at Apple who has relied on Ozoma for support. When people think about whistleblowing, she added, “their mind won’t go to the places of the personal, digital, security stuff, all of the legal ramifications, how do you even get that story out, the impact on friends and family, the impact on your mental health.”

Last month, Ozoma also got a call from Cher Scarlett, another activist Apple employee who left the company this month. (Scarlett declined to provide her real name for security reasons; she is legally changing her name to Cher Scarlett.) She asked Ozoma how to pass legislation like the Silenced No More Act in her home state, Washington.

Ozoma described the steps she had taken, including working closely with a lawmaker who could write a bill, Scarlett said.

Along with another tech activist, Scarlett then contacted Karen Keiser, a Washington state senator and a Democrat. Keiser now plans to sponsor a bill to expand whistleblower protections when the legislative session starts in January, her office said.

“This is why the network of whistleblowers and women like Ifeoma are so important,” Scarlett said.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace. A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace. A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers. And Apple responded to a shareholder proposal that asked it to assess how it used confidentiality agreements in employee harassment and discrimination cases. The disparate developments had one thing — or, rather, a person — in common: Ifeoma Ozoma. Since last year, Ozoma, 29, a former employee of Pinterest, Facebook and Google, has emerged as a central figure among tech whistleblowers. A Yale-educated daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she has supported and mentored tech workers who needed help speaking out, pushed for more legal protections for those employees and urged tech companies and their shareholders to change their whistleblower policies. She helped inspire and pass the new California law, the Silenced No More Act, which prohibits companies from using nondisclosure agreements to squelch workers who speak up against discrimination in any form. Ozoma also released a website, The Tech Worker Handbook, which provides information on whether and how workers should blow the whistle. “It’s really sad to me that we still have such a lack of accountability within the tech industry that individuals have to do it” by speaking up, Ozoma said in an interview. Her efforts — which have alienated at least one ally along the way — are increasingly in the spotlight as restive tech employees take more action against their employers. Last month, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, revealed that she had leaked thousands of internal documents about the social network’s harms. (Facebook has since renamed itself Meta.) Apple also recently faced employee unrest, with many workers voicing concerns about verbal abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Ozoma is now focused on directly pushing tech companies to stop using nondisclosure agreements to prevent employees from speaking out about workplace discrimination. She has also met with activists and organizations that want to pass legislation similar to the Silenced No More Act elsewhere. And she is constantly in touch with other activist tech workers, including those who have organized against Google and Apple. Much of Ozoma’s work stems from experience. In June 2020, she and a colleague, Aerica Shimizu Banks, publicly accused their former employer, the virtual pinboard maker Pinterest, of racism and sexism. Pinterest initially denied the allegations but later apologized for its workplace culture. Its workers staged a walkout, and a former executive sued the company over gender discrimination. “It’s remarkable how Ifeoma has taken some very painful experiences, developed solutions for them and then built a movement around making those solutions a reality,” said John Tye, the founder of Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit that provides legal support to whistleblowers. He and Ozoma recently appeared on a webinar to educate people on whistleblower rights. Meredith Whittaker, a former Google employee who helped organize a 2018 walkout over the company’s sexual harassment policy, added of Ozoma: “She has stuck around and worked to help others blow the whistle more safely.” Ozoma, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and Raleigh, North Carolina, became an activist after a five-year career in the tech industry. A political science major, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 to join Google in government relations. She then worked at Facebook in Silicon Valley on international policy. In 2018, Pinterest recruited Ozoma to its public policy team. There, she helped bring Banks on board. They spearheaded policy decisions including ending the promotion of anti-vaccination information and content related to plantation weddings on Pinterest, Ozoma said. Yet