Big Tech earnings highlight a growing AI divide as investors reward companies showing AI success while punishing those missing growth expectations. Microsoft shed ₹350 billion after cloud growth disappointed, signaling high stakes for AI-driven performance.


Big Tech Earnings Highlight AI Spending Divide 

Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are in court over alleged social media addiction affecting children. The trial will examine negligence and mental health impacts, with Mark Zuckerberg set to testify while Snap plans to settle the case.

Tech Giants To Go On Trial In America Amid Social Media Addiction Worry

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence could soon become as common as smartphones. Speaking during Meta’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, Zuckerberg said it is difficult to imagine a future where most people are not wearing AI-enabled glasses.His comments come as Meta shifts its focus away from the metaverse and puts more money and effort into AI wearables and its own artificial intelligence models.&nbsp;<h2>Meta is betting on AI glasses</h2>He compared today’s moment to the early days of smartphones. He said billions of people already wear glasses or contact lenses, making eyewear a natural place for new technology to grow.“I think we’re at a moment similar to when smartphones arrived,” Zuckerberg said during the earnings call. He added that just as basic mobile phones were replaced by smartphones, traditional glasses could be replaced by AI-powered ones.Sales of Meta smart glasses tripled over the past year. Zuckerberg described them as among the fastest-growing consumer electronics products, though he did not share exact sales figures.<h2>Tech giants line up for smart glasses</h2>Meta is not alone in betting on smart glasses. According to reports, Google is expected to launch its own smart glasses later this year after a $150 million partnership with eyewear brand Warby Parker. Apple is also said to be working on smart glasses, with Bloomberg reporting that some employees have been moved to the project.Snap recently announced that it is spinning off its AR glasses business, Specs, into a separate unit to improve focus. Even OpenAI is exploring wearable devices, though its interest appears to be in smaller gadgets like AI pins or earbuds rather than glasses.This growing interest suggests that AI wearables are becoming a key area of competition across the tech industry.<h2>From metaverse to practical wearables</h2>Meta’s push into smart glasses follows years of heavy spending on the metaverse through its Reality Labs division. That unit has reported large losses, including billions of dollars in a single quarter, according to company filings.While Zuckerberg’s earlier vision of people socialising and working in virtual worlds did not take off, smart glasses are seen as more practical. Meta already sells several models, including sports-focused glasses designed for activities like running and cycling.For now, Meta appears to be leading the consumer market. Whether AI glasses become as essential as smartphones remains uncertain, but the company is clearly placing a long-term bet on them.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-powered smart glasses could soon be as common as smartphones. Meta is shifting focus from the metaverse to practical AI wearables, with smart glasses sales tripling and rivals like Google, Apple and Snap entering the race.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence could soon become as common as smartphones. Speaking during Meta’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, Zuckerberg said it is difficult to imagine a future where most people are not wearing AI-enabled glasses. His comments come as Meta shifts its focus away from the metaverse and puts more money and effort into AI wearables and its own artificial intelligence models. Meta is betting on AI glasses He compared today’s moment to the early days of smartphones. He said billions of people already wear glasses or contact lenses, making eyewear a natural place for new technology to grow. “I think we’re at a moment similar to when smartphones arrived,” Zuckerberg said during the earnings call. He added that just as basic mobile phones were replaced by smartphones, traditional glasses could be replaced by AI-powered ones. Sales of Meta smart glasses tripled over the past year. Zuckerberg described them as among the fastest-growing consumer electronics products, though he did not share exact sales figures. Tech giants line up for smart glasses Meta is not alone in betting on smart glasses. According to reports, Google is expected to launch its own smart glasses later this year after a $150 million partnership with eyewear brand Warby Parker. Apple is also said to be working on smart glasses, with Bloomberg reporting that some employees have been moved to the project. Snap recently announced that it is spinning off its AR glasses business, Specs, into a separate unit to improve focus. Even OpenAI is exploring wearable devices, though its interest appears to be in smaller gadgets like AI pins or earbuds rather than glasses. This growing interest suggests that AI wearables are becoming a key area of competition across the tech industry. From metaverse to practical wearables Meta’s push into smart glasses follows years of heavy spending on the metaverse through its Reality Labs division. That unit has reported large losses, including billions of dollars in a single quarter, according to company filings. While Zuckerberg’s earlier vision of people socialising and working in virtual worlds did not take off, smart glasses are seen as more practical. Meta already sells several models, including sports-focused glasses designed for activities like running and cycling. For now, Meta appears to be leading the consumer market. Whether AI glasses become as essential as smartphones remains uncertain, but the company is clearly placing a long-term bet on them.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-powered smart glasses could soon be as common as smartphones. Meta is shifting focus from the metaverse to practical AI wearables, with smart glasses sales tripling and rivals like Google, Apple and Snap entering the race.

