Facebook parent Meta says Chinese law enforcement is behind the largest covert online influence operation the company has ever disrupted.

Meta takes down large Chinese and Russian influence operations

<p>In an attempt to keep up with X, formerly known as Twitter, Meta on Tuesday (August 22) announced the launch of its web version of the Threads app. Having launched the app in July, Meta has been hit with a reality check in recent weeks as it attempts to&nbsp;rebuild consumer interest.</p>

<p>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to the platform ad announced the release of the desktop version, with a photo of his younger self in his dorm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Actual footage of me building Threads for the web. Rolling out over the next few days." he captioned the post as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Users can now post a thread, access their feed and interact with other users on the website. While Meta says the web version is part of a comprehensive drive to deliver new features to the users, experts argue that the social media platform needs to polish its product to stand a chance against X. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/twitter-threatens-legal-action-against-metas-threads-unraveling-battle-for-social-media-supremacy-612886"><strong>Also read | X&nbsp;threatens legal action against Meta's Threads, unraveling battle for social media supremacy</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Threads becomes a dud&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Threads, dubbed a "Twitter/X&nbsp;killer" by a significant portion of the internet community, had an impressive opening but since then, the platform has seen its popularity take a massive&nbsp;dip. As per data, both active users and time spent on the app - two major metrics to gauge a platform's popularity, were down significantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Similarweb data, over 100 million users had signed up for the app within a week of its release on July 5. The app reached a peak of 49 million users who engaged with the platform on a daily basis. However, on July 22, the metric had fallen to 12 million active users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Zuckerberg admitted there has been a drop in numbers as Meta seeks to compete against X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously, if you have more than 100 million people sign up, ideally it would be awesome if all of them or even half of them stuck around. We're not there yet," he told employees during an internal company town hall last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/threads-vs-x-the-rivalry-intensifies-as-threads-gets-a-web-version-wion-628098"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Threads vs X: The rivalry intensifies as Threads gets a web version | WION</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Musk vs Zuckerberg&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since the launch of Threads, both Elon Musk and Zuckerberg have been at each other's throats. The rivalry has only intensified after Musk and his team threatened to take legal action against&nbsp;Zuckerberg.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter addressed to the Meta boss, X's lawyer Alex Spiro warned that the company intends to sue Meta if it does not cease using Twitter's trade secrets and confidential information, reports Reuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In an attempt to keep up with X, formerly known as Twitter, Meta on Tuesday (August 22) announced the launch of its web version of the Threads app. Having launched the app in July, Meta has been hit with a reality check in recent weeks as it attempts to rebuild consumer interest.

In an attempt to keep up with X, formerly known as Twitter, Meta on Tuesday (August 22) announced the launch of its web version of the Threads app. Having launched the app in July, Meta has been hit with a reality check in recent weeks as it attempts to rebuild consumer interest. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to the platform ad announced the release of the desktop version, with a photo of his younger self in his dorm. “Actual footage of me building Threads for the web. Rolling out over the next few days." he captioned the post as saying. Users can now post a thread, access their feed and interact with other users on the website. While Meta says the web version is part of a comprehensive drive to deliver new features to the users, experts argue that the social media platform needs to polish its product to stand a chance against X. Also read | X threatens legal action against Meta's Threads, unraveling battle for social media supremacy Threads becomes a dud Threads, dubbed a "Twitter/X killer" by a significant portion of the internet community, had an impressive opening but since then, the platform has seen its popularity take a massive dip. As per data, both active users and time spent on the app - two major metrics to gauge a platform's popularity, were down significantly. According to Similarweb data, over 100 million users had signed up for the app within a week of its release on July 5. The app reached a peak of 49 million users who engaged with the platform on a daily basis. However, on July 22, the metric had fallen to 12 million active users. Even Zuckerberg admitted there has been a drop in numbers as Meta seeks to compete against X. "Obviously, if you have more than 100 million people sign up, ideally it would be awesome if all of them or even half of them stuck around. We're not there yet," he told employees during an internal company town hall last month. Watch | Threads vs X: The rivalry intensifies as Threads gets a web version | WION × Musk vs Zuckerberg Ever since the launch of Threads, both Elon Musk and Zuckerberg have been at each other's throats. The rivalry has only intensified after Musk and his team threatened to take legal action against Zuckerberg. In a letter addressed to the Meta boss, X's lawyer Alex Spiro warned that the company intends to sue Meta if it does not cease using Twitter's trade secrets and confidential information, reports Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta officially rolls out web version of Threads app to compete against X

Thailand's digital minister plans to ask a court to shut down Meta platforms Facebook in southeast Asia's second-largest economy unless it takes action over scams that have affected more than 200,000 people.

Thailand threatens Facebook with legal action over alleged scams

<p>Pointing out&nbsp;that Elon Musk is "not serious" about the much-awaited cage fight match,&nbsp;Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that it is "time to move on".&nbsp;Zuckerberg posted on Threads, that even Dana White, the UFC President, had proposed turning it into a charity competition but Musk's wavering commitment, including citing the need for surgery, suggests that he is not serious about a "real date".</p>

<p>Zuckerberg made it clear that if Musk ever becomes serious about a real date, he knows how to reach out, otherwise, it's time to move on and focus on "competing with people who take the sport seriously".</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-regime-leader-open-to-explore-diplomacy-625135">Niger regime leader 'open to explore diplomacy'</a></p>

<p>"I think we can all agree Elon isn't serious and it's time to move on. I offered a real date. Dana White offered to make this a legit competition for charity. Elon won't confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead. If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I'm going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously,"&nbsp;Zuckerberg said on Threads.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>X and Threads rivalry</strong></h2>

<p>The rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg gained momentum following the successful launch of Meta's Threads social media platform.</p>

<p>Threads, similar in concept to Musk's platform X (formerly known as Twitter), rapidly gained 100 million users within a week of its launch in July. This success further fueled the public rivalry between the two billionaires.</p>

<h2><strong>Livestream plans</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Musk revealed on X, that the fight will be managed by his and Zuckerberg’s foundations, rather than by the UFC.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-four-killed-several-injured-after-attack-on-shiite-muslim-shrine-in-iran-reports-625123">At least one killed, several injured after attack on Shiite Muslim shrine in Iran: Reports</a></p>

<p>He confirmed that the event would be live-streamed on both X and Meta. Musk had also said that the event's surroundings and setup would draw inspiration from ancient Rome, with the proceeds going to support veterans.</p>

<h2><strong>Preparations and training</strong></h2>

<p>Both Musk and Zuckerberg have been preparing for the anticipated showdown. Zuckerberg shared images of his training with UFC fighters Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski on Instagram. Meanwhile, images surfaced of Musk training alongside Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt Lex Fridman. Musk also disclosed his history of martial arts training during a conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Chinese vessel prepares to dock to Colombo</strong></p>

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<p>Aside from the potential fight, the competition between Zuckerberg's recently launched "Threads" and Musk's "X" remains a significant aspect of their rivalry. These two social media platforms are vying for user engagement and attention in the fast-paced world of technology.</p>

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Pointing out that Elon Musk is "not serious" about the much-awaited cage fight match, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that it is "time to move on". Zuckerberg posted on Threads, that even Dana White, the UFC President, had proposed turning it into a charity competition but Musk's wavering commitment, including citing the need for surgery, suggests that he is not serious about a "real date".

Pointing out that Elon Musk is "not serious" about the much-awaited cage fight match, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that it is "time to move on". Zuckerberg posted on Threads, that even Dana White, the UFC President, had proposed turning it into a charity competition but Musk's wavering commitment, including citing the need for surgery, suggests that he is not serious about a "real date". Zuckerberg made it clear that if Musk ever becomes serious about a real date, he knows how to reach out, otherwise, it's time to move on and focus on "competing with people who take the sport seriously". Also Read | Niger regime leader 'open to explore diplomacy' "I think we can all agree Elon isn't serious and it's time to move on. I offered a real date. Dana White offered to make this a legit competition for charity. Elon won't confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead. If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I'm going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously," Zuckerberg said on Threads. X and Threads rivalry The rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg gained momentum following the successful launch of Meta's Threads social media platform. Threads, similar in concept to Musk's platform X (formerly known as Twitter), rapidly gained 100 million users within a week of its launch in July. This success further fueled the public rivalry between the two billionaires. Livestream plans Earlier, Musk revealed on X, that the fight will be managed by his and Zuckerberg’s foundations, rather than by the UFC. Also Read | At least one killed, several injured after attack on Shiite Muslim shrine in Iran: Reports He confirmed that the event would be live-streamed on both X and Meta. Musk had also said that the event's surroundings and setup would draw inspiration from ancient Rome, with the proceeds going to support veterans. Preparations and training Both Musk and Zuckerberg have been preparing for the anticipated showdown. Zuckerberg shared images of his training with UFC fighters Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski on Instagram. Meanwhile, images surfaced of Musk training alongside Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt Lex Fridman. Musk also disclosed his history of martial arts training during a conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan. Watch | Chinese vessel prepares to dock to Colombo × Aside from the potential fight, the competition between Zuckerberg's recently launched "Threads" and Musk's "X" remains a significant aspect of their rivalry. These two social media platforms are vying for user engagement and attention in the fast-paced world of technology. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Zuckerberg questions Musk's seriousness about cage fight, says 'time to move on'

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<p>Norway will impose a $98,500 (1 million crowns) a day fine on Meta over privacy breaches, starting August 14, the country's data protection authority said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Datatilsynet, the Norwegian regulator had issued a warning about the fine last month if Facebook-owned Meta did not address privacy breaches identified by the body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As of next Monday, a daily fine of 1 million crown will start to apply,” Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet’s international section was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Norwegian watchdog said Meta cannot harvest user data, including their physical location and employ it to send targeted advertising at them, a practice often used by most tech companies to generate revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company had up until August 4 to address the issue and inform the regulator that it had handled the issue. However, Meta failed to take a call and the watchdog took action, with fines running till November 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“According to Meta, this will take several months, at the very earliest, for them to implement...And we don’t know what the consent mechanism will look like. And in the (meantime), peoples’ rights are being violated, every single day," Judin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-fined-13-billion-by-european-union-for-sending-user-data-to-us-report-595123" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Meta fined $1.3 billion by European Union for sending user data to US: Report</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Meta fined heavily by the EU</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when Meta has received a hefty fine amount. In May, the company was fined a record $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros) by the European Union for failing to comply with a warning by the top EU court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the EU, the social media giant failed to pay heed to a top court warning aimed at protecting users’ data from the security services in the US once it’s shipped to servers across the Atlantic.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-parent-company-meta-to-face-more-than-800mn-fine-by-eu-over-data-transfer-to-us-reports-594857"><strong>Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US</strong></a></p>

<p>Facebook has repeatedly argued that following the Irish regulators' mandate could have “a far-reaching effect on businesses that rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)&nbsp;and on the online services that many people and businesses rely on”.</p>

<p>Notably, Norway&nbsp;is not a member of the EU but is part of the European single market, which explains the additional fine imposed on Meta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Norway will impose a $98,500 (1 million crowns) a day fine on Meta over privacy breaches, starting August 14, the country's data protection authority said on Monday.