Ozoma and Banks said they faced unequal pay, racist comments and retaliation for raising complaints at Pinterest. They left the company in May 2020. A month later, during the Black Lives Matter protests, Pinterest posted a statement supporting its Black employees. Ozoma and Banks said Pinterest’s hypocrisy had pushed them to speak out. On Twitter, they disclosed their experiences as Black women at the company, with Ozoma declaring that Pinterest’s statement was “a joke.” In a statement, Pinterest said it had taken steps to increase diversity. By speaking out, Ozoma and Banks took a risk. That’s because they broke the nondisclosure agreements they had signed with Pinterest when they left the company. California law, which offered only partial protection, didn’t cover people speaking out about racial discrimination. Peter Rukin, their lawyer, said he had an idea: What if state law was expanded to ban nondisclosure agreements from preventing people speaking out on any workplace discrimination? Ozoma and Banks soon began working with a California state senator, Connie Leyva, a Democrat, on a bill to do just that. It was introduced in February. “I’m just so proud of these women for coming forward,” Levya said. Along the way, Ozoma and Banks fell out. Banks said she no longer spoke with Ozoma because Ozoma had recruited her to Pinterest without disclosing the discrimination there and then excluded her from working on the Silenced No More Act. “Ifeoma then cut me out of the initiative through gaslighting and bullying,” Banks said. Ozoma said she had not cut Banks out of the organizing. She added that Banks had “felt left out” because news coverage focused on Ozoma’s role. Since leaving Pinterest, Ozoma has moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lives with a flock of chickens she calls the Golden Girls. She also runs a tech equity consulting firm, Earthseed. Through Earthseed, Ozoma is continuing her work around whistleblowing. She is collaborating with the nonprofit Open MIC and the consulting firm Whistle Stop Capital to stop tech companies from using nondisclosure agreements to keep workers anywhere from coming forward on discrimination. In September, Ozoma, Whistle Stop Capital and Open MIC, along with the social impact investor Nia Impact Capital, filed a shareholder proposal at Apple. The proposal asked the company to assess the risks associated with the use of concealment clauses for employees who have experienced harassment and discrimination. Last month, Apple said in a letter that it wouldn’t take action on the proposal, arguing that the company “does not limit employees’ and contractors’ ability to speak freely about harassment, discrimination and other unlawful acts in the workplace.” It declined to comment beyond the letter. Ozoma also supports and counsels other tech activists. The Tech Worker Handbook website, in part, was designed to help with that. The website has information on how to navigate nondisclosure agreements and how to protect against corporate surveillance or physical threats. Across the top of the site is a slogan: “Preparedness Is Power.” Since it went online Oct. 6, the site has had over 53,000 visitors, Ozoma said. “I send it to people who are thinking about coming forward,” said Ashley Gjovik, a former activist employee at Apple who has relied on Ozoma for support. When people think about whistleblowing, she added, “their mind won’t go to the places of the personal, digital, security stuff, all of the legal ramifications, how do you even get that story out, the impact on friends and family, the impact on your mental health.” Last month, Ozoma also got a call from Cher Scarlett, another activist Apple employee who left the company this month. (Scarlett declined to provide her real name for security reasons; she is legally changing her name to Cher Scarlett.) She asked Ozoma how to pass legislation like the Silenced No More Act in her home state, Washington. Ozoma described the steps she had taken, including working closely with a lawmaker who could write a bill, Scarlett said. Along with another tech activist, Scarlett then contacted Karen Keiser, a Washington state senator and a Democrat. Keiser now plans to sponsor a bill to expand whistleblower protections when the legislative session starts in January, her office said. “This is why the network of whistleblowers and women like Ifeoma are so important,” Scarlett said.

A tech whistleblower helps others speak out

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users.

Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-advertisers-promoted-false-claims-about-climate-change-during-cop26-summit-430321">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit</a>

The police department was reportedly working with a tech company which analysed user data to solve crimes.

The report comes as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen expressed concern over Facebook's "metaverse" which is a virtual reality platform over privacy issues.

