<p>Meta has blocked more than 544,000 accounts under Australia's new under-16 ban. The tech giant, on Monday (Jan 12), urged the Australian government to rethink its world-first social media ban for teenagers, even as it revealed it has already removed more than half a million underage accounts to comply with the new law. The legislation, which came into force on December 10, requires major platforms, including Meta, TikTok and YouTube, to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Companies that fail to take what the law describes as "reasonable steps" face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, roughly 33 million US dollars.</p><h2><strong>Over half a million accounts blocked</strong></h2><p>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in a statement, said that his company had blocked over 544,000 accounts in the first week of enforcement alone. This included around 331,000 accounts on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook, and another 40,000 on Threads. The company said it remains committed to following Australian law, but warned that the ban risks creating new problems rather than solving existing ones.</p><p><strong>Also read | &nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-teens-defy-under-16-social-media-bans-by-using-dog-pictures-so-how-safe-are-they-1765354324465"><strong>Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?</strong></a></p><p>In a statement, Meta called on Canberra to work more closely with the tech industry to develop alternatives. "We call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivising all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans," said Meta.</p><h2><strong>Why is Meta concerned?</strong></h2><p>Meta said that at the heart of its concern is enforcement. The company revived its earlier call that app stores should be responsible for verifying users' ages and securing parental consent before minors can download an app. Without this, Meta said, companies are locked into a constant game of "whack-a-mole" race to try and stop teens from one platform only to see them reappear on another, often with fewer safeguards.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/would-you-give-rights-to-hostile-aliens-godfather-of-ai-warns-this-could-doom-humanity-1767165040322"><strong>Would you give rights to hostile aliens? Godfather of AI warns THIS could doom humanity</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Australia insists social media companies must take responsibility</strong></h2><p>The Australian government, however, insists that it's holding social media companies accountable for the harm they cause young Australians. A spokesperson said social media companies already collect vast amounts of user data and should be able to use those systems to keep children off their platforms. They can and must use that information to comply with Australian law and ensure people under 16 are not on their platforms," said the government spokesperson.</p><p>Meta countered that many parents and child development experts fear the ban could isolate teenagers from supportive online communities and push them toward less regulated apps or hidden corners of the internet. The company claimed that early signs "suggest it is not meeting its objectives of increasing the safety and well-being of young Australians".</p>

Meta says it has blocked more than 544,000 under-16 accounts in Australia in the first week of a new law banning teenagers from social media, but warns that the policy may backfire.

Meta has blocked more than 544,000 accounts under Australia's new under-16 ban. The tech giant, on Monday (Jan 12), urged the Australian government to rethink its world-first social media ban for teenagers, even as it revealed it has already removed more than half a million underage accounts to comply with the new law. The legislation, which came into force on December 10, requires major platforms, including Meta, TikTok and YouTube, to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Companies that fail to take what the law describes as "reasonable steps" face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, roughly 33 million US dollars. Over half a million accounts blocked Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in a statement, said that his company had blocked over 544,000 accounts in the first week of enforcement alone. This included around 331,000 accounts on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook, and another 40,000 on Threads. The company said it remains committed to following Australian law, but warned that the ban risks creating new problems rather than solving existing ones. Also read | Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they? In a statement, Meta called on Canberra to work more closely with the tech industry to develop alternatives. "We call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivising all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans," said Meta. Why is Meta concerned? Meta said that at the heart of its concern is enforcement. The company revived its earlier call that app stores should be responsible for verifying users' ages and securing parental consent before minors can download an app. Without this, Meta said, companies are locked into a constant game of "whack-a-mole" race to try and stop teens from one platform only to see them reappear on another, often with fewer safeguards. Also read | Would you give rights to hostile aliens? Godfather of AI warns THIS could doom humanity Australia insists social media companies must take responsibility The Australian government, however, insists that it's holding social media companies accountable for the harm they cause young Australians. A spokesperson said social media companies already collect vast amounts of user data and should be able to use those systems to keep children off their platforms. They can and must use that information to comply with Australian law and ensure people under 16 are not on their platforms," said the government spokesperson. Meta countered that many parents and child development experts fear the ban could isolate teenagers from supportive online communities and push them toward less regulated apps or hidden corners of the internet. The company claimed that early signs "suggest it is not meeting its objectives of increasing the safety and well-being of young Australians".

<p>Meta says it has blocked more than 544,000 under-16 accounts in Australia in the first week of a new law banning teenagers from social media, but warns that the policy may backfire.</p>

Meta pushes back against Australia’s under-16 social media ban after blocking 544,000 users

Meta has launched the Ray-Ban Meta Display, smart glasses priced at $799 that feature a heads-up display for live translation. Supporting six languages, they project captions into the user's view and use a neural wristband for gesture control, aiming to make cross-language communication.

<p>Meta has launched the Ray-Ban Meta Display, smart glasses priced at $799 that feature a heads-up display for live translation. Supporting six languages, they project captions into the user's view and use a neural wristband for gesture control, aiming to make cross-language communication.</p>

Meta launches new AR glasses with live language translation

Investigations have revealed how scam advertisements were allowed to flourish across Meta’s platforms, even as the company earned billions of dollars in revenue from advertisers linked to fraud and banned content. Much of the activity has been traced to China-based advertising networks that targeted users across the United States, Europe, and other regions.

While Meta says it removes millions of scam ads and invests heavily in enforcement, critics argue the company’s business model prioritizes growth and profit, creating incentives that allow fraud to spread faster than it can be contained. This video examines the findings, Meta’s response, and the growing concerns around digital safety and platform accountability.

Meta Chose Profits Over Safety, Tolerated Scam Ads From China 

<p>Just a week before the official teen social media ban gets started, tech company Meta has begin removing Australian children below 16 years old from Instagram, Facebook and Threads. In November, Meta announced that it had started sending notification to users aged between 13-15 years that their accounts will be closing from December 4.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Approximately 150,000 Facebook users and nearly 350,000 Instagram users are likely to be impacted by this move. Notably, users can only access Threads through an Instagram account. The social media ban in Australia will be starting from December 10. Failure to take reasonable steps to stop those below 16y years from having accounts, companies may face fine up to $33mn. "While Meta is committed to complying with the law, we believe a more effective, standardised, and privacy-preserving approach is needed," a spokesperson for Meta was quoted as saying to BBC on Thursday (December 4).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dangerously-high-levels-of-toxins-found-in-bodies-of-air-india-crash-victims-repatriated-to-uk-hazardous-to-mortuary-workers-1764839878589"><strong>'Dangerously high' levels of toxins found in bodies of Air India crash victims repatriated to UK, hazardous to mortuary workers</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The government should require the app stores to check the age of the users when they download social media apps and should seek an approval from the parents for those under 16 years. Teens who believe that they are not in the under 16 category, can ask for a review and in order to verify their age, all they need to do is send a 'video selfie'. "With one law, we can protect Generation Alpha from being sucked into purgatory by the predatory algorithms described by the man who created the feature as behavioural cocaine," Australia Communications Minister Anika Wells was quoted as saying in an interview.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-us-hunts-him-with-rewards-and-warships-maduro-says-trump-dialed-him-for-respectful-talks-1764835881431"><strong>As the US hunts him with rewards and warships, Maduro says Trump dialed him for 'respectful' talks</strong></a></p>

Meta removes account of 500,000 teens ahead of social media ban in Australia starting from December 10

Just a week before the official teen social media ban gets started, tech company Meta has begin removing Australian children below 16 years old from Instagram, Facebook and Threads. In November, Meta announced that it had started sending notification to users aged between 13-15 years that their accounts will be closing from December 4. Approximately 150,000 Facebook users and nearly 350,000 Instagram users are likely to be impacted by this move. Notably, users can only access Threads through an Instagram account. The social media ban in Australia will be starting from December 10. Failure to take reasonable steps to stop those below 16y years from having accounts, companies may face fine up to $33mn. "While Meta is committed to complying with the law, we believe a more effective, standardised, and privacy-preserving approach is needed," a spokesperson for Meta was quoted as saying to BBC on Thursday (December 4). Also Read: 'Dangerously high' levels of toxins found in bodies of Air India crash victims repatriated to UK, hazardous to mortuary workers The government should require the app stores to check the age of the users when they download social media apps and should seek an approval from the parents for those under 16 years. Teens who believe that they are not in the under 16 category, can ask for a review and in order to verify their age, all they need to do is send a 'video selfie'. "With one law, we can protect Generation Alpha from being sucked into purgatory by the predatory algorithms described by the man who created the feature as behavioural cocaine," Australia Communications Minister Anika Wells was quoted as saying in an interview. Also Read: As the US hunts him with rewards and warships, Maduro says Trump dialed him for 'respectful' talks

<p>Ahead of the December 10 deadline, Meta has started removing account of Australian teens U-16 from its platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Threads</p>

Unsealed court documents in the United States reveal that Meta quietly shut down after early signs showed that people felt emotionally better when they stepped away from its platforms. 


META Hid Own Study Showing Facebook Causes Depression

Meta Platforms on Friday said it will invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure and jobs over the next three years, including artificial intelligence data centers, as the social media giant races to build infrastructure to power its AI ambitions.



Meta pours $600 billion into America's AI boom

<p>Amid growing concern over social media content, Instagram on Tuesday (Oct 14) announced that it will limit what users under 18 can see on the platform. Meta, the platform’s parent company, will be using filters inspired by the PG-13 movie rating system in a move taken to address criticism over the protection of teenagers online. The move comes after growing backlash from advocacy groups and lawsuits, which cite the company’s failure to protect young users on its platform from harmful content that may lead to psychological harm.</p><p>Earlier in September, reports surfaced showing that several safety features implemented on Instagram by Meta did not work well or exist. Reuters reported in August that Meta allowed provocative chatbot behaviour, including enabling the bot to engage in “conversations that are romantic or sensual.”</p><h2><strong>What are Meta’s latest PG-13 safeguards?</strong></h2><p>The new system adopted by Meta, which is based on the Motion Picture Association’s ratings, will restrict posts featuring strong language, drug references, risky stunts and other mature themes for teenagers. The guidelines will also be implemented for the company’s generative AI tools.</p><p>Under the latest safeguards, teen accounts will be automatically placed under the PG-13 settings. It added that parents can adjust the settings to add stricter content filters and screen time controls with a “limited content setting”. Teen users will also not be able to interact with accounts sharing mature content.</p><p>“We hope this update reassures parents,” Meta said in a blog post. “We know teens may try to avoid these restrictions, which is why we’ll use age prediction technology to place teens into certain content protections — even if they claim to be adults.”</p><p>The new setting will be first released in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, with full launch likely by the end of this year. Meta said that it will also introduce additional safeguards for teens on Facebook.</p>

The new setting will be first released in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, with full launch likely by the end of this year.

Amid growing concern over social media content, Instagram on Tuesday (Oct 14) announced that it will limit what users under 18 can see on the platform. Meta, the platform’s parent company, will be using filters inspired by the PG-13 movie rating system in a move taken to address criticism over the protection of teenagers online. The move comes after growing backlash from advocacy groups and lawsuits, which cite the company’s failure to protect young users on its platform from harmful content that may lead to psychological harm. Earlier in September, reports surfaced showing that several safety features implemented on Instagram by Meta did not work well or exist. Reuters reported in August that Meta allowed provocative chatbot behaviour, including enabling the bot to engage in “conversations that are romantic or sensual.” What are Meta’s latest PG-13 safeguards? The new system adopted by Meta, which is based on the Motion Picture Association’s ratings, will restrict posts featuring strong language, drug references, risky stunts and other mature themes for teenagers. The guidelines will also be implemented for the company’s generative AI tools. Under the latest safeguards, teen accounts will be automatically placed under the PG-13 settings. It added that parents can adjust the settings to add stricter content filters and screen time controls with a “limited content setting”. Teen users will also not be able to interact with accounts sharing mature content. “We hope this update reassures parents,” Meta said in a blog post. “We know teens may try to avoid these restrictions, which is why we’ll use age prediction technology to place teens into certain content protections — even if they claim to be adults.” The new setting will be first released in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, with full launch likely by the end of this year. Meta said that it will also introduce additional safeguards for teens on Facebook.

