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.<h2>Enhancing Meta’s voice ecosystem</h2>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.<h2>A strategic bet on voice tech</h2>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.

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.

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

Meta acquires voice AI startup to bolster conversational tech

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&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.<h2>A €200 million fine already imposed</h2>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.<h2>Meta and commission remain at odds</h2>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.

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.

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

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.<h2>Building the future of smart glasses and AI</h2>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.<h2>Meta’s ambition to lead the wearable tech market</h2>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.

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.

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

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.&nbsp;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.<h2>How Meta’s 'pay-or-consent' model works</h2>Meta launched its “pay-or-consent” model in November 2023. It gives Facebook and Instagram users two options:<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>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.<h2>EU fine warning&nbsp;</h2>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.&nbsp;That’s a major threat for one of the world’s biggest and most profitable tech companies.<h2>'Unfair': Meta responds to EU&nbsp;</h2>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.&nbsp;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.<h2>EU rejects Meta’s complaint</h2>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.&nbsp;“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.<h2>A key test for Big Tech rules</h2>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp;

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)

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.

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

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.”<h2>Fair use doctrine shields Meta for now</h2>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.<h2>Ruling limited in scope, new lawsuits likely</h2>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.<h2>More legal challenges loom for AI companies</h2>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.

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.

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

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;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;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h2>Meta’s aggressive AI push</h2>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;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;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h2>The AI talent war intensifies</h2>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h2>Race to stay competitive</h2>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;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

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.

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;

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

Meta teams up with Oakley to launch new smart glasses on 20 JuneTeaser 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.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9lwLpuiqZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9lwLpuiqZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; 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></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

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.<h2>Continuing Meta’s smart glasses journey</h2>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.&nbsp;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.<h2>Part of a wider partnership</h2>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.<h2>What we might see on 20 June</h2>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.&nbsp;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.

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.

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

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;&nbsp;The update, unveiled on June 16, marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has long resisted traditional advertising.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;WhatsApp stressed that messages, calls, and groups will remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the platform’s core privacy proposition.

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.

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

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&nbsp;reported.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h2>Data privacy, competition fuel concerns</h2>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.<h2>Scale’s rivals gain ground</h2>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.<h2>Meta’s strategic move and Wang’s role</h2>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.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

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)

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;

Google plans to split from Scale AI after Meta's deal

Meta Platforms Inc. is in advanced discussions to invest over $10 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) startup Scale AI, a move that would mark the tech giant’s most significant external AI investment to date, according to a report by&nbsp;Bloomberg.The deal, which is still under negotiation, could become one of the largest private funding rounds in history, according to sources cited by&nbsp;Bloomberg.Founded in 2016 by CEO Alexandr Wang, Scale AI provides data labelling services essential to training machine learning models.The company’s client list includes AI powerhouses such as Microsoft and OpenAI. Last valued at approximately $14 billion in 2024, Scale has since been in talks for a tender offer that could raise its valuation to $25 billion.<h2>Meta shifts strategy amid AI arms race</h2>Meta’s potential multibillion-dollar stake would represent a strategic pivot for the company, which has in the past relied on in-house AI research and open-source development, rather than making large external investments like its competitors.This approach differs sharply from that of other Big Tech companies. Microsoft has poured over $13 billion into OpenAI, while Amazon and Alphabet have each committed billions to Anthropic, a rival AI startup. Many of these investments have been structured to include cloud-compute credits, a model Meta may not follow, as it does not operate a cloud platform.In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg declared AI the company’s top strategic priority, announcing plans to invest as much as $65 billion in AI projects in 2025. One of its flagship efforts is Llama, its open-source large language model, which powers an AI assistant integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, now reaching 1 billion users per month.If the Scale deal materialises, it would mark Meta’s biggest external AI deal and deepen its involvement in AI data infrastructure, an area crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving generative AI landscape.<h2>Scale AI: A data powerhouse</h2>Scale AI has seen meteoric growth, with 2024 revenues hitting $870 million and expectations of $2 billion in sales in 2025. The company plays a critical role in the AI ecosystem by using vast networks of contract workers to clean and label datasets, images, text, and other data required for training advanced models.As the demand for high-quality, well-curated data intensifies, Scale’s services have become indispensable, especially as generative AI tools spread across industries and applications.<h2>Shared interest in defence tech</h2>Both Meta and Scale AI are increasingly extending their reach into defence technology. Meta recently partnered with defence contractor Anduril Industries to develop AI-enabled military products, including a virtual/augmented reality helmet. Meta has also authorised its AI models for use by US government agencies and defence contractors.The two companies are working together on Defence Llama, a military-focused version of Meta’s language model. Meanwhile, Scale AI secured a US Department of Defense contract earlier this year to develop AI agent technology, which the company described as a “significant milestone in military advancement”.The alignment of their defence ambitions may be another factor strengthening Meta’s interest in Scale.While terms of the Meta-Scale deal remain fluid, the potential $10 billion-plus investment underscores a new phase in Meta’s AI playbook. As it works to close the gap with AI leaders like Microsoft and Google, investing in foundational AI infrastructure through a high-growth startup like Scale could give Meta access to both strategic data capabilities and government partnerships.If finalised, the deal will not only reshape Meta’s role in the global AI race, but it may also cement Scale AI’s position as a central force in the generative AI revolution.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Meta’s potential multibillion-dollar stake would represent a strategic pivot for the company, which has in the past relied on in-house AI research and open-source development, rather than making large external investments like its competitors.