Norway will impose a $98,500 (1 million crowns) a day fine on Meta over privacy breaches, starting August 14, the country's data protection authority said on Monday. Datatilsynet, the Norwegian regulator had issued a warning about the fine last month if Facebook-owned Meta did not address privacy breaches identified by the body. “As of next Monday, a daily fine of 1 million crown will start to apply,” Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet’s international section was quoted as saying by Reuters. The Norwegian watchdog said Meta cannot harvest user data, including their physical location and employ it to send targeted advertising at them, a practice often used by most tech companies to generate revenue. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company had up until August 4 to address the issue and inform the regulator that it had handled the issue. However, Meta failed to take a call and the watchdog took action, with fines running till November 3. “According to Meta, this will take several months, at the very earliest, for them to implement...And we don’t know what the consent mechanism will look like. And in the (meantime), peoples’ rights are being violated, every single day," Judin added. Watch | Meta fined $1.3 billion by European Union for sending user data to US: Report × Meta fined heavily by the EU This is not the first instance when Meta has received a hefty fine amount. In May, the company was fined a record $1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros) by the European Union for failing to comply with a warning by the top EU court related to the data transfer of Facebook’s EU users to servers in the United States. According to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the EU, the social media giant failed to pay heed to a top court warning aimed at protecting users’ data from the security services in the US once it’s shipped to servers across the Atlantic. Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US Facebook has repeatedly argued that following the Irish regulators' mandate could have “a far-reaching effect on businesses that rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and on the online services that many people and businesses rely on”. Notably, Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the European single market, which explains the additional fine imposed on Meta. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Norway set to fine Meta nearly $100,000 a day from August  14. Know why

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidV6SaQ1UcpfYv" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has clapped back at Elon Musk and X, formerly known as Twitter, after Musk announced in the early hours of Sunday that the "Musk vs Zuck" fight will be live-streamed on the rebranded platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?” Zuckerberg replied to Musk on Threads.</p>

<p>Zuckerberg may have been referring to the dodgy quality of live streams on X, which even Musk has mentioned needs upgrading. Last week, Musk did a 53-second impromptu live to see if there had been improvements in the live streaming since he first raised the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regarding the fight, the Meta boss said he was prepared to enter the ring any day, but Musk had not agreed to the dates up until now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m read today,” Zuckerberg said on Threads. “I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath.”</p>

<p>He continued, “I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here.”</p>

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<div style=" font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; color: #999999; font-weight: 400; padding-bottom: 4px; "><a href="https://www.threads.net/@zuck/post/CvnechDSJeC" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Post by @zuck</a></div>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/its-on-elon-musk-shares-details-about-his-fight-with-zuckerberg-622814" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | It's on: Elon Musk shares details of fight with Zuckerberg, to be live streamed on X</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, Musk dispelled speculations about the fight being cancelled when he said it will be live-streamed and all proceeds will go to the charity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on X. All proceeds will go to charity for veterans,” Musk posted on X.</p>

<p>The Tesla owner shared with his followers that he has been “lifting weights throughout the day preparing for the fight.”</p>

<p>“Don’t have time to work out, so I just bring them to work,” said Musk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Aiming to get to 50-pound free weights this week. I build muscle fast. Physical endurance is my weak spot, so I’m aiming to make this quick,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Musk challenges Zuck</strong></h2>

<p>The speculations around a potential fight between the two billionaires started in June when Musk commented on a tweet about Facebook launching Threads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m sure Earth can’t wait to be exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options. At least it will be ‘sane’. Was worried there for a moment,” Musk tweeted with a crying-laughing emoji.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Threads: Another app to doomscroll?</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-threads-another-app-to-doomscroll-613460/embed" width="560"></iframe>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Twitter user replied to Musk saying he should be careful of Zuckerberg since the Facebook boss had been practising jiu-jitsu, a Brazilian martial art form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” replied a cavalier Musk.</p>

<p>Since then, the rivalry has only intensified between the duo. After Meta launched Threads, Musk and his team filed a legal case against Zuckerberg for copying X. Days later, Musk took a stinging jibe at Zuckerberg by posting, "Zuck is a cuck".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has clapped back at Elon Musk and X, formerly known as Twitter, after Musk announced in the early hours of Sunday that the "Musk vs Zuck" fight will be live-streamed on the rebranded platform.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has clapped back at Elon Musk and X, formerly known as Twitter, after Musk announced in the early hours of Sunday that the "Musk vs Zuck" fight will be live-streamed on the rebranded platform. “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?” Zuckerberg replied to Musk on Threads. Zuckerberg may have been referring to the dodgy quality of live streams on X, which even Musk has mentioned needs upgrading. Last week, Musk did a 53-second impromptu live to see if there had been improvements in the live streaming since he first raised the issue. Regarding the fight, the Meta boss said he was prepared to enter the ring any day, but Musk had not agreed to the dates up until now. “I’m read today,” Zuckerberg said on Threads. “I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath.” He continued, “I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here.” Post by @zuck View on Threads × Also read | It's on: Elon Musk shares details of fight with Zuckerberg, to be live streamed on X Notably, Musk dispelled speculations about the fight being cancelled when he said it will be live-streamed and all proceeds will go to the charity. “Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on X. All proceeds will go to charity for veterans,” Musk posted on X. The Tesla owner shared with his followers that he has been “lifting weights throughout the day preparing for the fight.” “Don’t have time to work out, so I just bring them to work,” said Musk. “Aiming to get to 50-pound free weights this week. I build muscle fast. Physical endurance is my weak spot, so I’m aiming to make this quick,” he added. Musk challenges Zuck The speculations around a potential fight between the two billionaires started in June when Musk commented on a tweet about Facebook launching Threads. “I’m sure Earth can’t wait to be exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options. At least it will be ‘sane’. Was worried there for a moment,” Musk tweeted with a crying-laughing emoji. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Threads: Another app to doomscroll? . A Twitter user replied to Musk saying he should be careful of Zuckerberg since the Facebook boss had been practising jiu-jitsu, a Brazilian martial art form. “I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” replied a cavalier Musk. Since then, the rivalry has only intensified between the duo. After Meta launched Threads, Musk and his team filed a legal case against Zuckerberg for copying X. Days later, Musk took a stinging jibe at Zuckerberg by posting, "Zuck is a cuck". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zuckerberg claps back at Musk, says he's 'ready to fight today'

<p>In a patriarchal society, a woman's worth has long been attached to her vagina and its "purity". This obsession has, for years, given way to harmful methods to maintain the so-called purity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest fad in this problematic trend are 'yoni pearls' and as per a report by the Guardian, social media giants Meta, YouTube, and Google are profiting from posts promoting these useless and harmful 'health products' to women in Kenya.</p>

<h2><strong>Detox or toxic?</strong></h2>

<p>As per research by media collective Fambua, big tech firms are amplifying content promising unproven cures for infertility and herbs that can supposedly fight off cancer.</p>

<p>Fambua found Facebook pages selling these yoni pearls that as per them can "cleanse" the uterus and protect women from cervical cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-drug-trafficking-convict-executed-in-singapore-in-less-than-a-week-621999">Third drug trafficking convict executed in Singapore in less than a week</a></strong></p>

<p>These yoni pearls are nothing but mesh wrapped herbs that are to be inserted via the vagina and which, as per claims, "detoxes past lovers from the womb space to free yourself and bring in more aligned lover or lovers."</p>

<p><img alt="Yoni" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47935fae-691d-4b71-9ba0-5b9fb19cc836" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2866%29.png" /></p>

<p>Bogus cures like steaming the vagina — by sitting over a bowl of boiling water is also being promoted as a cure for endometriosis.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Big tech profiteering off hoaxes</strong></h2>

<p>As per the media collective's report, "Facebook’s own algorithms are often amplifying this content, and are letting ads for detox remedies target Kenyan users."</p>

<p>It further points out that all these so-called remedies and the supposed health benefits are not backed by any scientific evidence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/move-over-blue-whale-scientists-discover-40-million-year-old-earths-biggest-animal-ever-621809">Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"Google and YouTube are also part of this harmful system, profiting off ads for vaginal detox products despite evident health risks," claims the report.</p>

<h2><strong>'Asleep at the wheel'</strong></h2>

<p>"What is most alarming is how freely these adverts are available. People are not just able to sell things that are harmful, but to do so publicly and even pay for these adverts to go viral. There's an audacious impunity about it," says research lead Wanjiru Nguhi.</p>

<p>"Scam products are being delivered into the Kenyan marketplace while big tech is asleep at the wheel," remarks Kristina Wilfore, co-founder of ShePersisted, an initiative to address gendered disinformation.</p>

<h2><strong>Vaginal detox</strong></h2>

<p>It's not just ads on social media, these products have also been made popular by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Vera Sidika, the star of the Real Housewives of Nairobi.</p>

<p>As per The Guardian, these vaginal detox products sell for about 1,000 Kenyan shillings (or around $7). Medical experts caution against the use of these 'yoni pearls' and say that these are not only unnecessary but can also cause pain and infections.</p>

<p>Researchers say that these marketing fads are attempting to exploit pressures on women to conform to unattainable standards of sexuality and ill-informed notions of female hygiene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even as experts warn against such bogus products, Meta, as per the Guardian, said the vaginal detox content did not violate its policies.&nbsp;"We remove content that promotes harmful miracle cures for health issues when the treatments are widely deemed likely to directly contribute to the risk of serious injury or death," said the company in a statement.&nbsp;Google and YouTube, too, have similar misinformation policies, which require material to present danger of bodily harm or be life-threatening in order for it to be removed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In a patriarchal society, a woman's worth has long been attached to her vagina and its "purity". This obsession has, for years, given way to harmful methods to maintain the so-called purity.