<p>The new setting will be first released in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, with full launch likely by the end of this year.</p>

Instagram to limit content for teens? Here’s what we know about Meta’s new move

Meta has announced plans to leverage AI-powered chat tools to deliver personalized content and targeted advertisements across its platforms. By analyzing user interactions, preferences, and behaviors in AI chats, the company aims to create a more customized digital experience, enhancing engagement while driving ad efficiency. Watch the video to know more on this!

Meta To Use AI Chats For Personalised Content And Ads 

Meta Brings AI To Facebook Dating To Tackle Swipe Fatigue 

Meta is giving its dating platform a significant upgrade by integrating artificial intelligence into Facebook Dating. The company believes that AI could help reduce what it calls "swipe fatigue," making the online dating process less repetitive and more personalized for users.


Meta Brings AI To Facebook Dating To Tackle Swipe Fatigue

<p>Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - ‘</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-one-day-deadline-creates-what-indian-trade-body-nasscom-said-on-trump-s-100-000-fee-order-or-h-1b-visa-1758374106801"><strong>A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent.</p><h2>What is the H-1B visa?</h2><p>The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.

Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers. Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice. Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly. Also Read - ‘A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US. On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually. At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent. What is the H-1B visa? The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects.

<p>Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.</p>

Return within 24 hours to avoid...: US tech firms warn H-1B visa holders after Trump's new visa order

<p>In an upsetting incident, a 37-year-old man revealed that Mark Zuckerberg's Meta used the photographs of school-going teen girls to advertise one of its social media platforms - without their consent. The platform used back-to-school pictures of girls in a move parents described as “outrageous” and “upsetting”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The man who disclosed this claimed his feed has posts that encouraged him to “get Threads”, a new platform of Meta and a rival of Elon Musk's X. The posts had uniformed girls as young as 13 with their faces visible and, in most cases, their names.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ron-arad-1-48-hamas-releases-image-of-remaining-hostages-labels-them-as-missing-israeli-navigator-1758366158354"><strong>‘Ron Arad 1-48’? Hamas releases image of remaining hostages, labels them as missing Israeli navigator</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The images were posted by the parents of the girls on Instagram to mark their return to school. The parents were unaware that their Meta setting was allowing them to automatically post their photos on Thread. One mother said her account was set to private, but the posts were automatically cross-posting to Threads, where they were visible, The Guardian reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The posts of children were highlighted to the stranger as “suggested threads”. The father of a 13-year-old who appeared in one of the posts told the British newspaper, “When I found out an image of her has been exploited in what felt like a sexualised way by a massive company like that to market their product it left me feeling quite disgusted."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The mother of a 15-year-old whose picture was used in a promotional post that featured a large “Get Threads” button said: “For me it was a picture of my daughter going to school. I had no idea Instagram had picked it up and are using it as a promotion. It’s absolutely disgusting. She is a minor," the British news agency reported.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The images were posted by the parents of the girls on Instagram to mark their return to school. The parents were unaware that their Meta setting was allowing them to automatically post their photos on Thread. 

In an upsetting incident, a 37-year-old man revealed that Mark Zuckerberg's Meta used the photographs of school-going teen girls to advertise one of its social media platforms - without their consent. The platform used back-to-school pictures of girls in a move parents described as “outrageous” and “upsetting”. The man who disclosed this claimed his feed has posts that encouraged him to “get Threads”, a new platform of Meta and a rival of Elon Musk's X. The posts had uniformed girls as young as 13 with their faces visible and, in most cases, their names. Also read: ‘Ron Arad 1-48’? Hamas releases image of remaining hostages, labels them as missing Israeli navigator The images were posted by the parents of the girls on Instagram to mark their return to school. The parents were unaware that their Meta setting was allowing them to automatically post their photos on Thread. One mother said her account was set to private, but the posts were automatically cross-posting to Threads, where they were visible, The Guardian reported. The posts of children were highlighted to the stranger as “suggested threads”. The father of a 13-year-old who appeared in one of the posts told the British newspaper, “When I found out an image of her has been exploited in what felt like a sexualised way by a massive company like that to market their product it left me feeling quite disgusted." The mother of a 15-year-old whose picture was used in a promotional post that featured a large “Get Threads” button said: “For me it was a picture of my daughter going to school. I had no idea Instagram had picked it up and are using it as a promotion. It’s absolutely disgusting. She is a minor," the British news agency reported.

<p>The images were posted by the parents of the girls on Instagram to mark their return to school. The parents were unaware that their Meta setting was allowing them to automatically post their photos on Thread.&nbsp;</p>

‘Outrageous, upsetting’: Meta uses teen girls’ school photos to advertise platforms

<p>Facebook has transformed how people connect, communicate, and consume information over the past two decades. What began as a university networking site in Harvard's dormitory has now evolved into Meta's flagship platform. Now it is serving over 3 billion users worldwide and reshaping the digital landscape.</p><p>Mark Zuckerberg launched "Thefacebook" on 4 February 2004, initially restricting access to Harvard students before expanding to other universities. The BBC reports that within its first month, half of Harvard's undergraduate population had signed up.</p>

<h2>Rise of Facebook</h2><p>Facebook's rise began with strategic university rollouts across America. By December 2005, the platform had reached 6 million users, according to Reuters. The company's decision to open registration to the general public in September 2006 marked a pivotal moment in social media history.</p><p>The platform's initial public offering in May 2012 valued Facebook at $104 billion, making it one of the largest technology IPOs in history, as reported by The Verge. This milestone demonstrated investor confidence in social media's commercial viability and Facebook's dominant market position.</p><p>Key acquisitions further solidified Facebook's dominance. The $1 billion purchase of Instagram in 2012 and the $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 created a social media empire that Meta continues to leverage today, according to company filings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Influence on Society and Media</strong></p><p>Facebook has revolutionised how news spreads and public discourse occurs. A Pew Research Center studies show that 36 per cent of Americans regularly get news from Facebook, making it a primary information source for millions of people worldwide.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Facebook's algorithm-driven news feed has influenced information consumption patterns globally. The platform's ability to personalise content has created both opportunities for relevant information delivery and concerns about echo chambers and filter bubbles, as documented by various media studies.</p>

<h2><strong>Privacy Challenges and Controversies</strong></h2><p>Facebook has faced numerous privacy challenges that have shaped global conversations about data protection. The Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018 revealed that personal data from 87 million users had been harvested without consent, which later led to intense regulatory scrutiny worldwide.</p><p>The company paid $5 billion in fines to the Federal Trade Commission in 2019, the largest privacy penalty in history at that time. This settlement highlighted the growing tension between tech innovation and user privacy protection, according to regulatory filings.</p><p>Content moderation challenges have tested Facebook's ability to balance free speech with platform safety. The platform has struggled with misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content, prompting the establishment of independent oversight bodies and revised community standards.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Facebook's Lasting Legacy</strong></h2><p>Facebook's transformation into Meta in 2021 showed the company's commitment to virtual and augmented reality technologies. The metaverse vision represents Facebook's attempt to define the next phase of digital interaction, building upon its social networking foundations.</p><p>The platform's influence on digital communication extends beyond social networking. Features like live streaming, marketplace functionality, and business pages have created new economic opportunities and communication methods that competitors continue to emulate.</p><p>Facebook's data collection and algorithmic systems have influenced how other technology companies approach user engagement and platform design. The social media model pioneered by Facebook continues to shape digital product development across the technology industry.</p><p>Educational institutions now incorporate social media literacy into curricula, recognising Facebook's role in changing how young people interact with information and each other. This educational shift reflects the platform's profound impact on social development and digital citizenship.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As Facebook enters its third decade, its legacy encompasses both remarkable connectivity achievements and significant societal challenges. The platform's evolution from university networking tool to global communication infrastructure demonstrates technology's power to reshape human interaction, highlighting the responsibilities that accompany such influence.</p>

Facebook has changed how billions connect, share, and get news over 20 years. From a harvard site to meta’s core platform, it shaped social media, faced privacy issues, and now leads in digital innovation. Know how facebook’s journey reshaped the digital world.

Facebook has transformed how people connect, communicate, and consume information over the past two decades. What began as a university networking site in Harvard's dormitory has now evolved into Meta's flagship platform. Now it is serving over 3 billion users worldwide and reshaping the digital landscape. Mark Zuckerberg launched "Thefacebook" on 4 February 2004, initially restricting access to Harvard students before expanding to other universities. The BBC reports that within its first month, half of Harvard's undergraduate population had signed up.

<p>Facebook has changed how billions connect, share, and get news over 20 years. From a Harvard site to Meta’s core platform, it shaped social media, faced privacy issues, and now leads in digital innovation. Know how facebook’s journey reshaped the digital world.</p>

20 years of Facebook: How it shaped the digital world

Singapore policies have ordered Meta to implement anti-scam measures against advertisements, accounts, profiles and business pages impersonating key government office holders on its social media network Facebook to combat scams, a government minister said.



Meta Under Fire: Singapore Cracks Down on Facebook as Impersonation Scams Triple in Singapore | WION

Meta Under Fire Over AI Holocaust Victims Pictures

<p>Meta Platforms is preparing its fourth reorganisation of artificial intelligence (AI) operations in just six months, according to a report by <i>The Information</i>. The company’s newly created Superintelligence Labs will be divided into four groups: a new “TBD Lab” (short for to be determined); a products team working on tools such as the Meta AI assistant; an infrastructure team; and the long-term research-focused Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit.</p><p>The restructuring comes amid fierce competition in Silicon Valley’s race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI), systems capable of surpassing human-level reasoning. Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly emphasised that AGI will be central to the company’s future growth, even as rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google scale their own efforts.</p><h2><strong>Talent wars and leadership shuffle</strong></h2><p>Media reports said TBD Lab will take charge of developing the next generation of Meta’s flagship Llama model. Leadership roles are expected to be distributed among prominent AI researchers recruited from top rivals. Jack Rae, formerly of Google, may head pre-training work, while ex-Apple executive Ruoming Pang could oversee infrastructure. Jiahui Yu, who previously worked at OpenAI, is likely to lead multimedia initiatives, and Hongyu Ren and Pei Sun, from OpenAI and Google, respectively, are expected to lead post-training teams.</p><p>At the executive level, Meta has brought in high-profile leaders such as former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang to guide the superintelligence unit. Robert Fergus, co-founder of FAIR, is expected to continue leading that lab, while Aparna Ramani, a long-time Meta engineering executive, may head infrastructure.</p><h2><strong>Billions poured into AI bet</strong></h2><p>Meta’s reshuffle follows a string of challenges, including senior departures and muted reception to the open-source release of Llama 4. At the same time, the company is committing unprecedented sums to infrastructure. In July, Zuckerberg pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to build massive AI data centres, backed by a $29 billion financing package led by PIMCO and Blue Owl Capital for a facility in Louisiana.</p><p>Meta recently lifted its 2025 capital expenditure forecast to $66–72 billion, citing rising costs from data centres and soaring salaries for top researchers. Executives have cautioned that expenses in 2026 are expected to grow even faster. The latest restructuring underlines the urgency with which Meta is repositioning itself as an AI-first company. Whether the aggressive strategy will translate into breakthrough products and sustainable revenue, however, remains uncertain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(<i>With inputs from agencies</i>)</p>

Meta’s reshuffle follows a string of challenges, including senior departures and muted reception to the open-source release of Llama 4. At the same time, the company is committing unprecedented sums to infrastructure. 