Meta Platforms Inc. is in advanced discussions to invest over $10 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) startup Scale AI, a move that would mark the tech giant’s most significant external AI investment to date, according to a report by Bloomberg. The deal, which is still under negotiation, could become one of the largest private funding rounds in history, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. Founded in 2016 by CEO Alexandr Wang, Scale AI provides data labelling services essential to training machine learning models. The company’s client list includes AI powerhouses such as Microsoft and OpenAI. Last valued at approximately $14 billion in 2024, Scale has since been in talks for a tender offer that could raise its valuation to $25 billion. Meta shifts strategy amid AI arms race Meta’s potential multibillion-dollar stake would represent a strategic pivot for the company, which has in the past relied on in-house AI research and open-source development, rather than making large external investments like its competitors. This approach differs sharply from that of other Big Tech companies. Microsoft has poured over $13 billion into OpenAI, while Amazon and Alphabet have each committed billions to Anthropic, a rival AI startup. Many of these investments have been structured to include cloud-compute credits, a model Meta may not follow, as it does not operate a cloud platform. In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg declared AI the company’s top strategic priority, announcing plans to invest as much as $65 billion in AI projects in 2025. One of its flagship efforts is Llama, its open-source large language model, which powers an AI assistant integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, now reaching 1 billion users per month. If the Scale deal materialises, it would mark Meta’s biggest external AI deal and deepen its involvement in AI data infrastructure, an area crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving generative AI landscape. Scale AI: A data powerhouse Scale AI has seen meteoric growth, with 2024 revenues hitting $870 million and expectations of $2 billion in sales in 2025. The company plays a critical role in the AI ecosystem by using vast networks of contract workers to clean and label datasets, images, text, and other data required for training advanced models. As the demand for high-quality, well-curated data intensifies, Scale’s services have become indispensable, especially as generative AI tools spread across industries and applications. Shared interest in defence tech Both Meta and Scale AI are increasingly extending their reach into defence technology. Meta recently partnered with defence contractor Anduril Industries to develop AI-enabled military products, including a virtual/augmented reality helmet. Meta has also authorised its AI models for use by US government agencies and defence contractors. The two companies are working together on Defence Llama, a military-focused version of Meta’s language model. Meanwhile, Scale AI secured a US Department of Defense contract earlier this year to develop AI agent technology, which the company described as a “significant milestone in military advancement”. The alignment of their defence ambitions may be another factor strengthening Meta’s interest in Scale. While terms of the Meta-Scale deal remain fluid, the potential $10 billion-plus investment underscores a new phase in Meta’s AI playbook. As it works to close the gap with AI leaders like Microsoft and Google, investing in foundational AI infrastructure through a high-growth startup like Scale could give Meta access to both strategic data capabilities and government partnerships. If finalised, the deal will not only reshape Meta’s role in the global AI race, but it may also cement Scale AI’s position as a central force in the generative AI revolution. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta’s potential multibillion-dollar stake would represent a strategic pivot for the company, which has in the past relied on in-house AI research and open-source development, rather than making large external investments like its competitors.