In a patriarchal society, a woman's worth has long been attached to her vagina and its "purity". This obsession has, for years, given way to harmful methods to maintain the so-called purity. The latest fad in this problematic trend are 'yoni pearls' and as per a report by the Guardian, social media giants Meta, YouTube, and Google are profiting from posts promoting these useless and harmful 'health products' to women in Kenya. Detox or toxic? As per research by media collective Fambua, big tech firms are amplifying content promising unproven cures for infertility and herbs that can supposedly fight off cancer. Fambua found Facebook pages selling these yoni pearls that as per them can "cleanse" the uterus and protect women from cervical cancer. Also read | Third drug trafficking convict executed in Singapore in less than a week These yoni pearls are nothing but mesh wrapped herbs that are to be inserted via the vagina and which, as per claims, "detoxes past lovers from the womb space to free yourself and bring in more aligned lover or lovers." Bogus cures like steaming the vagina — by sitting over a bowl of boiling water is also being promoted as a cure for endometriosis. Big tech profiteering off hoaxes As per the media collective's report, "Facebook’s own algorithms are often amplifying this content, and are letting ads for detox remedies target Kenyan users." It further points out that all these so-called remedies and the supposed health benefits are not backed by any scientific evidence. Also read | Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth "Google and YouTube are also part of this harmful system, profiting off ads for vaginal detox products despite evident health risks," claims the report. 'Asleep at the wheel' "What is most alarming is how freely these adverts are available. People are not just able to sell things that are harmful, but to do so publicly and even pay for these adverts to go viral. There's an audacious impunity about it," says research lead Wanjiru Nguhi. "Scam products are being delivered into the Kenyan marketplace while big tech is asleep at the wheel," remarks Kristina Wilfore, co-founder of ShePersisted, an initiative to address gendered disinformation. Vaginal detox It's not just ads on social media, these products have also been made popular by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Vera Sidika, the star of the Real Housewives of Nairobi. As per The Guardian, these vaginal detox products sell for about 1,000 Kenyan shillings (or around $7). Medical experts caution against the use of these 'yoni pearls' and say that these are not only unnecessary but can also cause pain and infections. Researchers say that these marketing fads are attempting to exploit pressures on women to conform to unattainable standards of sexuality and ill-informed notions of female hygiene. Even as experts warn against such bogus products, Meta, as per the Guardian, said the vaginal detox content did not violate its policies. "We remove content that promotes harmful miracle cures for health issues when the treatments are widely deemed likely to directly contribute to the risk of serious injury or death," said the company in a statement. Google and YouTube, too, have similar misinformation policies, which require material to present danger of bodily harm or be life-threatening in order for it to be removed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Facebook, Google, YouTube pushing harmful 'misogynistic' trends like 'yoni pearls' to Kenyan women

<p>A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said.</p>

<p>The incident marks the continuation of a number of similar&nbsp;incidents in the Bay Area that have stoked the exodus of businesses from inside and beyond California's Silicon Valley in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Nye County Sheriff's Office in Nevada informed the San Mateo Police about the incident after a witness reported seeing the stabbing on Facebook. The witness provided the video and phone number of the man who posted the killing, which was traced back to an apartment complex in San Mateo.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the lead, investigators arrested the 39-year-old suspect, Mark Mechikoff, in San Jose.</p>

<p>San Mateo police stated that the motive for the stabbing is still under investigation.</p>

<p>Mechikoff heartlessly filmed the victim's final moments and posted the video on Facebook before fleeing the area, the police added.</p>

<h2><strong>Police conducted a door-to-door exhaustive search</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the arrest, police officers conducted an exhaustive search, spending nearly three hours going door to door in the vast apartment complex, until they found the victim's location in an apartment.</p>

<p>Although the suspect had fled the scene, the officers managed to apprehend him within two hours of locating the victim.</p>

<p>According to the police, Mechikoff was acquainted with the victim.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistan supporters</strong></p>

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<p>Based on court records, the suspect is charged with felony murder, and there are enhancements involved. He appeared in court for an initial hearing on Friday and is scheduled to appear again on August 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The San Mateo Police Department is urging anyone with information or security footage related to this homicide to come forward and assist with the investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>Elon Musk had reacted to rising crime rate in San Francisco</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, a number of Silicon Valley insiders, including X owner (formerly Twitter) Elon Musk, have flagged the rise in&nbsp;violent crimes in San Francisco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Many people I know have been severely assaulted. Violent crime in SF is horrific and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately. Is the city taking stronger action to incarcerate repeat violent offenders," Elon Musk posted on X, Twitter's rebranded avatar, in April while&nbsp;calling on San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to take action.</p>

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A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said.

A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said. The incident marks the continuation of a number of similar incidents in the Bay Area that have stoked the exodus of businesses from inside and beyond California's Silicon Valley in recent times. The Nye County Sheriff's Office in Nevada informed the San Mateo Police about the incident after a witness reported seeing the stabbing on Facebook. The witness provided the video and phone number of the man who posted the killing, which was traced back to an apartment complex in San Mateo. Also read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident Following the lead, investigators arrested the 39-year-old suspect, Mark Mechikoff, in San Jose. San Mateo police stated that the motive for the stabbing is still under investigation. Mechikoff heartlessly filmed the victim's final moments and posted the video on Facebook before fleeing the area, the police added. Police conducted a door-to-door exhaustive search Prior to the arrest, police officers conducted an exhaustive search, spending nearly three hours going door to door in the vast apartment complex, until they found the victim's location in an apartment. Although the suspect had fled the scene, the officers managed to apprehend him within two hours of locating the victim. According to the police, Mechikoff was acquainted with the victim. Also watch | Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistan supporters × Based on court records, the suspect is charged with felony murder, and there are enhancements involved. He appeared in court for an initial hearing on Friday and is scheduled to appear again on August 4. The San Mateo Police Department is urging anyone with information or security footage related to this homicide to come forward and assist with the investigation. Elon Musk had reacted to rising crime rate in San Francisco Earlier, a number of Silicon Valley insiders, including X owner (formerly Twitter) Elon Musk, have flagged the rise in violent crimes in San Francisco. "Many people I know have been severely assaulted. Violent crime in SF is horrific and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately. Is the city taking stronger action to incarcerate repeat violent offenders," Elon Musk posted on X, Twitter's rebranded avatar, in April while calling on San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to take action. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US man allegedly stabs woman, posts 'last moments' on Facebook

There are new allegations that Facebook was controlled by American authorities during the pandemic. According to a Wall Street Journal story, Facebook was pressured by the White House to remove specific coronavirus posts.

WSJ: Facebook 'bowed' to White House pressure of removing posts on Covid-19

Singapore authorities have evoked the fake news law against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's brother who is now under the scanner has been ordered to attach a fake news notice in order to correct a Facebook post that shares untrue statement about senior ministers of the ruling party of Singapore.

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong's brother hit with fake news notice | World Newspoint

<p>After reports of a 34-year-old married Indian woman and a mother of two, named Anju getting married to her 29 years old Pakistani Facebook friend Nasrullah, the duo denied the claims reports India Today media portal.</p>

<p>The denial of the came after Pakistani police confirmed that both tied the knot in a local court of a district and sessions judge after Anju converted to Islam. Notably, Anju travelled to Pakistan legally on a valid visa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking with India Today,&nbsp;Nasrullah denied the marriage reports and said, "No, these are all false rumours being spread. Our marriage did not take place."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We appeared before the court because we were in danger and went before the court to request security. The government has also provided us with the security of 50 police officers because Anju is a foreigner," he said adding, "Anju is a foreign national in Pakistan. Her life is in danger. She could be attacked at any time. There are different kinds of people here. We want to protect her, which is why we appeared before the court."</p>

<p>He refuted the authenticity of the marriage certificate and said these are false rumours being spread. "Anju is my best friend," he said of his relationship with the Indian woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the reports of Anju converting to Islam,&nbsp;Nasrullah said, "Wearing a burqa is the tradition here. We made Anju wear it so that no one could recognise her."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She still practices the religion she did," he said adding, "She is my best friend. She came on a tourist visa. She wanted to see Pakistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked if he will marry Anju after her divorce, the Pakistani man said, "That's her decision. If she says so, then I will. But for now, she is going back to India."</p>

<p>Speaking in the same vein, Anju said, "Claims of Nasrullah and I getting married are false. There is a process through which I will come back to India, which is why I went there."</p>

<p>"Rumours are made up, but we did not get married," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per earlier reports by the PTI news agency, the marriage of Anju and Nasrullah was solemnised in the presence of his family members, police personnel, and lawyers at the district court in Dir Bala in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.</p>

<p>Malakand Division Deputy Inspector General Nasir Mehmood Satti&nbsp;confirmed the Nikah of Anju and Nasrullah, stating that Anju has been given the name Fatima following her conversion to Islam. After the wedding, Anju was provided police security as she was shifted to Nasrullah's home, according to previous reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She traveled to Pakistan on a month-long visit visa and all her travel documents are valid and complete," Upper Dir District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Khan said on Monday adding, "Anju has come to Pakistan from New Delhi for the sake of love and is living happily here."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sightseeing trip&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Before the alleged wedding, Anju and Nasrullah went on a sightseeing trip to the Lawari tunnel connecting Dir Upper District with Chitral District. In pictures from their trip, they were seen holding hands in a garden.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strategic-trust-eroded-indian-nsa-ajit-doval-minces-no-words-in-talks-with-china-619212">‘Strategic trust eroded,’ Indian NSA Ajit Doval minces no words in talks with China</a></p>

<p>Anju shared a video expressing that she feels safe in Pakistan and requested the media not to harass her relatives and children.&nbsp;"I want to give this message to all that I have come here legally and with planning as it was not about two days that I came here all of a sudden, and I am safe here," she said in the video and added, "I request all the media persons not to harass my relatives and children."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Legal travel to Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>Anju had traveled legally from India to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border. A 30-day visa which is valid only for Upper Dir has been granted to Anju.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-banks-pressed-to-rectify-inaccurate-financial-statements-heres-why-619208">US banks pressed to rectify ‘inaccurate’ financial statements. Here's why</a></p>

<p>Earlier, the Pakistani groom Nasrullah&nbsp;provided an affidavit to local authorities stating that their friendship has no love angle, and Anju will return to India by August 20. The police confirmed that Anju's travel documents were in order, and she was allowed to stay with Nasrullah, who was instructed to look after her.</p>

<h2><strong>Anju's family&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Anju's husband Arvind, back in Rajasthan, told a media outlet that Anju had left home on the pretext of going to Jaipur but later they found out she was in Pakistan. He remained hopeful that she would return home.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A pretty girl Anju from india in pakistan and says Pakistan is Beautiful Country ❤ <a href="https://t.co/zre8a6G2LM">pic.twitter.com/zre8a6G2LM</a></p>
— Beautiful Pakistan🇵🇰 ( Holiday Travels Pakistan) (@LandofPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LandofPakistan/status/1683799032835997697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Anju's situation is reminiscent of the case of Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani woman who had sneaked into India and married Sachin Meena, whom she met while playing PUBG in 2019. Seema and Sachin live together in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida near Delhi, according to the Uttar Pradesh Police.</p>

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After reports of a 34-year-old married Indian woman and a mother of two, named Anju getting married to her 29 years old Pakistani Facebook friend Nasrullah, the duo denied the claims reports India Today media portal.