Meta Platforms is preparing its fourth reorganisation of artificial intelligence (AI) operations in just six months, according to a report by The Information. The company’s newly created Superintelligence Labs will be divided into four groups: a new “TBD Lab” (short for to be determined); a products team working on tools such as the Meta AI assistant; an infrastructure team; and the long-term research-focused Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit. The restructuring comes amid fierce competition in Silicon Valley’s race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI), systems capable of surpassing human-level reasoning. Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly emphasised that AGI will be central to the company’s future growth, even as rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google scale their own efforts. Talent wars and leadership shuffle Media reports said TBD Lab will take charge of developing the next generation of Meta’s flagship Llama model. Leadership roles are expected to be distributed among prominent AI researchers recruited from top rivals. Jack Rae, formerly of Google, may head pre-training work, while ex-Apple executive Ruoming Pang could oversee infrastructure. Jiahui Yu, who previously worked at OpenAI, is likely to lead multimedia initiatives, and Hongyu Ren and Pei Sun, from OpenAI and Google, respectively, are expected to lead post-training teams. At the executive level, Meta has brought in high-profile leaders such as former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang to guide the superintelligence unit. Robert Fergus, co-founder of FAIR, is expected to continue leading that lab, while Aparna Ramani, a long-time Meta engineering executive, may head infrastructure. Billions poured into AI bet Meta’s reshuffle follows a string of challenges, including senior departures and muted reception to the open-source release of Llama 4. At the same time, the company is committing unprecedented sums to infrastructure. In July, Zuckerberg pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to build massive AI data centres, backed by a $29 billion financing package led by PIMCO and Blue Owl Capital for a facility in Louisiana. Meta recently lifted its 2025 capital expenditure forecast to $66–72 billion, citing rising costs from data centres and soaring salaries for top researchers. Executives have cautioned that expenses in 2026 are expected to grow even faster. The latest restructuring underlines the urgency with which Meta is repositioning itself as an AI-first company. Whether the aggressive strategy will translate into breakthrough products and sustainable revenue, however, remains uncertain. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Meta’s reshuffle follows a string of challenges, including senior departures and muted reception to the open-source release of Llama 4. At the same time, the company is committing unprecedented sums to infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

Meta plans fourth AI restructure in six months

<p>In a bold move to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Microsoft is targeting top engineers and researchers from its competitor Meta, offering multimillion-dollar compensation packages to attract them. According to internal documents viewed by <i>Business Insider</i>, the tech giant has compiled a list of Meta’s most coveted AI talent, focusing on key teams such as Reality Labs, GenAI Infrastructure, and Meta AI Research. The recruitment push comes as Microsoft’s valuation approaches $4 trillion, driven largely by the booming demand for generative AI technology.</p><p>Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company, with approximately 9,000 positions cut earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, the company has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI, will remain a top priority.</p><h2><strong>Competing with Meta’s jaw-dropping compensation packages</strong></h2><p>The competition for AI talent has reached unprecedented levels, with both Meta and Microsoft offering eye-watering compensation to secure the brightest minds in the field. Meta has been known for offering nine-figure pay packages, including $100 million signing bonuses, and reportedly attracting some hires with total compensation packages as high as $250 million. In response, Microsoft is ramping up its own recruitment efforts, including matching or even exceeding Meta’s offers in some cases.</p><p>Media reports suggest that Microsoft is now making multimillion-dollar offers to AI professionals. These packages include competitive base salaries, up to $408,000, along with stock awards that can total nearly $3.4 million (including both on-hire and annual stock grants) and cash bonuses of up to 90 per cent. For particularly desirable candidates, Microsoft’s new fast-track hiring process can ensure that offers are made within 24 hours, with a compensation modeller used to create customised pay ranges and input from a compensation consultant.</p><p>Two Microsoft divisions are leading the charge in these recruitment efforts: Microsoft AI, which is overseen by former DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman, and CoreAI, managed by former Meta engineering boss Jay Parikh. The documents reveal that specialised recruiting teams within these groups are identifying and flagging “critical AI talent”, allowing the company to respond quickly and ensure it doesn’t lose out on the competition for top engineers.</p><h2><strong>AI talent becoming the core of Microsoft’s growth strategy</strong></h2><p>The drive to recruit elite AI engineers is central to Microsoft’s broader strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of the AI industry. The company has benefited greatly from its generative AI investments, especially through partnerships with OpenAI and its own AI divisions. As AI technologies continue to advance, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of rivals like Meta, Google, and Amazon, all of whom are in a fierce race to dominate the next wave of innovation.</p><p>Jay Parikh’s leadership within CoreAI, comprising several former Meta executives, illustrates Microsoft’s intention to directly challenge its rival by drawing from the same talent pool. The company's efforts underscore the escalating importance of securing top-tier researchers and engineers, whose work will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI-driven products and services.</p><p>Microsoft’s efforts to poach Meta talent are more than just a tactical move to fill open positions; they are a reflection of the growing power of AI within the tech industry and the broader economy. With the AI market forecasted to continue growing rapidly, securing the best and brightest minds is now viewed as an essential element for future success. As the battle for AI supremacy intensifies, Microsoft’s recruiting efforts are set to shape not only its own future but also the broader trajectory of the tech industry, which is increasingly defined by its ability to innovate in artificial intelligence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(<i>With inputs from agencies</i>)</p>

Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, it has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI.

In a bold move to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Microsoft is targeting top engineers and researchers from its competitor Meta, offering multimillion-dollar compensation packages to attract them. According to internal documents viewed by Business Insider, the tech giant has compiled a list of Meta’s most coveted AI talent, focusing on key teams such as Reality Labs, GenAI Infrastructure, and Meta AI Research. The recruitment push comes as Microsoft’s valuation approaches $4 trillion, driven largely by the booming demand for generative AI technology. Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company, with approximately 9,000 positions cut earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, the company has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI, will remain a top priority. Competing with Meta’s jaw-dropping compensation packages The competition for AI talent has reached unprecedented levels, with both Meta and Microsoft offering eye-watering compensation to secure the brightest minds in the field. Meta has been known for offering nine-figure pay packages, including $100 million signing bonuses, and reportedly attracting some hires with total compensation packages as high as $250 million. In response, Microsoft is ramping up its own recruitment efforts, including matching or even exceeding Meta’s offers in some cases. Media reports suggest that Microsoft is now making multimillion-dollar offers to AI professionals. These packages include competitive base salaries, up to $408,000, along with stock awards that can total nearly $3.4 million (including both on-hire and annual stock grants) and cash bonuses of up to 90 per cent. For particularly desirable candidates, Microsoft’s new fast-track hiring process can ensure that offers are made within 24 hours, with a compensation modeller used to create customised pay ranges and input from a compensation consultant. Two Microsoft divisions are leading the charge in these recruitment efforts: Microsoft AI, which is overseen by former DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman, and CoreAI, managed by former Meta engineering boss Jay Parikh. The documents reveal that specialised recruiting teams within these groups are identifying and flagging “critical AI talent”, allowing the company to respond quickly and ensure it doesn’t lose out on the competition for top engineers. AI talent becoming the core of Microsoft’s growth strategy The drive to recruit elite AI engineers is central to Microsoft’s broader strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of the AI industry. The company has benefited greatly from its generative AI investments, especially through partnerships with OpenAI and its own AI divisions. As AI technologies continue to advance, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of rivals like Meta, Google, and Amazon, all of whom are in a fierce race to dominate the next wave of innovation. Jay Parikh’s leadership within CoreAI, comprising several former Meta executives, illustrates Microsoft’s intention to directly challenge its rival by drawing from the same talent pool. The company's efforts underscore the escalating importance of securing top-tier researchers and engineers, whose work will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI-driven products and services. Microsoft’s efforts to poach Meta talent are more than just a tactical move to fill open positions; they are a reflection of the growing power of AI within the tech industry and the broader economy. With the AI market forecasted to continue growing rapidly, securing the best and brightest minds is now viewed as an essential element for future success. As the battle for AI supremacy intensifies, Microsoft’s recruiting efforts are set to shape not only its own future but also the broader trajectory of the tech industry, which is increasingly defined by its ability to innovate in artificial intelligence. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, it has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI.</p>

Microsoft targets Meta’s top AI talent with multimillion-dollar pay packages

<p>Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military.</p><h2><strong>What do the ads say?</strong></h2><p>One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11.</p><p>Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals.</p><p>"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".</p><h2><strong>Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons</strong></h2><p>Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did.</p><p>Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States.</p><h2><strong>What was the raised money used for?</strong></h2><p>A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups.</p><p>"Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives."</p><p>One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal.</p><p>Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts.</p><h2><strong>Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say?</strong></h2><p>Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear.</p><p>According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."</p>

"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".

Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military. What do the ads say? One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11. Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals. "This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact". Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did. Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States. What was the raised money used for? A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups. "Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives." One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal. Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts. Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say? Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear. According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."

<p>"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".</p>

'Meta will literally take money from anybody': Facebook, Instagram ran ads funding Israeli military strikes in Gaza, watchdog finds

<p>Meta has been working day and night to recruit the best AI talent for its new Superintelligence team, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally spearheading the search. While recruiting aggressively, Meta is said to have attempted to poach talent from prominent companies such as OpenAI and Apple. A social media user has now posted a 44-employee list of employees in detail, which he says he received from a company employee who wished to remain anonymous. Posting the unofficial list on X, the user captioned, “All of these individuals are probably being paid $10-$100M/yr.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 BREAKING: Detailed list of all 44 people in Meta&#39;s Superintelligence team.<br><br>— 50% from China<br>— 75% have PhDs, 70% Researchers<br>— 40% from OpenAI, 20% DeepMind, 15% Scale<br>— 20% L8+ level<br>— 75% 1st gen immigrants<br><br>Each of these people are likely getting paid $10-$100M/yr. <a href="https://t.co/LmlAk6ceu9">pic.twitter.com/LmlAk6ceu9</a></p>&mdash; Deedy (@deedydas) <a href="https://twitter.com/deedydas/status/1946597162068091177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>According to the post, 50% of the recruits are Chinese, out of which 75% are PhDs and 70%are researchers. OpenAI contributes the most at 40%. Next is Google's DeepMind at 20%, followed by 15% from Scale. Though this has appeared on social media, WION cannot verified about the claim independently.</p><h2>What we know about the new joiners?</h2><p>Just two Indian-origin researchers have made it to the list – Trapit Bansal and Hammad Syed. Bansal is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur who did postgraduate research at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). He had worked with Meta in 2018. Bansal had worked in four of the world's top AI institutions – OpenAI, Microsoft Research, Google Research and Facebook.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Syed, who came on board Meta last week, co-founded voice startup PlayAI with Mahmoud Felfel in 2021. The firm is now able to create realistic text-to-speech models and voice agents for over 30 languages. According to a report in Bloomberg, it said the "entire PlayAI team" would join the Meta team, according to an internal memo. Apple AI researchers Mark Lee and Tom Gunter joined Meta Superintelligence AI team as the latest members. Earlier, Ruoming Pang, who headed Apple AI models team earlier, was reportedly poached with a compensation package of over $200 million. Lee and Gunter were reportedly close colleagues with Pang at Apple.</p>

Meta’s 44-member AI super team revealed; only two Indians on the list

Meta has been working day and night to recruit the best AI talent for its new Superintelligence team, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally spearheading the search. While recruiting aggressively, Meta is said to have attempted to poach talent from prominent companies such as OpenAI and Apple. A social media user has now posted a 44-employee list of employees in detail, which he says he received from a company employee who wished to remain anonymous. Posting the unofficial list on X, the user captioned, “All of these individuals are probably being paid $10-$100M/yr.”

<p>During the hiring spree, Meta is believed to have tried to headhunt from well-known companies, including OpenAI and Apple.</p>

<p>A Russian lawmaker, who regulates the IT sector, on Friday (July 18) warned that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market, stressing that the messaging app is expected to be put on a list of restricted software, according to a Reuters report. The lawmaker said that the presence of WhatsApp in Russia’s digital space is a security threat in the country, and soon the app will be blacklisted.</p><p>Anton Nemkin, member of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, IT and Communications, stressed that the fate of WhatsApp in Russia is “sealed”.</p><p>“This messenger is owned by Meta, an organization recognized as extremist and outlawed in our country. The presence of such a service in Russia's digital space is, in fact, a legal breach in national security. That is why including WhatsApp in the list of programs from unfriendly jurisdictions subject to restrictions is just a matter of time,” she added.</p><p>Nemkin said that the Russian authorities “cannot turn a blind eye” to the fact that millions of Russians transmit their data, documents, photos, and personal correspondence every day via a platform controlled by a hostile entity that ignores Russian laws.</p><p>WhatsApp has not done anything the Russian government has asked, she further stressed, adding that it has not localised data, opened a representative office, or shown any transparency.</p><p>"This is unacceptable at a time when digital sovereignty is a matter of national security,” Nemkin said.</p><p>Meanwhile, as an alternative, the Russians will be using Telegram, she said, adding that it complies better with Russian law. However, “the key player going forward will be Russia’s own messenger, Max. This platform was created with a view to integration with public services, digital certificates, e-signature and legally significant communication,” she said.</p><p>She emphasised the basic functions of the messenger, saying that it includes business accounts, which are quite important for entrepreneurs who need to switch from WhatsApp.</p><p>“WhatsApp is not a simple messenger, but an instrument of influence and a potential point of data compromise. The withdrawal of such platforms is an opportunity to find secure, sovereign solutions that serve the interests of the country’s citizens and the state,” Nemkin said.&nbsp;</p>

Nemkin said that the Russian authorities “cannot turn a blind eye” to the fact that millions of Russians transmit their data, documents, photos, and personal correspondence every day via a platform controlled by a hostile entity that ignores Russian laws.