Haugen said it was "super problematic" as the company was seeking to monitor people. The former Facebook employee had earlier leaked files while questioning Facebook's policies and its effect on young people as she alleged&nbsp;that the company put profits before the safety of users.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/facebook-still-harvesting-teen-data-to-fuel-ads-warns-research-429863">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook still harvesting teen data to fuel ads, warns research</a>

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had hit back at Haugen's allegation saying that it was "deeply illogical". The company said although it aims at profits but allegations that it does so at the "expense of people’s safety" is a "lie"&nbsp;

Haugen applauded EU's&nbsp;Digital Services Act as a "global gold standard" with "huge potential" while adding that Facebook cannot remain the "judge, jury, prosecutor and witness".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-hired-woman-to-slap-him-for-using-facebook-elon-musk-approves-428710">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian-American hired woman to slap him for using Facebook; Elon Musk approves</a>

"The decisions made by Facebook's leadership are a big problem. For children, for public safety and for democracy," the Facebook whistleblower asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users. Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities.

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users. Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities. Also Read: Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit The police department was reportedly working with a tech company which analysed user data to solve crimes. The report comes as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen expressed concern over Facebook's "metaverse" which is a virtual reality platform over privacy issues. Haugen said it was "super problematic" as the company was seeking to monitor people. The former Facebook employee had earlier leaked files while questioning Facebook's policies and its effect on young people as she alleged that the company put profits before the safety of users. Also Read: Facebook still harvesting teen data to fuel ads, warns research Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had hit back at Haugen's allegation saying that it was "deeply illogical". The company said although it aims at profits but allegations that it does so at the "expense of people’s safety" is a "lie" Haugen applauded EU's Digital Services Act as a "global gold standard" with "huge potential" while adding that Facebook cannot remain the "judge, jury, prosecutor and witness". Also Read: Indian-American hired woman to slap him for using Facebook; Elon Musk approves "The decisions made by Facebook's leadership are a big problem. For children, for public safety and for democracy," the Facebook whistleblower asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook warns Los Angeles police not to create fake accounts, stop collecting user data

Despite announcing changes to its advertising rules for children in July this year, Facebook (now called Meta) is still tracking and harvesting children`s personal data to fuel their advertising delivery system, a new research has shown.

The only difference is that the kids` targeting by Facebook is `optimised` by a highly-trained artificial intelligence (AI) `Delivery System`, according to a new report by non-profits Fairplay, Global Action Plan and Reset Australia.

"The replacement of targeting `selected by advertisers` with targeting `selected by an AI delivery system` does not represent a demonstrable improvement for children in the way that Facebook characterised in their announcement and reiterated at a US Senate committee hearing," the report mentioned.

"Given the predictive power of AI, this system may in fact be worse for children," the researchers argued.

On July 27, Facebook announced changes to its advertising rules for children, claiming to have `heard from youth advocates` about these concerns. Facebook stated that "we agree with them, which is why we`re taking a more precautionary approach in how advertisers can reach young people".

This precautionary approach meant "that previously available targeting options, like those based on interests or on their activity on other apps and websites, will no longer be available to the advertisers".

The researchers said that they are calling on Facebook to go on record to correct its claims, and end surveillance advertising for children and teens across all its platforms.

"Data-driven advertising can be more misleading for children than traditional advertising and can increase commercial pressures, leading to consumerism, disappointment and parent-child conflict, all with associated consequences for mental health and wellbeing," they argued.

One estimate suggests that by the time a child turns 13, advertisers already hold over 72 million data points about him/her, and the surveillance advertising industry for children is worth in excess of $1 billion.

Facebook has faced strong international criticism for its surveillance advertising practices for children. Earlier this year, youth advocates in Australia and the US had outlined that Facebook`s targeting processes allowed advertisers to target children interested in alcohol, gambling and weight loss.

Facebook-owned Instagram had said last month that it would soon roll out two new tools to safeguard teenagers from harmful content, after whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before the US Congress that Instagram can have a negative effect on the mental health of teenagers.

The researchers stressed that Facebook`s ad delivery system continues to harvest teen data, for the sole purpose of serving them surveillance advertising, with all the associated concerns.