After reports of a 34-year-old married Indian woman and a mother of two, named Anju getting married to her 29 years old Pakistani Facebook friend Nasrullah, the duo denied the claims reports India Today media portal. The denial of the came after Pakistani police confirmed that both tied the knot in a local court of a district and sessions judge after Anju converted to Islam. Notably, Anju travelled to Pakistan legally on a valid visa. Speaking with India Today, Nasrullah denied the marriage reports and said, "No, these are all false rumours being spread. Our marriage did not take place." "We appeared before the court because we were in danger and went before the court to request security. The government has also provided us with the security of 50 police officers because Anju is a foreigner," he said adding, "Anju is a foreign national in Pakistan. Her life is in danger. She could be attacked at any time. There are different kinds of people here. We want to protect her, which is why we appeared before the court." He refuted the authenticity of the marriage certificate and said these are false rumours being spread. "Anju is my best friend," he said of his relationship with the Indian woman. Over the reports of Anju converting to Islam, Nasrullah said, "Wearing a burqa is the tradition here. We made Anju wear it so that no one could recognise her." "She still practices the religion she did," he said adding, "She is my best friend. She came on a tourist visa. She wanted to see Pakistan." When asked if he will marry Anju after her divorce, the Pakistani man said, "That's her decision. If she says so, then I will. But for now, she is going back to India." Speaking in the same vein, Anju said, "Claims of Nasrullah and I getting married are false. There is a process through which I will come back to India, which is why I went there." "Rumours are made up, but we did not get married," she said. As per earlier reports by the PTI news agency, the marriage of Anju and Nasrullah was solemnised in the presence of his family members, police personnel, and lawyers at the district court in Dir Bala in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Malakand Division Deputy Inspector General Nasir Mehmood Satti confirmed the Nikah of Anju and Nasrullah, stating that Anju has been given the name Fatima following her conversion to Islam. After the wedding, Anju was provided police security as she was shifted to Nasrullah's home, according to previous reports. "She traveled to Pakistan on a month-long visit visa and all her travel documents are valid and complete," Upper Dir District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Khan said on Monday adding, "Anju has come to Pakistan from New Delhi for the sake of love and is living happily here." Sightseeing trip Before the alleged wedding, Anju and Nasrullah went on a sightseeing trip to the Lawari tunnel connecting Dir Upper District with Chitral District. In pictures from their trip, they were seen holding hands in a garden. Also Read | ‘Strategic trust eroded,’ Indian NSA Ajit Doval minces no words in talks with China Anju shared a video expressing that she feels safe in Pakistan and requested the media not to harass her relatives and children. "I want to give this message to all that I have come here legally and with planning as it was not about two days that I came here all of a sudden, and I am safe here," she said in the video and added, "I request all the media persons not to harass my relatives and children." Legal travel to Pakistan Anju had traveled legally from India to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border. A 30-day visa which is valid only for Upper Dir has been granted to Anju. Also Read | US banks pressed to rectify ‘inaccurate’ financial statements. Here's why Earlier, the Pakistani groom Nasrullah provided an affidavit to local authorities stating that their friendship has no love angle, and Anju will return to India by August 20. The police confirmed that Anju's travel documents were in order, and she was allowed to stay with Nasrullah, who was instructed to look after her. Anju's family Anju's husband Arvind, back in Rajasthan, told a media outlet that Anju had left home on the pretext of going to Jaipur but later they found out she was in Pakistan. He remained hopeful that she would return home. A pretty girl Anju from india in pakistan and says Pakistan is Beautiful Country ❤ pic.twitter.com/zre8a6G2LM — Beautiful Pakistan🇵🇰 ( Holiday Travels Pakistan) (@LandofPakistan) July 25, 2023 × Watch | UK: Boris Johnson's former aide gets life peerage; controversy over 'young' peers × Anju's situation is reminiscent of the case of Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani woman who had sneaked into India and married Sachin Meena, whom she met while playing PUBG in 2019. Seema and Sachin live together in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida near Delhi, according to the Uttar Pradesh Police. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indian woman, Pakistani Facebook friend deny claims of getting married

<p>An Indian married woman named Anju traveled legally to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend Nasrulla. However, Nasrulla has dismissed any romantic involvement between them and confirmed that Anju will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, PTI news agency reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Narulla told PTI in a telephonic conversation from the district's Kulsho village. The village is about 300 kilometres from the Peshawar province. "She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires," he said, adding Anju is living in a separate room of his home with the other female members of his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-pees-on-floor-of-plane-alleges-airline-of-not-letting-her-use-washroom-618861">Woman pees on floor of plane, alleges airline did not let her use washroom</a></p>

<p>Nasrulla, who is 29 years old, stated that he and Anju, who is 34 years old and married, are just friends. He also cleared that there are no plans for marriage between them. As per report, they initially connected on Facebook back in 2019.</p>

<h2><strong>Anju's visit to Pakistan </strong></h2>

<p>Anju visited the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa, specifically granted for Upper Dir. She has been residing in a separate room in Nasrulla's home.</p>

<p>Anju's visa is valid until August 20, after which she will return to India as per the official documents from the Ministry of Interior.</p>

<p>Nasrulla has provided an affidavit to the local authorities stating that there is no romantic involvement, and Anju will abide by the visa regulations.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-justice-minister-resigns-after-crashing-car-under-alcohols-influence-618882">New Zealand justice minister resigns after crashing car under alcohol's influence</a></p>

<p>"She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said District Police Officer, Mushtaq, who checked her travel documents and issued a no-objection certificate.</p>

<p>The district administration has provided adequate security to ensure her safety during her stay in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The villagers, predominantly Pashtuns known for their religious values, wish for Anju's safe return to India.</p>

<p>They are concerned about any negative implications this incident might have on their community's reputation.</p>

<h2><strong>Anju's husband</strong></h2>

<p>Anju is married to Arvind, and they have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. Arvind expressed hope that his wife would return home soon.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israelis protest ahead of key parliament vote | Kiri Allan quits cabinet</strong></p>

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<p>He confirmed that Anju had a valid passport and had mentioned her intention to apply for a job abroad but had no knowledge of her social media contacts.</p>

<p>The case involving Anju has been compared to another incident where a Pakistani woman named Seema Ghulam Haider illegally entered India and lived with a Hindu man she met through PUBG video game.</p>

<p>Unlike Seema, Anju traveled legally from India to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border.</p>

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An Indian married woman named Anju traveled legally to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend Nasrulla. However, Nasrulla has dismissed any romantic involvement between them and confirmed that Anju will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, PTI news agency reported.

An Indian married woman named Anju traveled legally to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend Nasrulla. However, Nasrulla has dismissed any romantic involvement between them and confirmed that Anju will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires, PTI news agency reported. "Anju is on a visit to Pakistan and we have no plan to marry," Narulla told PTI in a telephonic conversation from the district's Kulsho village. The village is about 300 kilometres from the Peshawar province. "She will go back to her country on August 20 after her visa expires," he said, adding Anju is living in a separate room of his home with the other female members of his family. Also Read | Woman pees on floor of plane, alleges airline did not let her use washroom Nasrulla, who is 29 years old, stated that he and Anju, who is 34 years old and married, are just friends. He also cleared that there are no plans for marriage between them. As per report, they initially connected on Facebook back in 2019. Anju's visit to Pakistan Anju visited the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on a valid Pakistani visa, specifically granted for Upper Dir. She has been residing in a separate room in Nasrulla's home. Anju's visa is valid until August 20, after which she will return to India as per the official documents from the Ministry of Interior. Nasrulla has provided an affidavit to the local authorities stating that there is no romantic involvement, and Anju will abide by the visa regulations. Also Read | New Zealand justice minister resigns after crashing car under alcohol's influence "She will definitely go back on August 20 as per her visa documents," said District Police Officer, Mushtaq, who checked her travel documents and issued a no-objection certificate. The district administration has provided adequate security to ensure her safety during her stay in Pakistan. The villagers, predominantly Pashtuns known for their religious values, wish for Anju's safe return to India. They are concerned about any negative implications this incident might have on their community's reputation. Anju's husband Anju is married to Arvind, and they have a 15-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. Arvind expressed hope that his wife would return home soon. Watch | Israelis protest ahead of key parliament vote | Kiri Allan quits cabinet × He confirmed that Anju had a valid passport and had mentioned her intention to apply for a job abroad but had no knowledge of her social media contacts. The case involving Anju has been compared to another incident where a Pakistani woman named Seema Ghulam Haider illegally entered India and lived with a Hindu man she met through PUBG video game. Unlike Seema, Anju traveled legally from India to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

No marriage plans, set to return home: Pak man on Indian woman's visit

Were you trying to use Instagram, Facebook or Whatsapp today morning and were not able to do so? Well, you're not alone it seems like in some parts of the world users struggled to use Meta's social media offerings. All three major social media platforms under Meta that is Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp reported outages today early morning. According to reports as many as 14,000 users reported issues with Instagram, around 7,000 faced issues with Facebook and approximately 2,000 users had trouble accessing WhatsApp.