A Russian lawmaker, who regulates the IT sector, on Friday (July 18) warned that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market, stressing that the messaging app is expected to be put on a list of restricted software, according to a Reuters report. The lawmaker said that the presence of WhatsApp in Russia’s digital space is a security threat in the country, and soon the app will be blacklisted. Anton Nemkin, member of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, IT and Communications, stressed that the fate of WhatsApp in Russia is “sealed”. “This messenger is owned by Meta, an organization recognized as extremist and outlawed in our country. The presence of such a service in Russia's digital space is, in fact, a legal breach in national security. That is why including WhatsApp in the list of programs from unfriendly jurisdictions subject to restrictions is just a matter of time,” she added. Nemkin said that the Russian authorities “cannot turn a blind eye” to the fact that millions of Russians transmit their data, documents, photos, and personal correspondence every day via a platform controlled by a hostile entity that ignores Russian laws. WhatsApp has not done anything the Russian government has asked, she further stressed, adding that it has not localised data, opened a representative office, or shown any transparency. "This is unacceptable at a time when digital sovereignty is a matter of national security,” Nemkin said. Meanwhile, as an alternative, the Russians will be using Telegram, she said, adding that it complies better with Russian law. However, “the key player going forward will be Russia’s own messenger, Max. This platform was created with a view to integration with public services, digital certificates, e-signature and legally significant communication,” she said. She emphasised the basic functions of the messenger, saying that it includes business accounts, which are quite important for entrepreneurs who need to switch from WhatsApp. “WhatsApp is not a simple messenger, but an instrument of influence and a potential point of data compromise. The withdrawal of such platforms is an opportunity to find secure, sovereign solutions that serve the interests of the country’s citizens and the state,” Nemkin said.

<p>Nemkin said that the Russian authorities “cannot turn a blind eye” to the fact that millions of Russians transmit their data, documents, photos, and personal correspondence every day via a platform controlled by a hostile entity that ignores Russian laws.</p>

WhatsApp to exit Russia? Lawmaker claims it poses ‘security threat’, calling it a 'point of data compromise' - Here’s what we know

<p>Social media giant Meta, run by Mark Zuckerberg, has apologised to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over a blunder by its autotranslation tool. The bizarre glitch put social media giant Meta in the dock after its autotranslation software mistranslated saying, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday,” when in fact the chief minister’s office had on Tuesday posted a condolence message on Facebook and Instagram in Kannada, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The mistranslation shocked several users and caused confusion until the clarification came.<br>After complaints about the translation tool’s error, Meta has apologised to the Congress leader. “We fixed an issue that briefly caused this inaccurate Kannada translation. We apologize that this happened,” a Meta spokesperson told news agency PTI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meta’s English auto-translation read, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi’s earthly body and paid his last respects.” None of it really made sense, showing the IT giant’s tech prowess in a bad light.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘Faulty auto-translation distorting facts’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Furious over the mistake, Siddaramaiah decided to vent out his anger and posted on his X account, “Faulty autotranslation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts and misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communication.”&nbsp;</p><p>The chief minister emphasised that social media platforms need to act responsibly, particularly regarding official communications, and advised citizens about the frequent inaccuracies in platform translations.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On July 16, CM Siddaramaiah’s media adviser, K V Prabhakar, sent an email to Meta expressing serious concerns about the automatic translation of Kannada content on Facebook and Instagram.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“My media adviser has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding and trust,” the CM said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Suspend auto-translation feature till accuracy improves: Govt tells Meta</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Karnataka government asked Meta to temporarily suspend the auto-translation feature for Kannada content until the system’s accuracy improves significantly. It also asked the platform to collaborate with qualified Kannada language experts and linguistic professionals to enhance the quality and contextual accuracy of translations between Kannada and English.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Chief Minister’s Office also sought a response from Meta outlining the steps being taken to resolve the issue.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On July 15, I paid my respects to the mortal remains of the late B. Saroja Devi - a moment of deep personal and public sorrow. A post about this was shared in Kannada from the official Chief Minister of Karnataka Facebook page.<br><br>Unfortunately, some people saw a wrong English… <a href="https://t.co/TVivkeVYRk">pic.twitter.com/TVivkeVYRk</a></p>&mdash; Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1946160436212363315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meta apologised to the Congress chief minister after complaints about the translation tool’s error. We fixed an issue that briefly caused this inaccurate Kannada translation. We apologize that this happened, said a spokesperson of the social media giant.

Social media giant Meta, run by Mark Zuckerberg, has apologised to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over a blunder by its autotranslation tool. The bizarre glitch put social media giant Meta in the dock after its autotranslation software mistranslated saying, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday,” when in fact the chief minister’s office had on Tuesday posted a condolence message on Facebook and Instagram in Kannada, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The mistranslation shocked several users and caused confusion until the clarification came. After complaints about the translation tool’s error, Meta has apologised to the Congress leader. “We fixed an issue that briefly caused this inaccurate Kannada translation. We apologize that this happened,” a Meta spokesperson told news agency PTI. Meta’s English auto-translation read, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi’s earthly body and paid his last respects.” None of it really made sense, showing the IT giant’s tech prowess in a bad light. ‘Faulty auto-translation distorting facts’ Furious over the mistake, Siddaramaiah decided to vent out his anger and posted on his X account, “Faulty autotranslation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts and misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communication.” The chief minister emphasised that social media platforms need to act responsibly, particularly regarding official communications, and advised citizens about the frequent inaccuracies in platform translations. On July 16, CM Siddaramaiah’s media adviser, K V Prabhakar, sent an email to Meta expressing serious concerns about the automatic translation of Kannada content on Facebook and Instagram. “My media adviser has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding and trust,” the CM said in a post on X. Suspend auto-translation feature till accuracy improves: Govt tells Meta The Karnataka government asked Meta to temporarily suspend the auto-translation feature for Kannada content until the system’s accuracy improves significantly. It also asked the platform to collaborate with qualified Kannada language experts and linguistic professionals to enhance the quality and contextual accuracy of translations between Kannada and English. The Chief Minister’s Office also sought a response from Meta outlining the steps being taken to resolve the issue.

<p>Meta apologised to the Congress chief minister after complaints about the translation tool’s error. We fixed an issue that briefly caused this inaccurate Kannada translation. We apologize that this happened, said a spokesperson of the social media giant.</p>

‘Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday’: Zuckerberg’s Meta apologises after Kannada translation blunder

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is furious with Meta for a grave mistake it made while translating a condolence message posted by the CMO. The platform's auto-translation tool translated the message to say in English that Siddaramaiah had passed away. He has now asked Meta to suspend its Kannada auto-translation feature. The Chief Minister's Office posted in Kannada on Facebook and Instagram a condolence message, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The auto-translation tool changed it to, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi's earthly body and paid his last respects. The translation also didn't make any sense. Siddaramaiah could not believe the mistake the platform had made. He shared on X that his media adviser has reached out to Meta about the error.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He wrote in English, "Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts &amp; misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications." He added that his media advisor, Shri K V Prabhakar has "formally written to Meta urging immediate correction." Siddaramaiah also cautioned the general public about the translations and flagged the dangers such mistakes pose. "Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding &amp; trust," he wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> platforms is distorting facts &amp; misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications.<br><br>My Media Advisor Shri K V Prabhakar has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction.<br><br>Social… <a href="https://t.co/tJBp38wcHr">pic.twitter.com/tJBp38wcHr</a></p>&mdash; Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1945742829944512723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The CMO has sent an email to Meta to look into the matter. It has also asked the platform to halt Kannada auto-translation services and investigate the problems with it. It asked Meta to be completely sure of its efficiency before restarting it. The CMO also urged Meta to collaborate with Kannada language experts and professionals to ensure the translation from Kannada to English are contextually accurate. Prabhakar raised concerns about the service making errors, saying that many people might not realise that the translated message is not the same as the original message. This could cause confusion, especially in public communication.</p>

Siddaramaiah ‘digitally’ killed off: Meta translated a condolence message by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kannada to say that the CM had died. He is shocked to see such a grave error being made by Meta and has asked it to halt its auto-translation service in Kannada.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is furious with Meta for a grave mistake it made while translating a condolence message posted by the CMO. The platform's auto-translation tool translated the message to say in English that Siddaramaiah had passed away. He has now asked Meta to suspend its Kannada auto-translation feature. The Chief Minister's Office posted in Kannada on Facebook and Instagram a condolence message, mourning the death of veteran actress B Sarojadevi. The auto-translation tool changed it to, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi's earthly body and paid his last respects. The translation also didn't make any sense. Siddaramaiah could not believe the mistake the platform had made. He shared on X that his media adviser has reached out to Meta about the error. He wrote in English, "Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts & misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications." He added that his media advisor, Shri K V Prabhakar has "formally written to Meta urging immediate correction." Siddaramaiah also cautioned the general public about the translations and flagged the dangers such mistakes pose. "Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding & trust," he wrote.

<p>Siddaramaiah ‘digitally’ killed off: Meta translated a condolence message by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kannada to say that the CM had died. He is shocked to see such a grave error being made by Meta and has asked it to halt its auto-translation service in Kannada.</p>

Meta auto-translation goof-up declares Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah dead

<p>Meta Platforms Inc. has completed the acquisition of PlayAI, a voice-focused artificial intelligence (AI) startup, as part of its broader push to dominate the conversational AI and wearable tech space. The deal, finalised on July 11, sees PlayAI’s entire 59-person team joining Meta next week, according to a <i>Bloomberg</i> report. While financial details remain undisclosed, reports estimate the deal’s value at approximately $45 million. The PlayAI team will report to Johan Schalkwyk, a recent Meta hire with a deep background in voice AI, having previously worked at Google and Sesame AI. The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Meta’s capabilities in natural speech generation and real-time voice interaction across its product suite.</p><h2><strong>Enhancing Meta’s voice ecosystem</strong></h2><p>Founded in 2016 by Mahmoud Felfel and former WhatsApp engineer Hammad Syed, PlayAI began as a basic text-to-speech tool and evolved into a sophisticated voice AI company. Its flagship product, PlayDialog, uses contextual understanding to generate emotionally nuanced, human-like speech in over 40 languages. This innovation allows for more realistic and responsive AI assistants, an essential component of Meta’s vision for next-gen digital experiences.</p><p>The internal memo notes that PlayAI’s “work in creating natural voices, along with a platform for easy voice creation, is a great match for our work and roadmapacross AI Characters, Meta AI, Wearables, and audio content creation.”</p><p>With Meta’s virtual assistant, Meta AI, already integrated into platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, the addition of PlayAI’s technology is expected to significantly enhance the realism and functionality of voice interactions. Furthermore, the acquisition plays directly into Meta’s expanding ambitions in hardware. The company recently launched new versions of its Ray-Ban smart glasses and hinted at upcoming products in collaboration with Oakley.</p><h2><strong>A strategic bet on voice tech</strong></h2><p>The PlayAI acquisition is part of Meta’s broader AI overhaul. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made AI the company’s top priority in 2024, backed by massive investments in custom silicon, new data centres, and top-tier AI research talent. As part of this effort, Meta recently announced the formation of Meta Superintelligence Labs, a centralised division aimed at unifying and accelerating AI development across the company’s sprawling ecosystem.</p><p>With the global voice AI market projected to reach $47.5 billion by 2034, proprietary voice capabilities are becoming a crucial differentiator. PlayAI’s advanced cloning and natural speech tech offer Meta a competitive edge as voice becomes a primary interface for interacting with both devices and digital services.</p><p>However, the move also invites ethical scrutiny. PlayAI’s ability to clone voices with limited input raises concerns about consent and misuse—issues that regulators, especially in the US and EU, are increasingly focused on. As Meta integrates PlayAI’s capabilities, it must navigate not just technical challenges but also build public trust in how the technology is used.</p>

The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Meta’s capabilities in natural speech generation and real-time voice interaction across its product suite.