Why Mark Zuckerberg says a future without smart glasses is ‘hard to imagine’

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says artificial intelligence will define the next phase of social media; in the future, it will change how people create and consume content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Speaking during Meta’s latest earnings call, Zuckerberg said AI will power new media formats that are more immersive, interactive and personalised than anything seen before.He said social media has evolved with technology, first moving from text to photos, then to video. The next shift, he said, will be driven by AI-generated content that combines text, images and video in new ways.<h2>AI could change content on Facebook and Instagram</h2>He explained that advances in artificial intelligence will allow social media platforms to better understand users and generate content tailored to individual interests. Unlike current recommendation systems, future AI tools could create personalised posts, images and videos rather than only showing existing content.“Soon, we’ll see an explosion of new media formats that are more immersive and interactive, and only possible because of advances in AI,” Zuckerberg said during the call.He added that users may be able to create digital worlds, games and interactive experiences using AI tools, and then share or remix them with friends. These experiences, according to Meta, would allow people to engage with content rather than just scroll past it.<h2>AI content already appearing on Meta platforms</h2>AI-generated images and videos are already visible across Meta’s apps. The Meta AI app, for example, includes a feed where users can scroll through short AI-generated videos in a format similar to TikTok. However, this has also led to criticism, with many users referring to low-quality AI visuals as “AI slop”.While Zuckerberg did not directly address these concerns, he stressed that AI would improve over time and enable more meaningful forms of expression. Meta believes better tools and stronger controls will help improve the quality of AI-generated content.<h2>AI replaces the metaverse as Meta’s main focus</h2>Notably, Zuckerberg did not highlight the metaverse during the earnings call. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees virtual reality and Horizon Worlds, reported an operating loss of $6.02 billion for the quarter. In contrast, Meta posted $59.9 billion in revenue and $22.8 billion in profit, reflecting strong growth driven largely by AI-related products and advertising.The shift suggests that Meta is now placing its long-term bets on artificial intelligence rather than virtual reality. According to Zuckerberg, AI-generated content and tools will play a central role in keeping users engaged and driving the company’s next stage of growth.As social media platforms compete for attention, Meta is betting that AI-created content rather than traditional posts will shape how people connect online in the years ahead

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-generated content will drive the next phase of social media. From personalised posts to interactive experiences, AI will reshape how users create and consume content on Facebook and Instagram, replacing the metaverse as Meta’s core focus.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says artificial intelligence will define the next phase of social media; in the future, it will change how people create and consume content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Speaking during Meta’s latest earnings call, Zuckerberg said AI will power new media formats that are more immersive, interactive and personalised than anything seen before. He said social media has evolved with technology, first moving from text to photos, then to video. The next shift, he said, will be driven by AI-generated content that combines text, images and video in new ways. AI could change content on Facebook and Instagram He explained that advances in artificial intelligence will allow social media platforms to better understand users and generate content tailored to individual interests. Unlike current recommendation systems, future AI tools could create personalised posts, images and videos rather than only showing existing content. “Soon, we’ll see an explosion of new media formats that are more immersive and interactive, and only possible because of advances in AI,” Zuckerberg said during the call. He added that users may be able to create digital worlds, games and interactive experiences using AI tools, and then share or remix them with friends. These experiences, according to Meta, would allow people to engage with content rather than just scroll past it. AI content already appearing on Meta platforms AI-generated images and videos are already visible across Meta’s apps. The Meta AI app, for example, includes a feed where users can scroll through short AI-generated videos in a format similar to TikTok. However, this has also led to criticism, with many users referring to low-quality AI visuals as “AI slop”. While Zuckerberg did not directly address these concerns, he stressed that AI would improve over time and enable more meaningful forms of expression. Meta believes better tools and stronger controls will help improve the quality of AI-generated content. AI replaces the metaverse as Meta’s main focus Notably, Zuckerberg did not highlight the metaverse during the earnings call. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees virtual reality and Horizon Worlds, reported an operating loss of $6.02 billion for the quarter. In contrast, Meta posted $59.9 billion in revenue and $22.8 billion in profit, reflecting strong growth driven largely by AI-related products and advertising. The shift suggests that Meta is now placing its long-term bets on artificial intelligence rather than virtual reality. According to Zuckerberg, AI-generated content and tools will play a central role in keeping users engaged and driving the company’s next stage of growth. As social media platforms compete for attention, Meta is betting that AI-created content rather than traditional posts will shape how people connect online in the years ahead

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-generated content will drive the next phase of social media. From personalised posts to interactive experiences, AI will reshape how users create and consume content on Facebook and Instagram, replacing the metaverse as Meta’s core focus.

AI-generated content will shape the future of social media, says Mark Zuckerberg

TikTok has settled a landmark lawsuit over alleged teen addiction, leaving Meta and YouTube to face trial this week. Plaintiffs allege app designs were intentionally built to keep teenagers hooked, while Snap has already reached a settlement.