"Facebook must provide more transparency about the impacts of its recent rule changes in advertising to teens, and clarify if this is an improvement for children. It appears that young people`s personal data is still being harvested to deliver them a stream of even more personalised advertising with all of the associated risks," the research team noted.

Despite announcing changes to its advertising rules for children in July this year, Facebook (now called Meta) is still tracking and harvesting children`s personal data to fuel their advertising delivery system, a new research has shown.

Despite announcing changes to its advertising rules for children in July this year, Facebook (now called Meta) is still tracking and harvesting children`s personal data to fuel their advertising delivery system, a new research has shown. The only difference is that the kids` targeting by Facebook is `optimised` by a highly-trained artificial intelligence (AI) `Delivery System`, according to a new report by non-profits Fairplay, Global Action Plan and Reset Australia. "The replacement of targeting `selected by advertisers` with targeting `selected by an AI delivery system` does not represent a demonstrable improvement for children in the way that Facebook characterised in their announcement and reiterated at a US Senate committee hearing," the report mentioned. "Given the predictive power of AI, this system may in fact be worse for children," the researchers argued. On July 27, Facebook announced changes to its advertising rules for children, claiming to have `heard from youth advocates` about these concerns. Facebook stated that "we agree with them, which is why we`re taking a more precautionary approach in how advertisers can reach young people". This precautionary approach meant "that previously available targeting options, like those based on interests or on their activity on other apps and websites, will no longer be available to the advertisers". The researchers said that they are calling on Facebook to go on record to correct its claims, and end surveillance advertising for children and teens across all its platforms. "Data-driven advertising can be more misleading for children than traditional advertising and can increase commercial pressures, leading to consumerism, disappointment and parent-child conflict, all with associated consequences for mental health and wellbeing," they argued. One estimate suggests that by the time a child turns 13, advertisers already hold over 72 million data points about him/her, and the surveillance advertising industry for children is worth in excess of $1 billion. Facebook has faced strong international criticism for its surveillance advertising practices for children. Earlier this year, youth advocates in Australia and the US had outlined that Facebook`s targeting processes allowed advertisers to target children interested in alcohol, gambling and weight loss. Facebook-owned Instagram had said last month that it would soon roll out two new tools to safeguard teenagers from harmful content, after whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before the US Congress that Instagram can have a negative effect on the mental health of teenagers. The researchers stressed that Facebook`s ad delivery system continues to harvest teen data, for the sole purpose of serving them surveillance advertising, with all the associated concerns. "Facebook must provide more transparency about the impacts of its recent rule changes in advertising to teens, and clarify if this is an improvement for children. It appears that young people`s personal data is still being harvested to deliver them a stream of even more personalised advertising with all of the associated risks," the research team noted.

Facebook still harvesting teen data to fuel ads, warns research

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp.

In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help.

According to the UK's National Trading Standards, 59 per cent people living in the country have received such scam messages.

Whatsapp has issued a warning saying, ''If you receive a suspicious message... calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-loses-bid-to-stall-apps-bypassing-pay-system-in-epic-games-case-428338" hreflang="en">Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case</a>

An online campaign called 'Stop. Think. Call.' has been organised to inform people who could be potential victims about the scam.

''Scammers send messages that appear to come from a friend or family member asking for personal information, money or a six-digit pin number,'' said Louise Baxter, the head of the National Trading Standards.

“The messages are sent from the compromised accounts of your friends, so they look as if they’re coming from someone you know, or from an unknown number claiming to be a friend who has lost their phone or been ‘locked out’ of their account.

“These kinds of scams are particularly cruel as they prey on our kindness and desire to help friends and family.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/to-build-the-metaverse-meta-first-wants-to-build-stores-427016" hreflang="en">To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores</a>

In response, the app's policy manager Kathryn Harnett said ''WhatsApp protects our users’ personal messages with end-to-end encryption, but we want to remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our accounts safe by remaining vigilant to the threat of scammers.''

''We advise all users never to share their six-digit pin code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.''