Meta Platforms Inc. has completed the acquisition of PlayAI, a voice-focused artificial intelligence (AI) startup, as part of its broader push to dominate the conversational AI and wearable tech space. The deal, finalised on July 11, sees PlayAI’s entire 59-person team joining Meta next week, according to a Bloomberg report. While financial details remain undisclosed, reports estimate the deal’s value at approximately $45 million. The PlayAI team will report to Johan Schalkwyk, a recent Meta hire with a deep background in voice AI, having previously worked at Google and Sesame AI. The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Meta’s capabilities in natural speech generation and real-time voice interaction across its product suite. Enhancing Meta’s voice ecosystem Founded in 2016 by Mahmoud Felfel and former WhatsApp engineer Hammad Syed, PlayAI began as a basic text-to-speech tool and evolved into a sophisticated voice AI company. Its flagship product, PlayDialog, uses contextual understanding to generate emotionally nuanced, human-like speech in over 40 languages. This innovation allows for more realistic and responsive AI assistants, an essential component of Meta’s vision for next-gen digital experiences. The internal memo notes that PlayAI’s “work in creating natural voices, along with a platform for easy voice creation, is a great match for our work and roadmapacross AI Characters, Meta AI, Wearables, and audio content creation.” With Meta’s virtual assistant, Meta AI, already integrated into platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, the addition of PlayAI’s technology is expected to significantly enhance the realism and functionality of voice interactions. Furthermore, the acquisition plays directly into Meta’s expanding ambitions in hardware. The company recently launched new versions of its Ray-Ban smart glasses and hinted at upcoming products in collaboration with Oakley. A strategic bet on voice tech The PlayAI acquisition is part of Meta’s broader AI overhaul. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made AI the company’s top priority in 2024, backed by massive investments in custom silicon, new data centres, and top-tier AI research talent. As part of this effort, Meta recently announced the formation of Meta Superintelligence Labs, a centralised division aimed at unifying and accelerating AI development across the company’s sprawling ecosystem. With the global voice AI market projected to reach $47.5 billion by 2034, proprietary voice capabilities are becoming a crucial differentiator. PlayAI’s advanced cloning and natural speech tech offer Meta a competitive edge as voice becomes a primary interface for interacting with both devices and digital services. However, the move also invites ethical scrutiny. PlayAI’s ability to clone voices with limited input raises concerns about consent and misuse—issues that regulators, especially in the US and EU, are increasingly focused on. As Meta integrates PlayAI’s capabilities, it must navigate not just technical challenges but also build public trust in how the technology is used.

<p>The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Meta’s capabilities in natural speech generation and real-time voice interaction across its product suite.</p>

Meta acquires voice AI startup to bolster conversational tech

<p>Meta Platforms is poised to face new antitrust charges from the European Commission, along with potentially steep daily fines, after signalling it will not make further changes to its controversial “pay-or-consent” model. According to a <i>Reuters</i>&nbsp;report, the US tech giant has no plans to revise its approach unless external circumstances shift. The European Commission last month warned Meta of possible daily fines after reviewing the company’s limited efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law, which took effect in November 2023, seeks to rein in the dominance of large digital platforms through strict behavioural requirements, including rules on how user data is collected and used.</p><h2><strong>A €200 million fine already imposed</strong></h2><p>Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was fined €200 million ($234 million) in April for violating the Digital Markets Act between November 2023 and November 2024. The core issue centres on Meta’s pay-or-consent model, which offers users a choice between paying for ad-free service or consenting to the use of personal data for targeted advertising.</p><p>Although Meta adjusted the model in November 2024 to reduce its reliance on personal data for ad targeting, the European Commission remained unconvinced. Additional scrutiny followed in June, as regulators expressed concerns that the company’s changes fell short of DMA requirements. Reports say that unless Meta alters its stance, the Commission is expected to announce new antitrust charges in the coming weeks. If found in continued breach of the DMA, Meta could face daily fines of up to 5 per cent of its average global turnover, beginning retroactively from June 27.</p><h2><strong>Meta and commission remain at odds</strong></h2><p>Meta declined to comment on the latest reports but pointed to past statements asserting that its practices already exceed DMA obligations. The company has also accused the Commission of discriminating against its business model. The European Commission similarly declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings.</p><p>With no further compliance changes on the horizon, Meta now faces mounting regulatory pressure and the possibility of significant financial penalties, underscoring the growing tensions between US tech firms and European regulators over data privacy and market fairness.</p>

The European Commission last month warned Meta of possible daily fines after reviewing the company’s limited efforts to comply with the EU’s DMA. The law seeks to rein in the dominance of large digital platforms via strict behavioural requirements.

Meta Platforms is poised to face new antitrust charges from the European Commission, along with potentially steep daily fines, after signalling it will not make further changes to its controversial “pay-or-consent” model. According to a Reuters report, the US tech giant has no plans to revise its approach unless external circumstances shift. The European Commission last month warned Meta of possible daily fines after reviewing the company’s limited efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law, which took effect in November 2023, seeks to rein in the dominance of large digital platforms through strict behavioural requirements, including rules on how user data is collected and used. A €200 million fine already imposed Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was fined €200 million ($234 million) in April for violating the Digital Markets Act between November 2023 and November 2024. The core issue centres on Meta’s pay-or-consent model, which offers users a choice between paying for ad-free service or consenting to the use of personal data for targeted advertising. Although Meta adjusted the model in November 2024 to reduce its reliance on personal data for ad targeting, the European Commission remained unconvinced. Additional scrutiny followed in June, as regulators expressed concerns that the company’s changes fell short of DMA requirements. Reports say that unless Meta alters its stance, the Commission is expected to announce new antitrust charges in the coming weeks. If found in continued breach of the DMA, Meta could face daily fines of up to 5 per cent of its average global turnover, beginning retroactively from June 27. Meta and commission remain at odds Meta declined to comment on the latest reports but pointed to past statements asserting that its practices already exceed DMA obligations. The company has also accused the Commission of discriminating against its business model. The European Commission similarly declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings. With no further compliance changes on the horizon, Meta now faces mounting regulatory pressure and the possibility of significant financial penalties, underscoring the growing tensions between US tech firms and European regulators over data privacy and market fairness.

<p>The European Commission last month warned Meta of possible daily fines after reviewing the company’s limited efforts to comply with the EU’s DMA. The law seeks to rein in the dominance of large digital platforms via strict behavioural requirements.</p>

Meta to face fresh EU antitrust charges over pay-or-consent model

<p>Meta Platforms Inc. is making a bold move into the rapidly growing smart glasses market with a significant acquisition. The tech giant has acquired a nearly 3 per cent stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of the iconic eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, for an estimated $3.5 billion. This investment underscores Meta’s strategy to expand its presence in wearable technology, specifically AI-powered smart eyewear, aligning with its broader vision for the future of computing. The deal, which could eventually see Meta’s stake rise to 5 per cent, marks a strategic collaboration between the two companies, who have been partners in developing smart eyewear since 2019. The stakes were purchased at EssilorLuxottica's current market value, signalling Meta’s growing confidence in the potential of AI-integrated eyewear.</p><h2><strong>Building the future of smart glasses and AI</strong></h2><p>Meta’s stake in EssilorLuxottica is a calculated move to tap into the increasing demand for wearable tech, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to make waves in consumer products. The two companies have already launched the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, equipped with embedded cameras, AI assistants, and other smart features. In addition, Meta introduced the Oakley Meta HSTN last month, a pair of high-tech, hands-free smart glasses that include open-ear speakers, water resistance, and Meta AI capabilities.</p><p>For Meta, the acquisition represents more than just a financial investment; it’s an opportunity to control both the hardware and AI driving these products. The integration of AI into wearables offers new levels of interactivity, with the potential for real-time language translation, object recognition, and seamless access to Meta’s ecosystem. This approach sets Meta apart from other tech giants, positioning the company as a leader in the wearable AI space.</p><h2><strong>Meta’s ambition to lead the wearable tech market</strong></h2><p>Meta’s push into wearables is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader strategy to innovate beyond traditional social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With this new focus on AI-powered hardware, Meta is betting on the future of smart glasses as a mainstream product. This is reflected in the company’s aggressive investment in AI development, with reports suggesting billions of dollars are being funnelled into its AI infrastructure, including custom-built data centers and specialised chips.</p><p>The partnership with EssilorLuxottica not only provides Meta with the necessary manufacturing expertise but also allows the company to leverage EssilorLuxottica’s global distribution network. As Meta continues to develop and expand its smart glasses offerings, the partnership may be key to reaching a mass-market audience.</p><p>While the acquisition has been seen as a positive move by Wall Street—EssilorLuxottica’s American depositary receipts surged by 6.9 per cent following the announcement—this venture also positions Meta to compete directly with other tech giants like Apple and Google, both of whom have explored the wearable tech space. However, Meta’s strategy of blending stylish eyewear with cutting-edge AI technology could give it a competitive edge.</p>

The deal, which could eventually see Meta’s stake in EssilorLuxottica rise to 5 per cent, marks a strategic collaboration between the two companies, who have been partners in developing smart eyewear since 2019.

Meta Platforms Inc. is making a bold move into the rapidly growing smart glasses market with a significant acquisition. The tech giant has acquired a nearly 3 per cent stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of the iconic eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, for an estimated $3.5 billion. This investment underscores Meta’s strategy to expand its presence in wearable technology, specifically AI-powered smart eyewear, aligning with its broader vision for the future of computing. The deal, which could eventually see Meta’s stake rise to 5 per cent, marks a strategic collaboration between the two companies, who have been partners in developing smart eyewear since 2019. The stakes were purchased at EssilorLuxottica's current market value, signalling Meta’s growing confidence in the potential of AI-integrated eyewear. Building the future of smart glasses and AI Meta’s stake in EssilorLuxottica is a calculated move to tap into the increasing demand for wearable tech, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to make waves in consumer products. The two companies have already launched the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, equipped with embedded cameras, AI assistants, and other smart features. In addition, Meta introduced the Oakley Meta HSTN last month, a pair of high-tech, hands-free smart glasses that include open-ear speakers, water resistance, and Meta AI capabilities. For Meta, the acquisition represents more than just a financial investment; it’s an opportunity to control both the hardware and AI driving these products. The integration of AI into wearables offers new levels of interactivity, with the potential for real-time language translation, object recognition, and seamless access to Meta’s ecosystem. This approach sets Meta apart from other tech giants, positioning the company as a leader in the wearable AI space. Meta’s ambition to lead the wearable tech market Meta’s push into wearables is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader strategy to innovate beyond traditional social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With this new focus on AI-powered hardware, Meta is betting on the future of smart glasses as a mainstream product. This is reflected in the company’s aggressive investment in AI development, with reports suggesting billions of dollars are being funnelled into its AI infrastructure, including custom-built data centers and specialised chips. The partnership with EssilorLuxottica not only provides Meta with the necessary manufacturing expertise but also allows the company to leverage EssilorLuxottica’s global distribution network. As Meta continues to develop and expand its smart glasses offerings, the partnership may be key to reaching a mass-market audience. While the acquisition has been seen as a positive move by Wall Street—EssilorLuxottica’s American depositary receipts surged by 6.9 per cent following the announcement—this venture also positions Meta to compete directly with other tech giants like Apple and Google, both of whom have explored the wearable tech space. However, Meta’s strategy of blending stylish eyewear with cutting-edge AI technology could give it a competitive edge.