Meta's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp face outage

<p>Thousands of users in the United States experienced outages on Meta Platforms' social media sites Instagram and Facebook, as well as the messaging app WhatsApp, on Monday (July 11), reported Reuters citing Downdetector.com.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Downdetector.com is a website that provides real-time information about the status of various online services, websites, and platforms. It allows users to report and monitor service outages, disruptions, or any other issues they may be experiencing with popular online services.</p>

<p>Instagram, which is owned by Meta Platforms, had approximately 13,000 users reporting issues with accessing the platform. Similarly, Facebook and WhatsApp experienced outages affecting around 5,400 and 1,870 users, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigation-into-greek-shipwreck-suggests-coastguard-responsible-for-sinking-report-613990">Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report</a></p>

<p>However, it's worth noting that the actual number of affected users could be higher, as Downdetector relies on user reports. As of now, Meta Platforms has not provided an immediate response to Reuters' inquiry regarding the outages.</p>

<h2><strong>Earlier outages</strong></h2>

<p>In June, Meta Platforms experienced similar service outages that impacted its social media apps Facebook and Instagram. However, after a little over two hours, the services were restored, bringing relief to thousands of affected users.</p>

<p>During the outage, Downdetector.com recorded nearly 20,000 user reports of difficulties accessing Facebook, Instagram, and Meta's messaging service WhatsApp.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a></p>

<p>Meta, at the time, also addressed and resolved issues related to its Ads Manager, the advertising tool used by brands to purchase and create Facebook ads.</p>

<p>The company confirmed that the problems with Ads Manager were successfully resolved.</p>

<p>In March, Instagram experienced a global outage that affected a large number of users. However, according to a statement from the photo-sharing platform, the service was restored for the majority of users after several hours of technical difficulties.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 'Safeguarding reefs': Theme of Florida Music Festival</strong></p>

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<p>In a tweet, Instagram acknowledged the issue, stating, "Earlier tonight, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing Instagram. We resolved this issue for everyone as quickly as possible."</p>

<p>During the peak of the outage, Downdetector received over 53,000 reports from users who were unable to access Instagram.</p>

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Thousands of users in the United States experienced outages on Meta Platforms' social media sites Instagram and Facebook, as well as the messaging app WhatsApp, on Monday (July 11), reported Reuters citing Downdetector.

Thousands of users in the United States experienced outages on Meta Platforms' social media sites Instagram and Facebook, as well as the messaging app WhatsApp, on Monday (July 11), reported Reuters citing Downdetector.com. Downdetector.com is a website that provides real-time information about the status of various online services, websites, and platforms. It allows users to report and monitor service outages, disruptions, or any other issues they may be experiencing with popular online services. Instagram, which is owned by Meta Platforms, had approximately 13,000 users reporting issues with accessing the platform. Similarly, Facebook and WhatsApp experienced outages affecting around 5,400 and 1,870 users, respectively. Also Read | Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report However, it's worth noting that the actual number of affected users could be higher, as Downdetector relies on user reports. As of now, Meta Platforms has not provided an immediate response to Reuters' inquiry regarding the outages. Earlier outages In June, Meta Platforms experienced similar service outages that impacted its social media apps Facebook and Instagram. However, after a little over two hours, the services were restored, bringing relief to thousands of affected users. During the outage, Downdetector.com recorded nearly 20,000 user reports of difficulties accessing Facebook, Instagram, and Meta's messaging service WhatsApp. Also Read | 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan Meta, at the time, also addressed and resolved issues related to its Ads Manager, the advertising tool used by brands to purchase and create Facebook ads. The company confirmed that the problems with Ads Manager were successfully resolved. In March, Instagram experienced a global outage that affected a large number of users. However, according to a statement from the photo-sharing platform, the service was restored for the majority of users after several hours of technical difficulties. Watch | 'Safeguarding reefs': Theme of Florida Music Festival × In a tweet, Instagram acknowledged the issue, stating, "Earlier tonight, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing Instagram. We resolved this issue for everyone as quickly as possible." During the peak of the outage, Downdetector received over 53,000 reports from users who were unable to access Instagram. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Thousands face outage on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

<p>The government of Canada will not purchase advertisements on Facebook and Instagram as it faces a dispute over a new law on payment to online news publishers which has been opposed by the Meta-owned platforms, said Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Last month, the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, was passed, which triggered Meta and Alphabet's Google to claim that they would stop providing access to news on their platforms in Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rules are being finalised by the government which requires the platforms to share some advertising revenue when the law gets implemented by the end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Canada is going to continue to stand firm and ensure that if social media platforms and internet giants want to use media, that they actually ensure that they're paying their fair share for it," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Monteregie, Quebec.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/explained-threat-of-threads-how-metas-version-of-twitter-is-not-new-at-all-612577">Explained: Threat of Threads? How Meta's version of Twitter is not new at all</a></p>

<p>However, the government still sees a path ahead and hopes to resolve the dispute and is hence, open to discussion with the platforms, said Rodriguez, who had introduced the legislation, while speaking to reporters in Ottawa.</p>

<h2><strong>Tighter regulations on internet giants</strong></h2>

<p>The government drafted the legislation after receiving calls from the media industry of Canada for the need for tighter regulations on internet giants to help news businesses recoup financial losses which they have suffered in the years as Google and Facebook continued to gain a greater share of the online advertising market.</p>

<p>Rodriguez said that 80 per cent of the revenue generated from advertisements in Canada, which was worth $7.5 billion in 2022, went to Google and Facebook, and the Liberal government wanted that the two social media platforms contribute to domestic journalism.</p>

<p>He added that the decision to suspend the government advertisements can cost Facebook and Instagram around $7.5 billion per year, he said.</p>

<p>Facebook "refused to discuss and they did not want to compensate the media accordingly and so we've decided to suspend advertising," Rodriguez stated while speaking alongside two of three Canadian opposition parties, which also have been supporting the legislation.</p>

<p>“Platforms benefit from the status quo. They benefit from the fact that there’s currently nothing forcing them to contribute to our Canadian news system. That status quo isn’t working. All we want, all Canadians want, is for these platforms to contribute their fair share," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Meta launches subscription plan for Quest Plus VR headsets</strong></p>

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<p>“We’re telling both platforms to stay at the table, work through the regulatory process with us, contribute their fair share and keep the news on their platforms. We believe we have a path forward, and we’re willing to continue talking with the platforms," the minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, the regulatory process is not equipped to make changes to the fundamental features of the legislation that have always been problematic," said a Meta spokesperson, adding that the company has been thinking to stop the availability of news in Canada in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>Sounding hopeful about reaching a compromise with Google, Rodriguez said that the government was convinced that "what Google is asking at this moment can be done."</p>

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The government of Canada will not purchase advertisements on Facebook and Instagram as it faces a dispute over a new law on payment to online news publishers which has been opposed by the Meta-owned platforms, said Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez on Wednesday.

The government of Canada will not purchase advertisements on Facebook and Instagram as it faces a dispute over a new law on payment to online news publishers which has been opposed by the Meta-owned platforms, said Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez on Wednesday. Last month, the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, was passed, which triggered Meta and Alphabet's Google to claim that they would stop providing access to news on their platforms in Canada. The rules are being finalised by the government which requires the platforms to share some advertising revenue when the law gets implemented by the end of the year. "Canada is going to continue to stand firm and ensure that if social media platforms and internet giants want to use media, that they actually ensure that they're paying their fair share for it," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Monteregie, Quebec. ALSO READ | Explained: Threat of Threads? How Meta's version of Twitter is not new at all However, the government still sees a path ahead and hopes to resolve the dispute and is hence, open to discussion with the platforms, said Rodriguez, who had introduced the legislation, while speaking to reporters in Ottawa. Tighter regulations on internet giants The government drafted the legislation after receiving calls from the media industry of Canada for the need for tighter regulations on internet giants to help news businesses recoup financial losses which they have suffered in the years as Google and Facebook continued to gain a greater share of the online advertising market. Rodriguez said that 80 per cent of the revenue generated from advertisements in Canada, which was worth $7.5 billion in 2022, went to Google and Facebook, and the Liberal government wanted that the two social media platforms contribute to domestic journalism. He added that the decision to suspend the government advertisements can cost Facebook and Instagram around $7.5 billion per year, he said. Facebook "refused to discuss and they did not want to compensate the media accordingly and so we've decided to suspend advertising," Rodriguez stated while speaking alongside two of three Canadian opposition parties, which also have been supporting the legislation. “Platforms benefit from the status quo. They benefit from the fact that there’s currently nothing forcing them to contribute to our Canadian news system. That status quo isn’t working. All we want, all Canadians want, is for these platforms to contribute their fair share," he added. WATCH | Meta launches subscription plan for Quest Plus VR headsets “We’re telling both platforms to stay at the table, work through the regulatory process with us, contribute their fair share and keep the news on their platforms. We believe we have a path forward, and we’re willing to continue talking with the platforms," the minister stated. "Unfortunately, the regulatory process is not equipped to make changes to the fundamental features of the legislation that have always been problematic," said a Meta spokesperson, adding that the company has been thinking to stop the availability of news in Canada in the coming weeks. Sounding hopeful about reaching a compromise with Google, Rodriguez said that the government was convinced that "what Google is asking at this moment can be done." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canada suspends advertisements on Facebook, Instagram in feud over new law

After months of rumour leaks and a billionaire cage-fight challenge between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, Zuckerberg delivered a final blow to Musk with the launch of Meta's much-anticipated social networking app - Threads.

Zuckerberg-Musk fight is on: Instagram launches 'Threads' to rival Twitter | Tech News | WION

Have you heard about Threads? It is Meta's new app which is expected to a give serious competition to an extremely popular rival app. Which one? This report tells you.

Gravitas: Threads: All about Meta's new app

European antitrust bodies will have increased power to investigate Tech Giants over privacy breach complaints, following a recent EU Court ruling.