Facebook for the first time on Tuesday disclosed the prevalence of bullying and harassment on its platform, saying such content was seen between 14 and 15 times per every 10,000 views on the site in the third quarter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/requires-lot-of-work-microsoft-president-brad-smith-downplays-metaverse-hype-426568" hreflang="en">'Requires lot of work': Microsoft President Brad Smith downplays metaverse 'hype'</a>

The company, which recently changed its name to Meta, also said in its quarterly content moderation report that bullying and harassment content was seen between 5 and 6 times per 10,000 views of content on Instagram.

The social media giant, long under scrutiny over its handling of abuses on its services, has been in the spotlight after a former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents that include research and discussions about Instagram's effects on the mental health of teens and on whether Facebook's platforms stoke divisions.

Haugen has said the documents show the company picked profits over user safety. Facebook disputed this characteriSation, saying the documents were being used to paint a "false picture."

The documents, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have spurred calls for Facebook to be more transparent and have raised questions over whether metrics such as prevalence give the full picture of how the company handles abuses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp. In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help.

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp. In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help. According to the UK's National Trading Standards, 59 per cent people living in the country have received such scam messages. Whatsapp has issued a warning saying, ''If you receive a suspicious message... calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.'' Also read | Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case An online campaign called 'Stop. Think. Call.' has been organised to inform people who could be potential victims about the scam. ''Scammers send messages that appear to come from a friend or family member asking for personal information, money or a six-digit pin number,'' said Louise Baxter, the head of the National Trading Standards. “The messages are sent from the compromised accounts of your friends, so they look as if they’re coming from someone you know, or from an unknown number claiming to be a friend who has lost their phone or been ‘locked out’ of their account. “These kinds of scams are particularly cruel as they prey on our kindness and desire to help friends and family.” Also read | To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores In response, the app's policy manager Kathryn Harnett said ''WhatsApp protects our users’ personal messages with end-to-end encryption, but we want to remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our accounts safe by remaining vigilant to the threat of scammers.'' ''We advise all users never to share their six-digit pin code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.'' Facebook for the first time on Tuesday disclosed the prevalence of bullying and harassment on its platform, saying such content was seen between 14 and 15 times per every 10,000 views on the site in the third quarter. Also read | 'Requires lot of work': Microsoft President Brad Smith downplays metaverse 'hype' The company, which recently changed its name to Meta, also said in its quarterly content moderation report that bullying and harassment content was seen between 5 and 6 times per 10,000 views of content on Instagram. The social media giant, long under scrutiny over its handling of abuses on its services, has been in the spotlight after a former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents that include research and discussions about Instagram's effects on the mental health of teens and on whether Facebook's platforms stoke divisions. Haugen has said the documents show the company picked profits over user safety. Facebook disputed this characteriSation, saying the documents were being used to paint a "false picture." The documents, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have spurred calls for Facebook to be more transparent and have raised questions over whether metrics such as prevalence give the full picture of how the company handles abuses. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'friend in need' scam being faced by WhatsApp users?

Facebook said today it will be shutting its facial recognition system amid uncertainty over a "clear set of rules governing its use".

The company said the move will delete "facial recognition templates" of over 1 billion people. The process is likely to be completed by December.

The social media giant informed that over a third of Facebook's users had opted for the facial recognition setting on its platform. The company has been under fire in recent years over privacy concerns and data leaks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-is-failing-to-safeguard-users-from-covid-19-disinformation-research-425995">Also Read |&nbsp;Facebook is failing to safeguard users from COVID-19 disinformation: Research</a>

"There are many concerns about the place of facial recognition technology in society, and regulators are still in the process of providing a clear set of rules governing its use,"&nbsp;parent company Meta said, adding, "amid this ongoing uncertainty, we believe that limiting the use of facial recognition to a narrow set of use cases is appropriate," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;Whistleblower Frances Haugen denounces Facebook's Meta rebranding

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whistleblower-frances-haugen-denounces-facebooks-meta-rebranding-426064/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Facebook's vice president Nick Clegg had said on Monday that the company had made changes to its policies since 2014 while acknowledging that&nbsp;"legitimate questions" have been raised over its work in "fragile" countries.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-asks-staff-to-preserve-records-dating-back-to-2016-amid-inquiries-424794">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook asks staff to preserve records dating back to 2016 amid inquiries</a>

Frances Haugen, 37, the former Facebook engineer had earlier leaked data as she&nbsp;accused&nbsp;the company of fuelling hate.