Meta in talks to invest over $10 billion in Scale AI amid expanding AI push

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men&rsquo;s bathrooms at its offices, including in Silicon Valley, Texas and New York.&nbsp;
The move, reported by The New York Times, follows a broader shift in the company&rsquo;s internal policies, sparking significant controversy among employees.
Previously, tampons and sanitary products were available in men's bathrooms to support non-binary and transgender employees who might need them. However, according to two employees, facilities managers were recently instructed to remove these products as part of a company-wide policy change.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-revises-policies-to-permit-mentally-ill-labels-for-lgbtq-people-8602519">Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people</a>
<h2>Employees' reactions</h2>
The decision has led to frustration among employees, especially within Meta's Pride group on the company&rsquo;s internal platform. Many employees voiced objections, and some even threatened to resign in protest.&nbsp;
<h2>Wider shift: DEI programmes and political influence</h2>
This move to remove tampons is part of a larger overhaul of Meta's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Reports suggest that the company has also discontinued several DEI programmes and removed LGBTQ+ themes from its Messenger app. These changes appear to align with political shifts as Meta prepares for the incoming US administration, which has been vocal about its stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canine-heroes-how-dogs-are-protecting-worlds-vineyards-from-threats-8612545">Canine heroes: How dogs are protecting world's vineyards from threats</a>
<h2>Meta&rsquo;s content moderation changes</h2>
In addition to the DEI adjustments, Meta has been revising its content moderation policies, replacing its fact-checkers with a new "Community Notes" programme. Zuckerberg defended this change, claiming the old fact-checking system was seen as politically biased.
Meta&rsquo;s decisions reflect a wider trend among major companies reevaluating their DEI strategies following the election of President-elect Donald Trump. As corporate America adapts to a changing political landscape, the backlash from employees highlights the tension between business practices and social issues.

World | Business & Economy | Trending: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men’s bathrooms at its offices.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men’s bathrooms at its offices, including in Silicon Valley, Texas and New York. The move, reported by The New York Times, follows a broader shift in the company’s internal policies, sparking significant controversy among employees. Previously, tampons and sanitary products were available in men's bathrooms to support non-binary and transgender employees who might need them. However, according to two employees, facilities managers were recently instructed to remove these products as part of a company-wide policy change. Also Read | Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people Employees' reactions The decision has led to frustration among employees, especially within Meta's Pride group on the company’s internal platform. Many employees voiced objections, and some even threatened to resign in protest. Wider shift: DEI programmes and political influence This move to remove tampons is part of a larger overhaul of Meta's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Reports suggest that the company has also discontinued several DEI programmes and removed LGBTQ+ themes from its Messenger app. These changes appear to align with political shifts as Meta prepares for the incoming US administration, which has been vocal about its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Also Read | Canine heroes: How dogs are protecting world's vineyards from threats Meta’s content moderation changes In addition to the DEI adjustments, Meta has been revising its content moderation policies, replacing its fact-checkers with a new "Community Notes" programme. Zuckerberg defended this change, claiming the old fact-checking system was seen as politically biased. Meta’s decisions reflect a wider trend among major companies reevaluating their DEI strategies following the election of President-elect Donald Trump. As corporate America adapts to a changing political landscape, the backlash from employees highlights the tension between business practices and social issues.

Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from men's bathrooms sparks backlash

Meta has secured a legal victory over NSO Group, the developer of Pegasus spyware, in a significant court ruling that upholds the company's right to sue over surveillance abuses.

Meta secures major legal victory against Pegasus spyware maker NSO group in surveillance abuse case

Facebook is under scrutiny once again for a significant drop in reporting incidents of child sexual abuse on its platform. Official figures reveal a staggering decline of nearly 7 million reports in just one year. What's stopping them from detecting and reporting these abuses? Watch this video for full story.