Tech giants accused of privacy breach complaints | EU court investigations in progress

<p>Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook</strong></p>

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<p>Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user&nbsp;data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power.</p>

<p>At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities.</p>

<p>Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech.</p>

<p>Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU.</p>

<h2><strong>'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course."</p>

<p>The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law".</p>

<p>The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/twitter-vs-threads-musk-takes-a-dig-at-metas-upcoming-app-611675">Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app</a></strong></p>

<p>The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office.</p>

<p>"Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter.</p>

<p>Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law.</p>

<p>"You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said.</p>

<p>The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU.</p>

<p>"Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said.</p>

<p>Graf was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.

Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches. The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes. Watch | Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook × Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power. At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities. Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU. 'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course." The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law". The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation". Also Read | Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office. "Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters. His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter. Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law. "You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU. "Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said. Graf was quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Blow to Meta as top EU court backs German antitrust regulator on privacy breaches

Meta has announced new parental control tools across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. These tools, which have been provided by leading experts, as claimed, will let parents support their teens through the Meta Family Centre. These controls are currently available in the US, UK, and Canada.

Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook

<p>Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market. The announcement was made by Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg. He announced on a broadcast channel on Instagram that a Meta Quest+ subscription will be available from Monday at USD 7.99 per month. If a subscriber wishes to avail annual subscription, he/she will have to pay an&nbsp;annual fee of USD 59.99.</p>

<p>The subscription is for Quest 2, Pro and soon-to-be-launched Quest 3 headsets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apple has recently launched its first augmented reality headset and made a foray into the market segment. The Apple Vision Pro has been priced at USD 3499. Apple's headset is three times the cost of the costliest headset from Meta.</p>

<p>In the month of March this year, Meta cut the price of its headsets as its bold plans of metaverse have as yet&nbsp;failed to make a big splash.</p>

<p>Currently, Meta's flagship VR headset Meta Quest Pro is priced at USD 999.99. It is lesser than its launch price of USD 1499.99. Quest 2 is being sold for USD 299.99. The prices are mentioned on Meta's website.</p>

<p>Virtual reality headsets are widely considered to be the next big thing but the adoption has so far been limited to the gaming community. The situation persists in spite of the devices now having more advanced features. BBC reported that for the first three months of the year, Meta's virtual reality unit saw a loss of USD 4 billion.</p>

<p>Last year, Meta announced several artificial intelligence projects. Zuckerberg had described AI as "the key to unlocking the metaverse". Meta has reported a profit of USD 5.7 billion for the first three months of the year. But Meta's virtual reality division is reportedly struggling as of now.</p>

<h2><strong>Zuckerberg not impressed with Apple Vision Pro</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, Zuckerberg dismissed Apple Vision Pro as he spoke with his employees, according to reports in US media. He reportedly said that Apple's mixed reality gear may be nice but it may not be his vision of the future.</p>

<p>"I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vision Pro.</p>

<p>"There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this."</p>

<p>"Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market.

Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market. The announcement was made by Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg. He announced on a broadcast channel on Instagram that a Meta Quest+ subscription will be available from Monday at USD 7.99 per month. If a subscriber wishes to avail annual subscription, he/she will have to pay an annual fee of USD 59.99. The subscription is for Quest 2, Pro and soon-to-be-launched Quest 3 headsets. Apple has recently launched its first augmented reality headset and made a foray into the market segment. The Apple Vision Pro has been priced at USD 3499. Apple's headset is three times the cost of the costliest headset from Meta. In the month of March this year, Meta cut the price of its headsets as its bold plans of metaverse have as yet failed to make a big splash. Currently, Meta's flagship VR headset Meta Quest Pro is priced at USD 999.99. It is lesser than its launch price of USD 1499.99. Quest 2 is being sold for USD 299.99. The prices are mentioned on Meta's website. Virtual reality headsets are widely considered to be the next big thing but the adoption has so far been limited to the gaming community. The situation persists in spite of the devices now having more advanced features. BBC reported that for the first three months of the year, Meta's virtual reality unit saw a loss of USD 4 billion. Last year, Meta announced several artificial intelligence projects. Zuckerberg had described AI as "the key to unlocking the metaverse". Meta has reported a profit of USD 5.7 billion for the first three months of the year. But Meta's virtual reality division is reportedly struggling as of now. Zuckerberg not impressed with Apple Vision Pro Earlier this month, Zuckerberg dismissed Apple Vision Pro as he spoke with his employees, according to reports in US media. He reportedly said that Apple's mixed reality gear may be nice but it may not be his vision of the future. "I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vision Pro. "There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this." "Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Meta launches subscription service for its virtual reality headsets

<p>Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement.</p>

<p>“As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.”</p>

<p>Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister&nbsp;Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections&nbsp;scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook&nbsp;as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Telegram received a similar threat</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-elections-palace-names-pakatan-harapan-leader-as-prime-minister-537082"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister</strong></a></p>

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<p>The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.

Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail. “Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement. “As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.” Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight. Also read | A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory. The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population. Telegram received a similar threat Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app. WATCH | Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister × The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses. After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No option but to take action...': Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook

<p>Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers.</p>

<p>CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms.</p>

<p>According to the official WhatsApp blog, the update will be rolled out as part of Android 2.23.12.77 and iOS 23.12.71 compatible updates.</p>

<p>Though the new feature won’t completely nullify the amount of spam calls one receives, it will reduce unwanted disturbance from strangers by preventing the phone from ringing.</p>

<p>The update has added a new option named “Silence unknown calls.”</p>

<p>“Silence Unknown Callers is designed to give you more privacy and control of your incoming calls. It helps to automatically screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people for increased protection. These calls will not ring on your phone, but will be visible in your Call list, in case it turns out to be someone important,” it said in the blog post.</p>

<h2><strong>Step-by-step guide</strong></h2>

<p>Users who want to enable the feature on Android can tap on the three-dot menu and tap on&nbsp;Settings&gt;Privacy&gt;Calls and toggle the Silence unknown callers&nbsp;option on the app.</p>

<p>For iPhone, the owners have to tap on the gear icon on WhatsApp to open the settings menu, then tap on Privacy&gt;Calls and toggle the Silence Unknown Callers option.</p>

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<p>It comes after WhatsApp recently announced backend changes the app has incorporated to sort out the spam issue.</p>

<p>Moreover, the app has introduced a new ‘Privacy Checkup’ feature within the Privacy section so that everyone knows about the options of protection on the messaging platform.</p>

<p>It offers a step-by-step guide to know how you can leverage the existing WhatsApp privacy and security features to your advantage. Using this feature, users can decide who will be able to contact, edit personal details, make chats more private, and add an extra layer of protection to their accounts.</p>

<p>“Protecting the privacy of your messages remains the driving force behind what we’re building at WhatsApp.”</p>

<p>“While end-to-end encryption is the foundation to ensure your calls and messages are secure, we continue to add more layers of privacy on top including the recently launched Chat Lock to protect sensitive chats behind a password, Disappearing Messages that vanish, screenshot blocking for View Once, and the ability to keep your online presence private,” it added.</p>

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Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers. CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers. CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms. According to the official WhatsApp blog, the update will be rolled out as part of Android 2.23.12.77 and iOS 23.12.71 compatible updates. Though the new feature won’t completely nullify the amount of spam calls one receives, it will reduce unwanted disturbance from strangers by preventing the phone from ringing. The update has added a new option named “Silence unknown calls.” “Silence Unknown Callers is designed to give you more privacy and control of your incoming calls. It helps to automatically screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people for increased protection. These calls will not ring on your phone, but will be visible in your Call list, in case it turns out to be someone important,” it said in the blog post. Step-by-step guide Users who want to enable the feature on Android can tap on the three-dot menu and tap on Settings>Privacy>Calls and toggle the Silence unknown callers option on the app. For iPhone, the owners have to tap on the gear icon on WhatsApp to open the settings menu, then tap on Privacy>Calls and toggle the Silence Unknown Callers option. It comes after WhatsApp recently announced backend changes the app has incorporated to sort out the spam issue. Moreover, the app has introduced a new ‘Privacy Checkup’ feature within the Privacy section so that everyone knows about the options of protection on the messaging platform. It offers a step-by-step guide to know how you can leverage the existing WhatsApp privacy and security features to your advantage. Using this feature, users can decide who will be able to contact, edit personal details, make chats more private, and add an extra layer of protection to their accounts. “Protecting the privacy of your messages remains the driving force behind what we’re building at WhatsApp.” “While end-to-end encryption is the foundation to ensure your calls and messages are secure, we continue to add more layers of privacy on top including the recently launched Chat Lock to protect sensitive chats behind a password, Disappearing Messages that vanish, screenshot blocking for View Once, and the ability to keep your online presence private,” it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WhatsApp rolls out new feature to deal with spam calls

<p>Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram. During a company-wide meeting led by Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox, the upcoming app was demonstrated as "our response to Twitter."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cox took a jab at Twitter CEO Elon Musk, stating that the rival app would be "sanely run" and emphasised the importance of creating a platform that is trustworthy and reliable.</p>

<h2><strong>High-profile users already committed to using the app: Meta&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The goal of the app, which has been in development since January, is to provide creators with a stable place to build and grow their audiences, while prioritising safety, ease of use, and reliability.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Elon Musk launches new AI start up</strong></p>

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<p>Cox also highlighted that several notable figures, including Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and DJ Slime, have already committed to using the app. Meta plans to make the app available as soon as possible.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Project 92?</strong></h2>

<p>Project 92 reportedly integrates with Instagram's account system to automatically populate users' information and utilises ActivityPub to enable users to take their accounts and followers with them to other apps supported by the decentralized social networking protocol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This integration makes the app decentralised, similar to Twitter rival Mastodon, which launched earlier this year.</p>

<h2><strong>Will Meta defeat Twitter?</strong></h2>

<p>One advantage that Meta's upcoming app may have over Twitter is its alliance with Instagram. With over 1 billion users, Instagram's vast user base could potentially boost the reach of the new app.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In contrast, Twitter has faced controversy and challenges since Musk bought it and took over as CEO, including a significant drop in revenue amid reports of advertisers abandoning the platform due to issues such as hate speech content.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-lose-trust-elon-musk-cautions-us-authorities-on-trump-indictment-602358"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Public will lose trust': Elon Musk cautions US authorities on Trump indictment</strong></a></p>

<p>Meta has recognised this opportunity and aims to provide an alternative platform that “prioritises user trust and content moderation”. By leveraging Instagram's popularity and integrating with decentralised protocols, Meta claims it could offer a unique and interconnected experience different from its other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.</p>