<p>The deal, which could eventually see Meta’s stake in EssilorLuxottica rise to 5 per cent, marks a strategic collaboration between the two companies, who have been partners in developing smart eyewear since 2019.</p>

Meta acquires $3.5 billion stake in EssilorLuxottica, strengthening push into AI-powered wearables

<p>Meta is under fresh pressure from European regulators. The European Commission has warned the company it could face daily fines if its advertising model doesn’t meet tough new EU rules.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The warning came on Friday, just two months after the Commission fined Meta 200 million euros ($234 million) for breaking the EU’s Digital Markets Act, or DMA. As per Reuters, the rules aim to stop Big Tech from abusing its power and to protect smaller rivals.</p><h2><strong>How Meta’s 'pay-or-consent' model works</strong></h2><p>Meta launched its “pay-or-consent” model in November 2023. It gives Facebook and Instagram users two options:</p><ul><li>Use the service for free but agree to be tracked for targeted ads.</li><li>Or pay for an ad-free experience.</li></ul><p>According to Reuters, the European Commission said this setup broke the DMA’s rules until November 2024, even after Meta changed it to use less personal data for advertising. A spokesperson for the Commission said it’s not clear if Meta’s latest changes are good enough. “The Commission cannot confirm at this stage if these are sufficient,” the spokesperson told Reuters.</p><h2><strong>EU fine warning&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>The European Commission also warned Meta that if it doesn’t comply, it could face daily fines starting 27 June 2025. As per Reuters, these fines could reach up to 5 per cent of Meta’s average daily worldwide turnover for each day it stays in violation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That’s a major threat for one of the world’s biggest and most profitable tech companies.</p><h2><strong>'Unfair': Meta responds to EU&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Meta strongly pushed back against the warning. “A user choice between a subscription for no ads or a free ad-supported service remains a legitimate business model for every company in Europe—except Meta,” a Meta spokesperson told Reuters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meta insists it is doing even more than what EU rules demand. “We are confident that the range of choices we offer people in the EU doesn’t just comply with what the EU’s rules require—it goes well beyond them,” the spokesperson told Reuters.</p><h2><strong>EU rejects Meta’s complaint</strong></h2><p>But the European Commission dismissed Meta’s accusations of unfair treatment. According to Reuters, officials said the DMA applies equally to all large digital companies, no matter where they’re based or who owns them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We have always enforced and will continue to enforce our laws fairly and without discrimination towards all companies operating in the EU,” the spokesperson said.</p><h2><strong>A key test for Big Tech rules</strong></h2><p>This battle highlights how serious the EU is about reining in Big Tech. The DMA, which took effect in March, forces large platforms to follow strict rules designed to stop them from crushing smaller competitors.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meta’s pay-or-consent model is one of the first big tests of these new rules. As per Reuters, the outcome will help define how tech giants will have to operate in Europe in the coming years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(With inputs from the agencies)</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Following a €200 million fine for breaching the Digital Markets Act, the Commission stated Meta pay-or-consent model may still violate rules until November 2024. 

Meta is under fresh pressure from European regulators. The European Commission has warned the company it could face daily fines if its advertising model doesn’t meet tough new EU rules. The warning came on Friday, just two months after the Commission fined Meta 200 million euros ($234 million) for breaking the EU’s Digital Markets Act, or DMA. As per Reuters, the rules aim to stop Big Tech from abusing its power and to protect smaller rivals. How Meta’s 'pay-or-consent' model works Meta launched its “pay-or-consent” model in November 2023. It gives Facebook and Instagram users two options: Use the service for free but agree to be tracked for targeted ads. Or pay for an ad-free experience. According to Reuters, the European Commission said this setup broke the DMA’s rules until November 2024, even after Meta changed it to use less personal data for advertising. A spokesperson for the Commission said it’s not clear if Meta’s latest changes are good enough. “The Commission cannot confirm at this stage if these are sufficient,” the spokesperson told Reuters. EU fine warning The European Commission also warned Meta that if it doesn’t comply, it could face daily fines starting 27 June 2025. As per Reuters, these fines could reach up to 5 per cent of Meta’s average daily worldwide turnover for each day it stays in violation. That’s a major threat for one of the world’s biggest and most profitable tech companies. 'Unfair': Meta responds to EU Meta strongly pushed back against the warning. “A user choice between a subscription for no ads or a free ad-supported service remains a legitimate business model for every company in Europe—except Meta,” a Meta spokesperson told Reuters. Meta insists it is doing even more than what EU rules demand. “We are confident that the range of choices we offer people in the EU doesn’t just comply with what the EU’s rules require—it goes well beyond them,” the spokesperson told Reuters. EU rejects Meta’s complaint But the European Commission dismissed Meta’s accusations of unfair treatment. According to Reuters, officials said the DMA applies equally to all large digital companies, no matter where they’re based or who owns them. “We have always enforced and will continue to enforce our laws fairly and without discrimination towards all companies operating in the EU,” the spokesperson said. A key test for Big Tech rules This battle highlights how serious the EU is about reining in Big Tech. The DMA, which took effect in March, forces large platforms to follow strict rules designed to stop them from crushing smaller competitors. Meta’s pay-or-consent model is one of the first big tests of these new rules. As per Reuters, the outcome will help define how tech giants will have to operate in Europe in the coming years. (With inputs from the agencies)

<p>Meta faces new pressure from European regulators as the European Commission warns of potential daily fines if its advertising model fails to comply with EU regulations.</p>

Meta faces threat of daily EU fines over pay-or-consent model: Details here

<p>Meta Platforms secured a legal win on June 25 in a copyright case involving the use of books to train its generative AI model, Llama. Thirteen authors, including comedian Sarah Silverman and novelist Ta-Nehisi Coates, had alleged that Meta infringed on their copyrights by using pirated versions of their works without consent or compensation. However, US District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that the plaintiffs failed to present a compelling legal argument that Meta’s actions violated US copyright law.</p><p>The case, one of the first major legal battles testing the limits of fair use in the AI era, revolved around whether training AI models on copyrighted content without permission constitutes infringement. In his ruling, Judge Chhabria emphasised that the fair use doctrine protected Meta’s use of the books in this instance, noting that the plaintiffs could not prove that the company’s practices caused meaningful harm to the market for their works.</p><p>“On this record, Meta has defeated the plaintiffs’ half-hearted argument that its copying causes or threatens significant market harm,” Chhabria wrote. He acknowledged that using copyrighted materials without permission is “generally illegal” but criticised the authors’ legal strategy as poorly developed. “This ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful,” Chhabria clarified. “It stands only for the proposition that these plaintiffs made the wrong arguments and failed to develop a record in support of the right one.”</p><h2><strong>Fair use doctrine shields Meta for now</strong></h2><p>Meta’s core legal defence relied on the fair use doctrine, a provision of US copyright law that permits limited use of copyrighted material without the rights holder’s permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or transformative uses. Meta argued that its AI training process was transformative, as it did not reproduce the original works but instead used them to teach the AI to generate new, original text.</p><p>“No one can use Llama to read Sarah Silverman’s description of her childhood or Junot Diaz’s story of a Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey,” Meta’s attorneys wrote in filings. The company also claimed that the authors’ works could not be substituted by AI-generated content and that there was no evidence of market harm. “After nearly two years of litigation, there still is no evidence that anyone has ever used Llama as a substitute for reading Plaintiffs’ books, or that they even could,” the lawyers stated.</p><p>While Chhabria acknowledged that Meta’s use may have economic implications, he noted that no significant harm was demonstrated in court. He did, however, criticise Meta’s assertion that banning the use of copyrighted works in AI training would “badly disserve” the public interest or stifle innovation. “This is nonsense,” Chhabria wrote, calling Meta’s claim exaggerated and speculative.</p><h2><strong>Ruling limited in scope, new lawsuits likely</strong></h2><p>Though Meta prevailed in this case, the ruling is not a sweeping endorsement of AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials. Judge Chhabria stressed that the decision applied only to the 13 plaintiffs and did not provide blanket legal protection for Meta’s practices.</p><p>“In the grand scheme of things, the consequences of this ruling are limited,” he wrote. “This is not a class action, so the ruling only affects the rights of these thirteen authors, not the countless others whose works Meta used to train its models.” Chhabria also left open the possibility of future legal challenges, suggesting that a more thoroughly developed case could reach a different outcome.</p><p>The ruling came just days after another case involving AI firm Anthropic, in which Judge William Alsup found that the company’s use of copyrighted books to train its Claude chatbot was also “transformative” and qualified for fair use. However, that case will still go to trial over allegations that Anthropic illegally downloaded pirated books from online sources.</p><p>Chhabria criticised Alsup’s decision for focusing too heavily on the transformative nature of AI without adequately weighing potential harm to content creators. He expressed concern about the broader implications of generative AI on creative markets, saying such tools could undermine the incentive to produce original work. “By training generative AI models with copyrighted works, companies are creating something that often will dramatically undermine the market for those works,” Chhabria noted.</p><h2><strong>More legal challenges loom for AI companies</strong></h2><p>The recent ruling does not close the book on legal scrutiny of AI training practices. The plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that Meta used pirated versions of books from “shadow libraries”, with internal Meta documents showing the decision was escalated to CEO Mark Zuckerberg due to its potential legal risk. A separate claim related to Meta’s alleged illegal distribution of copyrighted works via torrenting is still pending.</p><p>Meta has joined a growing list of tech companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic, that face lawsuits from authors, news organisations, and other rights holders over the unauthorised use of copyrighted materials in AI training. As generative AI continues to disrupt content creation industries, more complex legal battles over the limits of fair use are expected to emerge.</p>

Though Meta prevailed in this case, Judge Chhabria stressed that the decision applied only to the 13 plaintiffs and did not provide blanket legal protection for Meta’s practices.

Meta Platforms secured a legal win on June 25 in a copyright case involving the use of books to train its generative AI model, Llama. Thirteen authors, including comedian Sarah Silverman and novelist Ta-Nehisi Coates, had alleged that Meta infringed on their copyrights by using pirated versions of their works without consent or compensation. However, US District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that the plaintiffs failed to present a compelling legal argument that Meta’s actions violated US copyright law. The case, one of the first major legal battles testing the limits of fair use in the AI era, revolved around whether training AI models on copyrighted content without permission constitutes infringement. In his ruling, Judge Chhabria emphasised that the fair use doctrine protected Meta’s use of the books in this instance, noting that the plaintiffs could not prove that the company’s practices caused meaningful harm to the market for their works. “On this record, Meta has defeated the plaintiffs’ half-hearted argument that its copying causes or threatens significant market harm,” Chhabria wrote. He acknowledged that using copyrighted materials without permission is “generally illegal” but criticised the authors’ legal strategy as poorly developed. “This ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful,” Chhabria clarified. “It stands only for the proposition that these plaintiffs made the wrong arguments and failed to develop a record in support of the right one.” Fair use doctrine shields Meta for now Meta’s core legal defence relied on the fair use doctrine, a provision of US copyright law that permits limited use of copyrighted material without the rights holder’s permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or transformative uses. Meta argued that its AI training process was transformative, as it did not reproduce the original works but instead used them to teach the AI to generate new, original text. “No one can use Llama to read Sarah Silverman’s description of her childhood or Junot Diaz’s story of a Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey,” Meta’s attorneys wrote in filings. The company also claimed that the authors’ works could not be substituted by AI-generated content and that there was no evidence of market harm. “After nearly two years of litigation, there still is no evidence that anyone has ever used Llama as a substitute for reading Plaintiffs’ books, or that they even could,” the lawyers stated. While Chhabria acknowledged that Meta’s use may have economic implications, he noted that no significant harm was demonstrated in court. He did, however, criticise Meta’s assertion that banning the use of copyrighted works in AI training would “badly disserve” the public interest or stifle innovation. “This is nonsense,” Chhabria wrote, calling Meta’s claim exaggerated and speculative. Ruling limited in scope, new lawsuits likely Though Meta prevailed in this case, the ruling is not a sweeping endorsement of AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials. Judge Chhabria stressed that the decision applied only to the 13 plaintiffs and did not provide blanket legal protection for Meta’s practices. “In the grand scheme of things, the consequences of this ruling are limited,” he wrote. “This is not a class action, so the ruling only affects the rights of these thirteen authors, not the countless others whose works Meta used to train its models.” Chhabria also left open the possibility of future legal challenges, suggesting that a more thoroughly developed case could reach a different outcome. The ruling came just days after another case involving AI firm Anthropic, in which Judge William Alsup found that the company’s use of copyrighted books to train its Claude chatbot was also “transformative” and qualified for fair use. However, that case will still go to trial over allegations that Anthropic illegally downloaded pirated books from online sources. Chhabria criticised Alsup’s decision for focusing too heavily on the transformative nature of AI without adequately weighing potential harm to content creators. He expressed concern about the broader implications of generative AI on creative markets, saying such tools could undermine the incentive to produce original work. “By training generative AI models with copyrighted works, companies are creating something that often will dramatically undermine the market for those works,” Chhabria noted. More legal challenges loom for AI companies The recent ruling does not close the book on legal scrutiny of AI training practices. The plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that Meta used pirated versions of books from “shadow libraries”, with internal Meta documents showing the decision was escalated to CEO Mark Zuckerberg due to its potential legal risk. A separate claim related to Meta’s alleged illegal distribution of copyrighted works via torrenting is still pending. Meta has joined a growing list of tech companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic, that face lawsuits from authors, news organisations, and other rights holders over the unauthorised use of copyrighted materials in AI training. As generative AI continues to disrupt content creation industries, more complex legal battles over the limits of fair use are expected to emerge.