Facebook Accused of Endangering Children's Lives

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes artificial intelligence will surpass human programmers within 18 months. In a recent podcast with Dwarkesh Patel, Zuckerberg said that most of the code for Meta&rsquo;s Llama project will soon be written by AI.&nbsp;
<h2>AI to handle full coding tasks</h2>
Zuckerberg clarified that AI won&rsquo;t just assist programmers but will independently execute complex development tasks. &ldquo;If you give it a goal, it can run tests, it can find issues, it will write higher quality code than an average very good person on the team already,&rdquo; he said. &nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/axiom-4-mission-isros-shubhanshu-shukla-to-conduct-7-microgravity-experiments-in-space-9021873">Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla to conduct 7 microgravity experiments in space</a>
Meta is building internal AI coding agents that are deeply integrated into its toolchain. These agents are being developed specifically to accelerate Llama research. &ldquo;We are not trying to build a general developer tool,&rdquo; Zuckerberg explained. &ldquo;We are making it for a specific goal... It is going to end up being an important part of how stuff gets done.&rdquo; &nbsp;
<h2>Industry-wide trend towards AI-Driven code </h2>
Zuckerberg's remarks align with a broader industry shift. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed at LlamaCon that up to 30 per cent of the company&rsquo;s code is already generated by AI tools. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that 25 per cent of its code is written by AI, and OpenAI&rsquo;s Sam Altman noted that AI now writes half the code in some companies. &nbsp;
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts that by the end of 2025, AI will be able to generate all code, with an initial estimate of 90 percent in the next three to six months. GitLab&rsquo;s 2024 survey found that 78 per cent of developers are using or planning to use AI tools for coding.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-women-mafia-bosses-who-run-delhis-underworld-circuit-9022650">The women mafia bosses who run Delhi's underworld circuit</a>
Zuckerberg also recently adjusted his timeline for AI writing mid-level engineer-quality code from 2025 to mid-2026. Studies also point to current limitations. A joint Microsoft-Meta research paper recently found large language models could solve fewer than half the debugging tasks on the SWE-bench Lite benchmark. &nbsp;
Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott said on a recent podcast that 95 per cent of code could be AI-generated by 2030, with humans shifting to architecture and intent. Scott, however, argued that instead of replacing engineers, AI would elevate the role of human engineers to higher levels of abstraction (authorship, design).

In a recent podcast with Dwarkesh Patel, Zuckerberg said that most of the code for Meta’s Llama project will soon be written by AI. He also added that AI is already as good as the “average very good person” in a team.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes artificial intelligence will surpass human programmers within 18 months. In a recent podcast with Dwarkesh Patel, Zuckerberg said that most of the code for Meta’s Llama project will soon be written by AI. AI to handle full coding tasks Zuckerberg clarified that AI won’t just assist programmers but will independently execute complex development tasks. “If you give it a goal, it can run tests, it can find issues, it will write higher quality code than an average very good person on the team already,” he said. Also Read: Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla to conduct 7 microgravity experiments in space Meta is building internal AI coding agents that are deeply integrated into its toolchain. These agents are being developed specifically to accelerate Llama research. “We are not trying to build a general developer tool,” Zuckerberg explained. “We are making it for a specific goal... It is going to end up being an important part of how stuff gets done.” Industry-wide trend towards AI-Driven code Zuckerberg's remarks align with a broader industry shift. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed at LlamaCon that up to 30 per cent of the company’s code is already generated by AI tools. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that 25 per cent of its code is written by AI, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman noted that AI now writes half the code in some companies. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts that by the end of 2025, AI will be able to generate all code, with an initial estimate of 90 percent in the next three to six months. GitLab’s 2024 survey found that 78 per cent of developers are using or planning to use AI tools for coding. Also read: The women mafia bosses who run Delhi's underworld circuit Zuckerberg also recently adjusted his timeline for AI writing mid-level engineer-quality code from 2025 to mid-2026. Studies also point to current limitations. A joint Microsoft-Meta research paper recently found large language models could solve fewer than half the debugging tasks on the SWE-bench Lite benchmark. Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott said on a recent podcast that 95 per cent of code could be AI-generated by 2030, with humans shifting to architecture and intent. Scott, however, argued that instead of replacing engineers, AI would elevate the role of human engineers to higher levels of abstraction (authorship, design).