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram. During a company-wide meeting led by Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox, the upcoming app was demonstrated as "our response to Twitter." Cox took a jab at Twitter CEO Elon Musk, stating that the rival app would be "sanely run" and emphasised the importance of creating a platform that is trustworthy and reliable. High-profile users already committed to using the app: Meta The goal of the app, which has been in development since January, is to provide creators with a stable place to build and grow their audiences, while prioritising safety, ease of use, and reliability. Watch: Elon Musk launches new AI start up × Cox also highlighted that several notable figures, including Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and DJ Slime, have already committed to using the app. Meta plans to make the app available as soon as possible. What is Project 92? Project 92 reportedly integrates with Instagram's account system to automatically populate users' information and utilises ActivityPub to enable users to take their accounts and followers with them to other apps supported by the decentralized social networking protocol. This integration makes the app decentralised, similar to Twitter rival Mastodon, which launched earlier this year. Will Meta defeat Twitter? One advantage that Meta's upcoming app may have over Twitter is its alliance with Instagram. With over 1 billion users, Instagram's vast user base could potentially boost the reach of the new app. In contrast, Twitter has faced controversy and challenges since Musk bought it and took over as CEO, including a significant drop in revenue amid reports of advertisers abandoning the platform due to issues such as hate speech content. Also read: 'Public will lose trust': Elon Musk cautions US authorities on Trump indictment Meta has recognised this opportunity and aims to provide an alternative platform that “prioritises user trust and content moderation”. By leveraging Instagram's popularity and integrating with decentralised protocols, Meta claims it could offer a unique and interconnected experience different from its other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘A platform that is sanely run,’ Meta hits out at Elon Musk as it introduces Twitter rival

<p>Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has initiated the rolling out of its paid verification subscription in India. The same can be purchased after paying ₹699 ($8.47)&nbsp;on iOS and Android. Meta has also said that it is planning to introduce a web purchase option for ₹599 ($7.26) a month soon.</p>

<p>"We’re expanding our test of Meta Verified to India after seeing good results from our early testing in several countries globally," the tech giant said.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Meta Verified?</strong></h2>

<p>Meta Verified is a new subscription package that includes account verification with government ID, impersonation protections, and account support, as reported by the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Elon Musk's Twitter rolled out Twitter Blue, a paid subscription at a monthly subscription of ₹900 ($10.90) for mobile, ₹650 ($7.87) for the website, which offered the coveted blue checkmark.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the paid subscription offer?</strong></h2>

<p>A verified badge verifies your entity and that your account has been authenticated with a government ID. The identification is of value as it is often associated with notability. Additionally, it offers protection from impersonation with the help of account monitoring for impersonators who might target people, Meta claims. At the moment, help when you need it for common account issues is available in English only, but Meta says it will soon be available in Hindi too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-sets-up-task-force-to-probe-claims-of-instagram-hosting-trade-of-child-sex-abuse-materials-reports-602038">Instagram 'most important platform' for child sex abuse networks: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Will the blue tick on Instagram and Facebook go away?</strong></h2>

<p>When Twitter rolled out its Twitter Blue subscription that offered a verification badge, it removed all the other legacy blue tick marks. Although it restored it for a select group of users for free. However, Meta has decided to retain verified badges that were granted previously based on existing criteria. “Any previously verified account will maintain its status on Instagram and Facebook for free,” CEO Zuckerberg said on his official Instagram broadcast channel.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Justin Trudeau accuses tech giants of using bullying tactics</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Five critical points about&nbsp;Meta Verification</strong></h2>

<p>- &nbsp;In a few cases, subscribers may be required to submit a selfie video as part of the authentication process.</p>

<p>- The rollout process began on Wednesday (June 7) and will be open to all who meet the eligibility criteria over the next few weeks.</p>

<p>- Businesses are not eligible to apply for Meta Verified at this stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>- People interested in purchasing on the web can sign up for the waitlist through the Facebook web Account Center and will be notified when web purchasing is available.</p>

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has initiated the rolling out of its paid verification subscription in India. The same can be purchased after paying ₹699 ($8.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has initiated the rolling out of its paid verification subscription in India. The same can be purchased after paying ₹699 ($8.47) on iOS and Android. Meta has also said that it is planning to introduce a web purchase option for ₹599 ($7.26) a month soon. "We’re expanding our test of Meta Verified to India after seeing good results from our early testing in several countries globally," the tech giant said. What is Meta Verified? Meta Verified is a new subscription package that includes account verification with government ID, impersonation protections, and account support, as reported by the Hindustan Times. This comes after Elon Musk's Twitter rolled out Twitter Blue, a paid subscription at a monthly subscription of ₹900 ($10.90) for mobile, ₹650 ($7.87) for the website, which offered the coveted blue checkmark. What does the paid subscription offer? A verified badge verifies your entity and that your account has been authenticated with a government ID. The identification is of value as it is often associated with notability. Additionally, it offers protection from impersonation with the help of account monitoring for impersonators who might target people, Meta claims. At the moment, help when you need it for common account issues is available in English only, but Meta says it will soon be available in Hindi too. Also read | Instagram 'most important platform' for child sex abuse networks: Report Will the blue tick on Instagram and Facebook go away? When Twitter rolled out its Twitter Blue subscription that offered a verification badge, it removed all the other legacy blue tick marks. Although it restored it for a select group of users for free. However, Meta has decided to retain verified badges that were granted previously based on existing criteria. “Any previously verified account will maintain its status on Instagram and Facebook for free,” CEO Zuckerberg said on his official Instagram broadcast channel. Also watch | Justin Trudeau accuses tech giants of using bullying tactics Five critical points about Meta Verification - In a few cases, subscribers may be required to submit a selfie video as part of the authentication process. - The rollout process began on Wednesday (June 7) and will be open to all who meet the eligibility criteria over the next few weeks. - Businesses are not eligible to apply for Meta Verified at this stage. - People interested in purchasing on the web can sign up for the waitlist through the Facebook web Account Center and will be notified when web purchasing is available. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta launches paid verification subscription in India: What does it entail?

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<p>Nobel Peace Prize winner and Filippino-American journalist Maria Ressa has compared Facebook's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg to a dictator. Speaking to the BBC last Saturday (May 27), Ressa said that Facebook is a threat to democracy and that social media users are handcuffed to it. "The rise of the former Philippine president Duterte, illiberal leaders, and the destruction of our institutions within six months, was hand in hand with the power of Facebook."</p>

<p>Talking about her book "How to stand up to a Dictator", which was published last year, Ressa asked, "Which dictator am I talking about? Who has greater power? (former) president Duterte in the Philippines or Mark Zuckerberg in Facebook?"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-parent-company-meta-to-face-more-than-800mn-fine-by-eu-over-data-transfer-to-us-reports-594857">Explained: EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US</a></strong></p>

<p>Ressa pointed out that 100 per cent&nbsp;of Filipinos on the internet are on Facebook. "Facebook is our internet. So the decisions of these tech giants, the CEOs of these companies determine what our world is," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ressa also mentioned a 2018 study done by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which said that false news travel faster than true stories.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nobel Peace Prize winner has been critical of Facebook</strong></h2>

<p>Maria Ressa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. She is the co-founder of Rappler- the Philippines' biggest independent news outlet. Ressa has criticised Facebook in the past and said the social media giant was "biased against facts."</p>

<p>In 2016, Ressa contacted Facebook with details concerning the rampant threats targeted via Facebook at people, predominantly women in the Philippines who were critical of the drug war waged by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, according to a report by Vox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A year later, she met Mark Zuckerberg and said that 97 per cent of Filipinos are on Facebook. She invited the Facebook CEO to come to the Philippines to "understand the impact" of this. "Oh well. What are the other 3 per cent doing, Maria?” Zuckerberg replied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February this year, Ressa urged users to stay on Facebook, "despite all its problems with disinformation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If good people leave Facebook, what happens to the rest of the people on Facebook? If people who want facts leave social media, what happens to the people who stay on social media? That includes our younger generation…. I’ll give you a quick answer – I don’t believe you should [quit Facebook],” Ressa said during a book signing event on February 16.</p>

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Nobel Peace Prize winner and Filippino-American journalist Maria Ressa has compared Facebook's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg to a dictator. Speaking to the BBC last Saturday (May 27), Ressa said that Facebook is a threat to democracy and that social media users are handcuffed to it.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Filippino-American journalist Maria Ressa has compared Facebook's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg to a dictator. Speaking to the BBC last Saturday (May 27), Ressa said that Facebook is a threat to democracy and that social media users are handcuffed to it. "The rise of the former Philippine president Duterte, illiberal leaders, and the destruction of our institutions within six months, was hand in hand with the power of Facebook." Talking about her book "How to stand up to a Dictator", which was published last year, Ressa asked, "Which dictator am I talking about? Who has greater power? (former) president Duterte in the Philippines or Mark Zuckerberg in Facebook?" ALSO READ | Explained: EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US Ressa pointed out that 100 per cent of Filipinos on the internet are on Facebook. "Facebook is our internet. So the decisions of these tech giants, the CEOs of these companies determine what our world is," she added. Ressa also mentioned a 2018 study done by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which said that false news travel faster than true stories. Nobel Peace Prize winner has been critical of Facebook Maria Ressa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. She is the co-founder of Rappler- the Philippines' biggest independent news outlet. Ressa has criticised Facebook in the past and said the social media giant was "biased against facts." In 2016, Ressa contacted Facebook with details concerning the rampant threats targeted via Facebook at people, predominantly women in the Philippines who were critical of the drug war waged by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, according to a report by Vox. A year later, she met Mark Zuckerberg and said that 97 per cent of Filipinos are on Facebook. She invited the Facebook CEO to come to the Philippines to "understand the impact" of this. "Oh well. What are the other 3 per cent doing, Maria?” Zuckerberg replied. In February this year, Ressa urged users to stay on Facebook, "despite all its problems with disinformation." “If good people leave Facebook, what happens to the rest of the people on Facebook? If people who want facts leave social media, what happens to the people who stay on social media? That includes our younger generation…. I’ll give you a quick answer – I don’t believe you should [quit Facebook],” Ressa said during a book signing event on February 16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Facebook a threat to democracy: Nobel Peace Prize winner compares Zuckerberg to 'dictator', says report

Meta's losses have hit its employees, the hardest Meta platforms on Wednesday completed the third and last round of layoffs related to job cut announcement in March. Meta made history this year and became the first big tech company to announce a second wave of mass layoffs.