<p>Though Meta prevailed in this case, Judge Chhabria stressed that the decision applied only to the 13 plaintiffs and did not provide blanket legal protection for Meta’s practices.</p>

Meta wins copyright lawsuit over AI training, but judge signals door still open for future claims

<p>Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has escalated its recruitment efforts in a high-stakes attempt to build its own artificial intelligence (AI) empire.&nbsp;</p><p>According to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Meta has made offers to some of his best engineers, including signing bonuses of up to $100 million and annual compensation packages worth even more.&nbsp;</p><p>Despite these lavish incentives, Altman confirmed on a recent episode of the Uncapped podcast that OpenAI’s top talent has remained steadfast and declined to accept Meta's overtures.</p><p>“Meta started making giant offers to a lot of people on our team,” Altman said. “You know, like $100 million signing bonuses, more than that (in) compensation per year. At least, so far, none of our best people have decided to take them up on that.”</p><p>The massive offers from Meta come as part of a broader, aggressive strategy to accelerate its AI efforts. Meta, which has struggled to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Amazon in the AI race, has recently doubled down on its commitment to AI by investing billions in both talent and cutting-edge technology.&nbsp;</p><p>These efforts include the launch of its new “superintelligence” division, aimed at creating AI systems that exceed human cognitive capabilities.</p><p>Altman’s remarks underscore the growing competition for top-tier AI talent. The pursuit of elite engineers has reached a fever pitch in Silicon Valley, with companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google making offers that rival those of professional athletes in other industries.&nbsp;</p><p>Researchers who specialise in AI are now some of the most sought-after individuals in the tech world, with offers running into the tens of millions of dollars.</p><h2><strong>Meta’s aggressive AI push</strong></h2><p>Meta’s ambitions in AI have grown bolder in recent months. The company recently announced a monumental $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, a leader in AI data processing and labelling.&nbsp;</p><p>The deal gives Meta a 49 per cent stake in Scale AI and brings its CEO, Alexandr Wang, on board to lead Meta's newly formed superintelligence lab.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the investment in Scale, Meta has reportedly offered generous compensation packages to top AI researchers from OpenAI and Google, hoping to assemble a team capable of competing with the industry’s elite.</p><p>Despite these investments, Meta has faced challenges in its pursuit of AI dominance. The company has delayed the release of its next major AI model due to concerns about its capabilities, with sources claiming that internal struggles over product development and leadership have hindered progress.&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, while Meta has released several open-source AI models, including the Llama series, it has faced criticism for allegedly overstating the performance of these models compared to the models developed by competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini.</p><p>One of the most ambitious aspects of Meta's AI strategy is the formation of a “superintelligence” unit, which aims to create an AI system that surpasses human intelligence. This project is being led by Alexandr Wang, who left Scale AI for Meta in a move that highlights the growing value placed on AI expertise.&nbsp;</p><p>Meta’s superintelligence lab is expected to drive innovations in technologies such as self-driving cars and robotic systems, giving the company a competitive edge in both the AI and hardware sectors.</p><h2><strong>The AI talent war intensifies</strong></h2><p>Meta’s high-profile recruitment efforts are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where AI talent has become the hottest commodity. Since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022, the AI arms race has escalated to a level never seen before, with companies vying to secure the brightest minds in machine learning and natural language processing.</p><p>The importance of individual contributors (ICs) in the AI field cannot be overstated. Researchers with specialised expertise are seen as pivotal to the success of AI models, with the best talent having the potential to make or break the trajectory of a company’s AI ambitions. This has led to a scramble for top engineers, with some researchers receiving offers worth tens of millions of dollars in salary and bonuses.</p><p>For instance, Google’s DeepMind has reportedly offered AI researchers compensation packages in the ballpark of $20 million per year, along with expedited equity grants.&nbsp;</p><p>Similarly, OpenAI has been forced to offer significant retention bonuses to prevent its talent from jumping ship. Meta’s lavish recruitment offers are part of this ongoing battle for AI supremacy, with Mark Zuckerberg overseeing efforts to recruit leading researchers from rival companies.</p><p>This battle for AI talent has also drawn in other major players like Amazon and Microsoft, who are investing billions in AI startups and expanding their own research divisions.&nbsp;</p><p>Microsoft, for instance, has poured more than $13 billion into OpenAI, while Amazon has invested heavily in the AI startup Anthropic. With the stakes so high, no company in Silicon Valley can afford to be left behind in the race to dominate the AI landscape.</p><h2><strong>Race to stay competitive</strong></h2><p>Despite its aggressive hiring tactics and massive investments, Meta’s position in the AI race is still far from secure. The company has been criticised for its perceived slow progress in AI development, especially in comparison to OpenAI and Google.&nbsp;</p><p>Meta’s efforts to build a competitive AI lab have been hampered by employee churn, internal management struggles, and a series of product releases that have failed to meet expectations.</p><p>One of the major challenges Meta faces is its reliance on an open-source strategy. While the company has released models like Llama to the public, which has allowed third-party developers to build on top of them, some have criticised Meta for inflating the capabilities of its models to make them appear more competitive with industry leaders.&nbsp;</p><p>Furthermore, Meta's internal divisions have led to infighting and delays in product development, leaving the company vulnerable to the rapid advancements made by its rivals.</p><p>The war for AI supremacy is not just about technology; it’s about securing the best minds to create the next generation of intelligent systems. With companies like Meta and OpenAI vying for the brightest engineers, the future of AI will likely be shaped by the talent that is recruited today.&nbsp;</p><p>As Meta continues its push to assemble a superintelligence team, the question remains: will it be able to close the gap and compete with the likes of OpenAI and Google? Only time will tell.</p>

The massive offers from Meta come as part of a broader, aggressive strategy to accelerate its AI efforts. Meta, which has struggled to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Amazon in the AI race. 

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has escalated its recruitment efforts in a high-stakes attempt to build its own artificial intelligence (AI) empire. According to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Meta has made offers to some of his best engineers, including signing bonuses of up to $100 million and annual compensation packages worth even more. Despite these lavish incentives, Altman confirmed on a recent episode of the Uncapped podcast that OpenAI’s top talent has remained steadfast and declined to accept Meta's overtures. “Meta started making giant offers to a lot of people on our team,” Altman said. “You know, like $100 million signing bonuses, more than that (in) compensation per year. At least, so far, none of our best people have decided to take them up on that.” The massive offers from Meta come as part of a broader, aggressive strategy to accelerate its AI efforts. Meta, which has struggled to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Amazon in the AI race, has recently doubled down on its commitment to AI by investing billions in both talent and cutting-edge technology. These efforts include the launch of its new “superintelligence” division, aimed at creating AI systems that exceed human cognitive capabilities. Altman’s remarks underscore the growing competition for top-tier AI talent. The pursuit of elite engineers has reached a fever pitch in Silicon Valley, with companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google making offers that rival those of professional athletes in other industries. Researchers who specialise in AI are now some of the most sought-after individuals in the tech world, with offers running into the tens of millions of dollars. Meta’s aggressive AI push Meta’s ambitions in AI have grown bolder in recent months. The company recently announced a monumental $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, a leader in AI data processing and labelling. The deal gives Meta a 49 per cent stake in Scale AI and brings its CEO, Alexandr Wang, on board to lead Meta's newly formed superintelligence lab. In addition to the investment in Scale, Meta has reportedly offered generous compensation packages to top AI researchers from OpenAI and Google, hoping to assemble a team capable of competing with the industry’s elite. Despite these investments, Meta has faced challenges in its pursuit of AI dominance. The company has delayed the release of its next major AI model due to concerns about its capabilities, with sources claiming that internal struggles over product development and leadership have hindered progress. Moreover, while Meta has released several open-source AI models, including the Llama series, it has faced criticism for allegedly overstating the performance of these models compared to the models developed by competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini. One of the most ambitious aspects of Meta's AI strategy is the formation of a “superintelligence” unit, which aims to create an AI system that surpasses human intelligence. This project is being led by Alexandr Wang, who left Scale AI for Meta in a move that highlights the growing value placed on AI expertise. Meta’s superintelligence lab is expected to drive innovations in technologies such as self-driving cars and robotic systems, giving the company a competitive edge in both the AI and hardware sectors. The AI talent war intensifies Meta’s high-profile recruitment efforts are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where AI talent has become the hottest commodity. Since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022, the AI arms race has escalated to a level never seen before, with companies vying to secure the brightest minds in machine learning and natural language processing. The importance of individual contributors (ICs) in the AI field cannot be overstated. Researchers with specialised expertise are seen as pivotal to the success of AI models, with the best talent having the potential to make or break the trajectory of a company’s AI ambitions. This has led to a scramble for top engineers, with some researchers receiving offers worth tens of millions of dollars in salary and bonuses. For instance, Google’s DeepMind has reportedly offered AI researchers compensation packages in the ballpark of $20 million per year, along with expedited equity grants. Similarly, OpenAI has been forced to offer significant retention bonuses to prevent its talent from jumping ship. Meta’s lavish recruitment offers are part of this ongoing battle for AI supremacy, with Mark Zuckerberg overseeing efforts to recruit leading researchers from rival companies. This battle for AI talent has also drawn in other major players like Amazon and Microsoft, who are investing billions in AI startups and expanding their own research divisions. Microsoft, for instance, has poured more than $13 billion into OpenAI, while Amazon has invested heavily in the AI startup Anthropic. With the stakes so high, no company in Silicon Valley can afford to be left behind in the race to dominate the AI landscape. Race to stay competitive Despite its aggressive hiring tactics and massive investments, Meta’s position in the AI race is still far from secure. The company has been criticised for its perceived slow progress in AI development, especially in comparison to OpenAI and Google. Meta’s efforts to build a competitive AI lab have been hampered by employee churn, internal management struggles, and a series of product releases that have failed to meet expectations. One of the major challenges Meta faces is its reliance on an open-source strategy. While the company has released models like Llama to the public, which has allowed third-party developers to build on top of them, some have criticised Meta for inflating the capabilities of its models to make them appear more competitive with industry leaders. Furthermore, Meta's internal divisions have led to infighting and delays in product development, leaving the company vulnerable to the rapid advancements made by its rivals. The war for AI supremacy is not just about technology; it’s about securing the best minds to create the next generation of intelligent systems. With companies like Meta and OpenAI vying for the brightest engineers, the future of AI will likely be shaped by the talent that is recruited today. As Meta continues its push to assemble a superintelligence team, the question remains: will it be able to close the gap and compete with the likes of OpenAI and Google? Only time will tell.