"It pushes you to the extremes and it fans hate," Haugen told British lawmakers. "Anger and hate is the easiest way to grow on Facebook... bad actors have an incentive to play the algorithm, and they figure out all the ways to optimise Facebook," the Facebook whistleblower said.

Haugen also accused the company of putting profits before safety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-the-big-facebook-leak-423804">Also Read:&nbsp;Inside the big Facebook leak</a>

"I think it is unlikely the company will change if [Mark Zuckerberg] remains the CEO," she said as she asked the Facebook founder to step down during a&nbsp;web summit.

Facebook had rebranded itself last week naming the company Meta as it sought to focus on "metaverse".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook said today it will be shutting its facial recognition system amid uncertainty over a "clear set of rules governing its use". The company said the move will delete "facial recognition templates" of over 1 billion people.

Facebook said today it will be shutting its facial recognition system amid uncertainty over a "clear set of rules governing its use". The company said the move will delete "facial recognition templates" of over 1 billion people. The process is likely to be completed by December. The social media giant informed that over a third of Facebook's users had opted for the facial recognition setting on its platform. The company has been under fire in recent years over privacy concerns and data leaks. Also Read | Facebook is failing to safeguard users from COVID-19 disinformation: Research "There are many concerns about the place of facial recognition technology in society, and regulators are still in the process of providing a clear set of rules governing its use," parent company Meta said, adding, "amid this ongoing uncertainty, we believe that limiting the use of facial recognition to a narrow set of use cases is appropriate," it added. Watch: Whistleblower Frances Haugen denounces Facebook's Meta rebranding Facebook's vice president Nick Clegg had said on Monday that the company had made changes to its policies since 2014 while acknowledging that "legitimate questions" have been raised over its work in "fragile" countries. Also Read: Facebook asks staff to preserve records dating back to 2016 amid inquiries Frances Haugen, 37, the former Facebook engineer had earlier leaked data as she accused the company of fuelling hate. "It pushes you to the extremes and it fans hate," Haugen told British lawmakers. "Anger and hate is the easiest way to grow on Facebook... bad actors have an incentive to play the algorithm, and they figure out all the ways to optimise Facebook," the Facebook whistleblower said. Haugen also accused the company of putting profits before safety. Also Read: Inside the big Facebook leak "I think it is unlikely the company will change if [Mark Zuckerberg] remains the CEO," she said as she asked the Facebook founder to step down during a web summit. Facebook had rebranded itself last week naming the company Meta as it sought to focus on "metaverse". (With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook decides to shut its facial recognition system

Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of changing Facebook's name to 'Meta' has triggered an online debate on social media platform Twitter about the future of tech companies.

"To reflect who we are and what we hope to build I am proud to announce, starting today our company is now Meta," Zuckerberg said.&nbsp;

"Our mission remains the same, it is still about bringing people together," he added while asserting that "we are still the company that designs technology around people."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-changes-its-name-to-meta-as-it-forays-into-newer-horizons-like-virtual-reality-424885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The change in Facebook's name comes as a rebrand that focuses on building the "metaverse," a shared virtual environment that it bets will be the successor to the mobile internet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-is-now-meta-says-mark-zuckerberg-changes-company-name-to-reflect-metaverse-vision-424860">Facebook is now Meta, says Mark Zuckerberg, changes company name</a>