Meta's layoffs shrink workforce to 2021 level

<p>In a strategic move to streamline its operations and optimize its workforce, Facebook-owner Meta has initiated its&nbsp;latest round of layoffs, representing the final phase of a three-part plan announced in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest&nbsp;job cuts will eliminate&nbsp;10,000 positions, mostly non-engineering&nbsp;roles like content design and user experience research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meta's international headquarters in Dublin will bear a significant impact from the latest wave of cuts, with around 490 employees expected to be affected, representing nearly 20 percent of its Irish workforce.</p>

<p>Moreover, two prominent executives in India, Avinash Pant (Director of Marketing) and Saket Jha Saurabh (Director and Head of Media Partnerships) have also been let go.</p>

<p>CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also hinted at smaller rounds of layoffs in the future, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its operations.</p>

<p>Meta's previous&nbsp;layoffs, which took place in the fall of 2022,&nbsp;resulted in the termination of over 11,000 employees and brought the company's headcount back to mid-2021 levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stock Intact, Job Isn't</strong></p>

<p>Despite the massive reduction in workforce, Meta's stock has more than doubled in value this year, positioning Meta as one of the standout performers in the prestigious S&amp;P 500 index.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rising stock value of Meta&nbsp;in 2023 can be attributed to the tech giant's&nbsp;unwavering commitment to artificial intelligence and its strategic implementation of cost-cutting measures, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to downsize the workforce comes in response to Meta's months of slowing revenue growth, influenced by factors such as high inflation and a decline in digital advertising due to the contraction of the pandemic-driven e-commerce boom.</p>

<p>Meta has also been channeling substantial investments into its Reality Labs unit, focused on developing the metaverse and enhancing the infrastructure to support artificial intelligence endeavors. However, these investments incurred a loss of $13.7 billion for the Reality Labs unit in 2022.</p>

<p>(Inputs from various agencies)</p>


In a strategic move to streamline its operations and optimize its workforce, Facebook-owner Meta has initiated its latest round of layoffs, representing the final phase of a three-part plan announced in March.

In a strategic move to streamline its operations and optimize its workforce, Facebook-owner Meta has initiated its latest round of layoffs, representing the final phase of a three-part plan announced in March. The latest job cuts will eliminate 10,000 positions, mostly non-engineering roles like content design and user experience research. Meta's international headquarters in Dublin will bear a significant impact from the latest wave of cuts, with around 490 employees expected to be affected, representing nearly 20 percent of its Irish workforce. Moreover, two prominent executives in India, Avinash Pant (Director of Marketing) and Saket Jha Saurabh (Director and Head of Media Partnerships) have also been let go. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also hinted at smaller rounds of layoffs in the future, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its operations. Meta's previous layoffs, which took place in the fall of 2022, resulted in the termination of over 11,000 employees and brought the company's headcount back to mid-2021 levels. Stock Intact, Job Isn't Despite the massive reduction in workforce, Meta's stock has more than doubled in value this year, positioning Meta as one of the standout performers in the prestigious S&P 500 index. The rising stock value of Meta in 2023 can be attributed to the tech giant's unwavering commitment to artificial intelligence and its strategic implementation of cost-cutting measures, reports said. The decision to downsize the workforce comes in response to Meta's months of slowing revenue growth, influenced by factors such as high inflation and a decline in digital advertising due to the contraction of the pandemic-driven e-commerce boom. Meta has also been channeling substantial investments into its Reality Labs unit, focused on developing the metaverse and enhancing the infrastructure to support artificial intelligence endeavors. However, these investments incurred a loss of $13.7 billion for the Reality Labs unit in 2022. (Inputs from various agencies)

Meta's 10,000 layoff target: Non-engineering roles take a hit

Meta Platforms Inc., the company that owns Facebook, was slammed with a record fine of $1.2 billion by European Union privacy regulators for moving user data to the US. The Wall Street Journal covered the development on Monday. As soon as the verdict was made public, Meta reassured users that access to Facebook in Europe wouldn't be impacted

European Union rejects Meta challenge, fined with 1.2 billion

Meta Platforms Inc., the company that owns Facebook, was slammed with a record fine of $1.3 billion by European Union privacy regulators for moving user data to the US. The Wall Street Journal covered the development on Monday. As soon as the verdict was made public, Meta reassured users that access to Facebook in Europe wouldn't be impacted.

Meta fined $1.3 billion by European Union for sending user data to US: Report

<p>If you thought of Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg as a&nbsp;quintessential nerd who only stared at a computer screen all day long, then be prepared to have your notions turned upside down. Zuckerberg recently won a gold and silver medal at his very first&nbsp;Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Redwood City, California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The billionaire CEO took to Instagram where he talked about competing in the Jiu-Jitsu tournament and winning medals for his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Competed in my first jiu jitsu tournament and won some medals&nbsp;for the Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu team. Thanks to @davecamarillo @khaiwu @intense0ne for training me!" Zuckerberg wrote in the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post was an instant hit as it received over 400,000 likes and almost 10,000 comments. Some high-profile celebrities such as UFC champion&nbsp;Conor McGregor as well as YouTube creator PewDiePie congratulated Zuckerberg on his achievement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Yo!!! F***ing awesome Mark," wrote McGregor, while PewDiePie added, "Damn, imagine getting zuck'ed by the zuck."</p>

<p>One of his coaches, Khai “the Shadow” Wu, congratulated his student: “Yesterday getting to see Zuck compete was pretty epic. No match was easy and everything was earned. It was an honor to be able to help coach and offer any advice I could.”</p>

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<h2><strong>What is Jiu-Jitsu?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian self-defence martial art and combat sport where grappling, ground fighting and submission holds comprise the basic tenet. The idea is to take down the opponent to the ground, gain a dominant position and use various&nbsp;techniques to force them into submission.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who all have practised Jiu-Jitsu?</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, Hollywood star Tom Hardy also competed in a Jiu-Jitsu competition in the UK. He has won competitions in&nbsp;Wolverhampton and Milton Keynes.</p>

<p>"That 70s Show" star show Ashton Kutcher has a keen interest in the sport and has a brown belt to his name. Meanwhile, British comedian Russel Brand and actor Jason Statham, both have purple belts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Another round of mass layoffs begin in Meta, to cut 10,000 more jobs</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Zuckerberg and his hobbies</strong></h2>

<p>In recent weeks, Zuckerberg has been grabbing news headlines, not for his tech companies, but&nbsp;for his hobbies. Last week, the tech mogul shared pictures of 3D-printed&nbsp;dresses he made for his daughter.</p>

<p>The Facebook CEO posted pictures of his daughter wearing the 3D printed clothes with the caption, "I love building things and recently started designing and 3D printing dresses with the girls. A few projects from the last month."</p>

<p>He also revealed that for this special project, he learned to sew. "and yes, I had to learn to sew," he wrote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mark-zuckerberg-goes-viral-for-making-3d-printed-dresses-for-daughters-check-it-out-587933"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg goes viral for making 3D-printed dresses for daughters. Check it out</strong></a></p>

<p>Apart from martial arts and sewing, Zuckerberg is also an avid surfer. He routinely posts videos of himself surfing the dangerous waves.</p>

<p>In one of the videos posted on July 4 - America's Independence Day, Zuckerberg could be seen waving the American flag while riding a surfboard.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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If you thought of Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg as a quintessential nerd who only stared at a computer screen all day long, then be prepared to have your notions turned upside down.

If you thought of Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg as a quintessential nerd who only stared at a computer screen all day long, then be prepared to have your notions turned upside down. Zuckerberg recently won a gold and silver medal at his very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Redwood City, California. The billionaire CEO took to Instagram where he talked about competing in the Jiu-Jitsu tournament and winning medals for his team. “Competed in my first jiu jitsu tournament and won some medals for the Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu team. Thanks to @davecamarillo @khaiwu @intense0ne for training me!" Zuckerberg wrote in the post. The post was an instant hit as it received over 400,000 likes and almost 10,000 comments. Some high-profile celebrities such as UFC champion Conor McGregor as well as YouTube creator PewDiePie congratulated Zuckerberg on his achievement. “Yo!!! F***ing awesome Mark," wrote McGregor, while PewDiePie added, "Damn, imagine getting zuck'ed by the zuck." One of his coaches, Khai “the Shadow” Wu, congratulated his student: “Yesterday getting to see Zuck compete was pretty epic. No match was easy and everything was earned. It was an honor to be able to help coach and offer any advice I could.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) × ALSO READ | Meta begins layoffs; to leave 10,000 without jobs across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp What is Jiu-Jitsu? Notably, Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian self-defence martial art and combat sport where grappling, ground fighting and submission holds comprise the basic tenet. The idea is to take down the opponent to the ground, gain a dominant position and use various techniques to force them into submission. Who all have practised Jiu-Jitsu? Recently, Hollywood star Tom Hardy also competed in a Jiu-Jitsu competition in the UK. He has won competitions in Wolverhampton and Milton Keynes. "That 70s Show" star show Ashton Kutcher has a keen interest in the sport and has a brown belt to his name. Meanwhile, British comedian Russel Brand and actor Jason Statham, both have purple belts. ALSO WATCH | Another round of mass layoffs begin in Meta, to cut 10,000 more jobs × Zuckerberg and his hobbies In recent weeks, Zuckerberg has been grabbing news headlines, not for his tech companies, but for his hobbies. Last week, the tech mogul shared pictures of 3D-printed dresses he made for his daughter. The Facebook CEO posted pictures of his daughter wearing the 3D printed clothes with the caption, "I love building things and recently started designing and 3D printing dresses with the girls. A few projects from the last month." He also revealed that for this special project, he learned to sew. "and yes, I had to learn to sew," he wrote. ALSO READ | Mark Zuckerberg goes viral for making 3D-printed dresses for daughters. Check it out Apart from martial arts and sewing, Zuckerberg is also an avid surfer. He routinely posts videos of himself surfing the dangerous waves. In one of the videos posted on July 4 - America's Independence Day, Zuckerberg could be seen waving the American flag while riding a surfboard. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg competes in Jiu-Jitsu tournament, wins medals. Details inside

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