<p>The massive offers from Meta come as part of a broader, aggressive strategy to accelerate its AI efforts. Meta, which has struggled to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Amazon in the AI race.&nbsp;</p>

AI talent poaching intensifies: Meta offers $100 million bonuses to OpenAI employees as it struggles to keep pace in the AI race

<p>Meta teams up with Oakley to launch new smart glasses on 20 June</p><p>Teaser on Instagram hints at sporty wearable tech. Meta is set to unveil its next-generation smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley, the well-known sports eyewear brand. The new product will be officially revealed on 20 June, according to teasers posted on Instagram.</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9lwLpuiqZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Oakley | Meta (@oakleymeta)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, shared a short video showing the Oakley and Meta logos, but no details of the product itself.&nbsp; The same teaser was posted on the Instagram of “Oakley | Meta”. “The next evolution is coming on June 20,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also reposted the teaser, adding to the growing interest.</p><h2><strong>Continuing Meta’s smart glasses journey</strong></h2><p>Meta first entered the smart glasses space in 2021 with its Ray-Ban Stories. The glasses included built-in speakers and a camera but lacked augmented reality features. The second generation, launched in 2023 at $299, improved the camera and audio quality and introduced an AI-powered assistant.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This latest collaboration with Oakley may offer a new version of the smart glasses, either an upgraded model or a sport-focused design using the same core technology. The teaser suggests that the new glasses may build on the Ray-Ban Meta design but with a look and feel that matches Oakley’s athletic style.</p><h2><strong>Part of a wider partnership</strong></h2><p>Oakley and Ray-Ban are both owned by EssilorLuxottica, an Italy-based eyewear company. This makes the new Oakley-Meta smart glasses a natural follow-up to the existing Ray-Ban collaboration. A Bloomberg report from earlier this year claimed the new glasses may be based on the Oakley Sphaera model, and could feature a centrally located camera, differing from the Ray-Ban model’s corner-mounted lens.</p><h2><strong>What we might see on 20 June</strong></h2><p>While official specs have not been shared, fans are hoping for upgrades in camera clarity, audio performance, and AI assistant functions. There is also speculation that these smart glasses will be targeted at sports users and outdoor activities, in line with Oakley’s reputation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This launch highlights Meta’s continued push into wearable devices, signalling its ambition to lead in next-gen digital experiences that go beyond smartphones and screens.</p>

Meta partners with Oakley to unveil new smart glasses on June 20, 2025. This next gen wearable tech is expected to offer upgrades in camera, audio, and AI features. It may also cater to sports enthusiasts, continuing Meta's push into wearable devices beyond smartphones.

Meta teams up with Oakley to launch new smart glasses on 20 June Teaser on Instagram hints at sporty wearable tech. Meta is set to unveil its next-generation smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley, the well-known sports eyewear brand. The new product will be officially revealed on 20 June, according to teasers posted on Instagram.

<p>Meta partners with Oakley to unveil new smart glasses on June 20, 2025. This next-gen wearable tech is expected to offer upgrades in camera, audio, and AI features. It may also cater to sports enthusiasts, continuing Meta's push into wearable devices beyond smartphones.</p>

Meta teases new smart glasses with Oakley: What to expect on June 20

<p>Meta has officially confirmed its first major monetisation move for WhatsApp: the platform will begin showing advertisements in the Status and Channels sections, alongside offering optional paid subscriptions to enhance discovery and reach.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The update, unveiled on June 16, marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has long resisted traditional advertising.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since its acquisition by Meta in 2014, WhatsApp has largely steered clear of traditional advertising formats, in contrast to sister platforms like Facebook and Instagram.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While private messages will remain ad-free and encrypted, users may start seeing ads as they tap through Status updates — WhatsApp’s equivalent of Instagram Stories — and in public Channels. Businesses and creators who opt for the subscription model will gain visibility advantages in search and recommendations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meta says the step is designed to help creators and brands grow, and provide users with better discovery tools. The company plans to roll out these features gradually across select markets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a select media briefing, the company said that for users who only use WhatsApp to chat with friends and family, there will be no change. To show ads in Status and Channels, the platform will share minimal information such as the user’s country or city, language, and the Channels they follow.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Alice Newton-Rex, Vice-President, Product at WhatsApp, said the platform will never share or sell users’ phone numbers to advertisers. Personal messages, calls and group conversations will continue to be encrypted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We are increasingly seeing and hearing people wanting to use WhatsApp for more than just messaging close friends and family. That’s part of the reason we introduced the ‘Updates’ tab as a place for optional experiences on WhatsApp like Channels and Status. Almost 1.5 billion people globally use Updates daily. It’s often where people go when they are looking to discover something new,” said Newton-Rex. The new features will roll out gradually over the next few months.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>WhatsApp stressed that messages, calls, and groups will remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the platform’s core privacy proposition.</p>

Meta turns to WhatsApp for revenue, introduces ads and premium features. All you need to know

Meta has officially confirmed its first major monetisation move for WhatsApp: the platform will begin showing advertisements in the Status and Channels sections, alongside offering optional paid subscriptions to enhance discovery and reach. The update, unveiled on June 16, marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has long resisted traditional advertising. Since its acquisition by Meta in 2014, WhatsApp has largely steered clear of traditional advertising formats, in contrast to sister platforms like Facebook and Instagram. While private messages will remain ad-free and encrypted, users may start seeing ads as they tap through Status updates — WhatsApp’s equivalent of Instagram Stories — and in public Channels. Businesses and creators who opt for the subscription model will gain visibility advantages in search and recommendations. Meta says the step is designed to help creators and brands grow, and provide users with better discovery tools. The company plans to roll out these features gradually across select markets. In a select media briefing, the company said that for users who only use WhatsApp to chat with friends and family, there will be no change. To show ads in Status and Channels, the platform will share minimal information such as the user’s country or city, language, and the Channels they follow. Alice Newton-Rex, Vice-President, Product at WhatsApp, said the platform will never share or sell users’ phone numbers to advertisers. Personal messages, calls and group conversations will continue to be encrypted. “We are increasingly seeing and hearing people wanting to use WhatsApp for more than just messaging close friends and family. That’s part of the reason we introduced the ‘Updates’ tab as a place for optional experiences on WhatsApp like Channels and Status. Almost 1.5 billion people globally use Updates daily. It’s often where people go when they are looking to discover something new,” said Newton-Rex. The new features will roll out gradually over the next few months. WhatsApp stressed that messages, calls, and groups will remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the platform’s core privacy proposition.

<p>The Meta-owned messaging service will begin rolling out new monetisation tools within its Updates tab</p>

<p>Alphabet’s Google is preparing to end its long-standing relationship with data-labelling startup Scale AI after Meta Platforms acquired a 49 per cent stake in the company, <i>Reuters</i>&nbsp;reported.&nbsp;</p><p>The move marks a major shakeup in the AI ecosystem, with several top artificial intelligence (AI) labs now seeking alternative or in-house solutions to protect their proprietary data.</p><p>Meta’s investment in Scale AI values the startup at $29 billion—double its previous valuation from just a year ago. But the eye-catching deal has spurred immediate concern from competitors in the AI space, who fear their confidential data, research directions, and prototype tools could now be indirectly exposed to a rival.</p><p>Scale AI specialises in providing expertly labelled datasets which are essential for training generative AI models such as Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s GPT series.&nbsp;</p><p>Google alone was slated to spend around $200 million on Scale’s services this year and had paid $150 million in 2024.</p><p>But insiders say Meta’s new stake and the appointment of Scale CEO Alexandr Wang to lead Meta’s superintelligence team was the tipping point for Google, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s xAI, and even OpenAI, all of whom are now scaling back or exiting their contracts with Scale.</p><h2><strong>Data privacy, competition fuel concerns</strong></h2><p>At the core of the backlash is a shared worry over data security and competitive leakage. Companies like Google and Microsoft rely on data-labelling partners to handle sensitive materials—including experimental products and training data—which may now be accessible to a firm like Meta through its close ties to Scale.</p><p>Though Meta has not taken a board seat at Scale AI and insists the two companies will continue to operate independently, AI labs are sceptical. Wang’s move to Meta, along with a few Scale employees, only intensifies fears that Scale can no longer maintain the neutrality necessary to work with competing AI developers.</p><h2><strong>Scale’s rivals gain ground</strong></h2><p>The fallout is rapidly benefiting Scale AI’s competitors. Firms like Labelbox, Turing, Handshake, and Mercor are seeing a surge in demand from AI labs eager to pivot away from Scale. Handshake, which specialises in a vetted network of PhDs and technical experts, reported its client workload tripled overnight after news of the Meta deal broke.</p><p>Labelbox, another major rival, is reportedly on track to gain “hundreds of millions” in new revenue this year as customers flee Scale. Several companies are also taking the in-house route, hiring their own data labellers to ensure tighter security and control.</p><h2><strong>Meta’s strategic move and Wang’s role</strong></h2><p>Meta’s acquisition appears driven not just by data but by talent. The deal gives Meta access to Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old tech prodigy who co-founded Scale in 2016. Wang, who dropped out of MIT to build Scale, is now tasked with leading Meta’s “superintelligence” team—a move that underscores CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push to catch up in the AI race.</p><p>Meta has faced delays in launching new AI models and has lost key staff in recent months. By bringing Wang onboard, the company is betting that a sharp business mind, rather than a research-heavy background, can restore its competitive edge—much like OpenAI's Sam Altman.</p><p>Scale AI will continue to operate independently and serve its government and enterprise clients, but with its largest customers heading for the exit, the company’s growth trajectory is uncertain. The deal is also likely to invite regulatory scrutiny, especially given Meta’s existing antitrust battles in the US.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(<i>With inputs from agencies</i>)</p>

Scale AI specialises in providing expertly labelled datasets which are essential for training generative AI models such as Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s GPT series. 

Alphabet’s Google is preparing to end its long-standing relationship with data-labelling startup Scale AI after Meta Platforms acquired a 49 per cent stake in the company, Reuters reported. The move marks a major shakeup in the AI ecosystem, with several top artificial intelligence (AI) labs now seeking alternative or in-house solutions to protect their proprietary data. Meta’s investment in Scale AI values the startup at $29 billion—double its previous valuation from just a year ago. But the eye-catching deal has spurred immediate concern from competitors in the AI space, who fear their confidential data, research directions, and prototype tools could now be indirectly exposed to a rival. Scale AI specialises in providing expertly labelled datasets which are essential for training generative AI models such as Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s GPT series. Google alone was slated to spend around $200 million on Scale’s services this year and had paid $150 million in 2024. But insiders say Meta’s new stake and the appointment of Scale CEO Alexandr Wang to lead Meta’s superintelligence team was the tipping point for Google, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s xAI, and even OpenAI, all of whom are now scaling back or exiting their contracts with Scale. Data privacy, competition fuel concerns At the core of the backlash is a shared worry over data security and competitive leakage. Companies like Google and Microsoft rely on data-labelling partners to handle sensitive materials—including experimental products and training data—which may now be accessible to a firm like Meta through its close ties to Scale. Though Meta has not taken a board seat at Scale AI and insists the two companies will continue to operate independently, AI labs are sceptical. Wang’s move to Meta, along with a few Scale employees, only intensifies fears that Scale can no longer maintain the neutrality necessary to work with competing AI developers. Scale’s rivals gain ground The fallout is rapidly benefiting Scale AI’s competitors. Firms like Labelbox, Turing, Handshake, and Mercor are seeing a surge in demand from AI labs eager to pivot away from Scale. Handshake, which specialises in a vetted network of PhDs and technical experts, reported its client workload tripled overnight after news of the Meta deal broke. Labelbox, another major rival, is reportedly on track to gain “hundreds of millions” in new revenue this year as customers flee Scale. Several companies are also taking the in-house route, hiring their own data labellers to ensure tighter security and control. Meta’s strategic move and Wang’s role Meta’s acquisition appears driven not just by data but by talent. The deal gives Meta access to Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old tech prodigy who co-founded Scale in 2016. Wang, who dropped out of MIT to build Scale, is now tasked with leading Meta’s “superintelligence” team—a move that underscores CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push to catch up in the AI race. Meta has faced delays in launching new AI models and has lost key staff in recent months. By bringing Wang onboard, the company is betting that a sharp business mind, rather than a research-heavy background, can restore its competitive edge—much like OpenAI's Sam Altman. Scale AI will continue to operate independently and serve its government and enterprise clients, but with its largest customers heading for the exit, the company’s growth trajectory is uncertain. The deal is also likely to invite regulatory scrutiny, especially given Meta’s existing antitrust battles in the US. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Scale AI specialises in providing expertly labelled datasets which are essential for training generative AI models such as Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s GPT series.&nbsp;</p>

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