Earlier, the acronym used for Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google was FAANG. After Zuckerberg's decision, the acronym has been reshuffled by analysts and financial journalists.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
How it started How it's going <a href="https://t.co/ewty6VbaVh">pic.twitter.com/ewty6VbaVh</a>
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorningBrew/status/1453797543096238080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Taking a jibe at the change of Facebook's name and logo, Twitter users speculated the transformation in the acronym for tech companies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-or-facebook-twitter-users-make-fun-of-rebranding-of-social-media-platform-424869">Meta or Facebook? Twitter makes fun of rebranding of social media platform</a>

While some called it MANGA, which stands for Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Google, and Apple, others called it MAGMA.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FAANG is over. 
meta, apple, google, ms, amazon = MAGMA <a href="https://t.co/F9WGhiA5UP">pic.twitter.com/F9WGhiA5UP</a>
— Eric Adler (@ericladler) <a href="https://twitter.com/ericladler/status/1453797659907526668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Shorthands for monikers are usually used by today's tech-savvy generation that faces a character limit on posts in the case of Twitter.

Some Twitteratis even questioned why is Google not using the name of its parent company Alphabet Inc and what would happen if Netflix is dropped from the acronym and is replaced by&nbsp;Elon Musk's Tesla.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
if we're using Meta for Facebook then Google has to be Alphabet so the new acronym should really be: 
 
MAAAN 
 
pretty fitting tbh
— Ali Spittel 🐞 (@ASpittel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASpittel/status/1453794812260323336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What do we call FAANG now? If we drop Netflix for Tesla, it could be MAGAT...
— CIO of The North (@MNupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNupdate/status/1453799924487819280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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MANGA is also a term used for anime or graphic novels in Japan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FAANG is now MANGA 
 
better brush up on your anime.
— Hedgeye (@Hedgeye) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hedgeye/status/1453790162782146560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Facebook is battling criticisms from lawmakers and regulators over its market power, algorithmic decisions, and the policing of abuses on its services.

Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of changing Facebook's name to 'Meta' has triggered an online debate on social media platform Twitter about the future of tech companies.

Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of changing Facebook's name to 'Meta' has triggered an online debate on social media platform Twitter about the future of tech companies. "To reflect who we are and what we hope to build I am proud to announce, starting today our company is now Meta," Zuckerberg said. "Our mission remains the same, it is still about bringing people together," he added while asserting that "we are still the company that designs technology around people." The change in Facebook's name comes as a rebrand that focuses on building the "metaverse," a shared virtual environment that it bets will be the successor to the mobile internet. Also read | Facebook is now Meta, says Mark Zuckerberg, changes company name Earlier, the acronym used for Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google was FAANG. After Zuckerberg's decision, the acronym has been reshuffled by analysts and financial journalists. How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/ewty6VbaVh — Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) October 28, 2021 × Taking a jibe at the change of Facebook's name and logo, Twitter users speculated the transformation in the acronym for tech companies. Also read | Meta or Facebook? Twitter makes fun of rebranding of social media platform While some called it MANGA, which stands for Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Google, and Apple, others called it MAGMA. FAANG is over. meta, apple, google, ms, amazon = MAGMA pic.twitter.com/F9WGhiA5UP — Eric Adler (@ericladler) October 28, 2021 × Shorthands for monikers are usually used by today's tech-savvy generation that faces a character limit on posts in the case of Twitter. Some Twitteratis even questioned why is Google not using the name of its parent company Alphabet Inc and what would happen if Netflix is dropped from the acronym and is replaced by Elon Musk's Tesla. if we're using Meta for Facebook then Google has to be Alphabet so the new acronym should really be: MAAAN pretty fitting tbh — Ali Spittel 🐞 (@ASpittel) October 28, 2021 × What do we call FAANG now? If we drop Netflix for Tesla, it could be MAGAT... — CIO of The North (@MNupdate) October 28, 2021 × MANGA is also a term used for anime or graphic novels in Japan. FAANG is now MANGA better brush up on your anime. — Hedgeye (@Hedgeye) October 28, 2021 × Facebook is battling criticisms from lawmakers and regulators over its market power, algorithmic decisions, and the policing of abuses on its services.

From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies

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