TikTok Settles Landmark Teen Addiction Case as Meta, YouTube Face Trial 

WhatsApp is set to face greater EU scrutiny after the European Commission on Monday added the platform to its list of digital firms big enough to face stricter content rules.

The Meta-owned service joined Facebook, TikTok, X and others in a list of 26 “very large online platforms” after its “channels” feature passed 45 million monthly active users in the European Union.

EU To Toughen Content Rules For Whatsapp To Tackle Illegal & Harmful Content

Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are in court over alleged social media addiction affecting children. The trial will examine negligence and mental health impacts, with Mark Zuckerberg set to testify while Snap plans to settle the case.


Meta, TikTok, YouTube Face Court Case Over Social Media Addiction in Children

Meta announced the first AI models from its newly established superintelligence lab on January 22, 2026, claiming they demonstrate significant promise in reasoning, multimodal understanding, and efficiency.


Meta Unveils First AI Models from New Superintelligence Lab 

Britain’s Gambling Commission has accused Meta of ignoring illegal online casino advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, alleging the tech giant continues to profit from ads linked to criminal gambling operations despite widespread visibility on its platforms.


UK Regulator Says Illegal Casino Ads Are Widespread On Meta 

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.<h2>Over half a million accounts blocked</h2>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 | &nbsp;<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">Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?</a>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.<h2>Why is Meta concerned?</h2>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 | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/would-you-give-rights-to-hostile-aliens-godfather-of-ai-warns-this-could-doom-humanity-1767165040322">Would you give rights to hostile aliens? Godfather of AI warns THIS could doom humanity</a><h2>Australia insists social media companies must take responsibility</h2>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".

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".

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 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.

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.

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 

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.&nbsp;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).&nbsp;Also Read: <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">'Dangerously high' levels of toxins found in bodies of Air India crash victims repatriated to UK, hazardous to mortuary workers</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also Read: <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">As the US hunts him with rewards and warships, Maduro says Trump dialed him for 'respectful' talks</a>

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

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

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

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.”<h2>What are Meta’s latest PG-13 safeguards?</h2>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.

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.

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.

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

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;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also Read - ‘<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">A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h2>What is the H-1B visa?</h2>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. &nbsp;

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.

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.

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

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”.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ron-arad-1-48-hamas-releases-image-of-remaining-hostages-labels-them-as-missing-israeli-navigator-1758366158354">‘Ron Arad 1-48’? Hamas releases image of remaining hostages, labels them as missing Israeli navigator</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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."&nbsp;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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.

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;

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

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.

<h2>Rise of Facebook</h2>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.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.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.&nbsp;Influence on Society and MediaFacebook 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.&nbsp;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.

<h2>Privacy Challenges and Controversies</h2>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.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.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.&nbsp;<h2>Facebook's Lasting Legacy</h2>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.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.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.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.&nbsp;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.

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.

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.

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

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.<h2>Talent wars and leadership shuffle</h2>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.<h2>Billions poured into AI bet</h2>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.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

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)

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;

Meta plans fourth AI restructure in six months

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.<h2>Competing with Meta’s jaw-dropping compensation packages</h2>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.<h2>AI talent becoming the core of Microsoft’s growth strategy</h2>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.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

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)

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.

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

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.<h2>What do the ads say?</h2>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".<h2>Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons</h2>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.<h2>What was the raised money used for?</h2>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.<h2>Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say?</h2>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."

"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."

"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".

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

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.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING: Detailed list of all 44 people in Meta&#39;s Superintelligence team. — 50% from China — 75% have PhDs, 70% Researchers — 40% from OpenAI, 20% DeepMind, 15% Scale — 20% L8+ level — 75% 1st gen immigrants Each of these people are likely getting paid $10-$100M/yr. <a href="https://t.co/LmlAk6ceu9">pic.twitter.com/LmlAk6ceu9</a>&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>

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.<h2>What we know about the new joiners?</h2>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.&nbsp;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.

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.”

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

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.&nbsp;

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.

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

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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h2>‘Faulty auto-translation distorting facts’</h2>&nbsp;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;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;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;“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;&nbsp;<h2>Suspend auto-translation feature till accuracy improves: Govt tells Meta</h2>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;The Chief Minister’s Office also sought a response from Meta outlining the steps being taken to resolve the issue.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">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. Unfortunately, some people saw a wrong English… <a href="https://t.co/TVivkeVYRk">pic.twitter.com/TVivkeVYRk</a>&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.

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.

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

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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">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. My Media Advisor Shri K V Prabhakar has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social… <a href="https://t.co/tJBp38wcHr">pic.twitter.com/tJBp38wcHr</a>&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>

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.

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.

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.

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