AI could take over coding tasks within 18 months, says Mark Zuckerberg

Meta has released a new app designed to go head-to-head with ChatGPT but with a twist. This AI assistant is &ldquo;social,&rdquo; with a voice aiming to offer a more personal experience. The app builds on Meta&rsquo;s existing AI features already found across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
<h2>What is Meta AI?</h2>
The app builds on the AI already used inside Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. But this new version is more personal, letting users chat by voice or text, generate images, and get real-time information from the web.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ai-donald-trump-us-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-deepseek-us-stock-market-reciprocal-tariffs-8930105" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Blame China&rsquo;s AI, not Trump&rsquo;: US Treasury Secretary claims DeepSeek responsible for tanking stock market,&nbsp;not&nbsp;tariffs</a>
&ldquo;Meta AI is built to get to know you, so its answers are more helpful,&rdquo; said the company. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s easy to talk to, so it&rsquo;s more seamless and natural to interact with,&rdquo; Meta added.
<h2>What are the key features of Meta&rsquo;s AI app?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Voice conversations for a more natural feel</li>
<li>Real-time web results for up-to-date answers</li>
<li>Image generation on demand</li>
<li>A Discover feed where users can post and interact with AI-generated content</li>
<li>Personalised responses using Facebook and Instagram data (in the US and Canada)</li>
<li>Support for Meta&rsquo;s smart glasses, combining software and hardware features</li>
</ul>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-gearing-up-to-deploy-deepseek-in-military-ops-increasing-use-in-non-combat-support-suggests-so-8882528" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">China gearing up to deploy DeepSeek in military ops? Increasing use in non-combat support suggests so</a>
<h2>What is the 'Discover feed'?</h2>
The app&rsquo;s standout feature is the Discover section, a social-style feed showing how others are using Meta AI. People can share prompts, responses, and even remix or comment on AI content.
This feature aims to help users explore ideas and see what the AI can do. Friends&rsquo; posts from Facebook and Instagram may also appear if they choose to share them.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-wanted-to-delete-everyones-facebook-friends-lists-heres-why-8968545" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Crazy, crazy idea': Zuckerberg wanted to delete everyone's Facebook friends lists. Here's why</a>
<h2>How does voice mode work?</h2>
Meta is testing a more advanced voice interaction feature using its &ldquo;full-duplex&rdquo; AI model. This lets the assistant handle quick exchanges, interruptions, and back-and-forth chatter, making conversations feel more human.
Although the beta voice mode is available only through opt-in and doesn&rsquo;t yet pull in live web results, it shows where Meta is heading with voice-based AI.
<h2>Will Meta AI replace any existing apps?</h2>
Yes. The new app takes over from the View companion app used for Meta&rsquo;s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Users will still find features like galleries and controls for their glasses, now combined with the AI assistant in a single app.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-to-make-laws-in-uae-country-passes-new-regulatory-intelligence-system-powered-by-artificial-intelligence-8972072" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">AI to kmake laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence'</a>
&ldquo;We built a new thing for you,&rdquo; said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. &ldquo;There are almost a billion people who are using Meta AI across an app, so we made a new standalone app,&rdquo; Zuckerberg added.
<h2>Can Meta AI remember things about you?</h2>
Like ChatGPT, Meta AI can be taught to remember details about you, helping it give more useful replies over time. In some regions, it also learns from your Facebook and Instagram activity to fine-tune its answers.
Zuckerberg called this &ldquo;the beginning of what is going to be a long journey,&rdquo; as Meta pushes ahead in the AI race.
&nbsp;

World: “Meta AI is built to get to know you, so its answers are more helpful,” said the company. “It’s easy to talk to, so it’s more seamless and natural to interact with,” Meta added.

Meta has released a new app designed to go head-to-head with ChatGPT but with a twist. This AI assistant is “social,” with a voice aiming to offer a more personal experience. The app builds on Meta’s existing AI features already found across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. What is Meta AI? The app builds on the AI already used inside Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. But this new version is more personal, letting users chat by voice or text, generate images, and get real-time information from the web. Also read: ‘Blame China’s AI, not Trump’: US Treasury Secretary claims DeepSeek responsible for tanking stock market, not tariffs “Meta AI is built to get to know you, so its answers are more helpful,” said the company. “It’s easy to talk to, so it’s more seamless and natural to interact with,” Meta added. What are the key features of Meta’s AI app? Voice conversations for a more natural feel Real-time web results for up-to-date answers Image generation on demand A Discover feed where users can post and interact with AI-generated content Personalised responses using Facebook and Instagram data (in the US and Canada) Support for Meta’s smart glasses, combining software and hardware features Also read: China gearing up to deploy DeepSeek in military ops? Increasing use in non-combat support suggests so What is the 'Discover feed'? The app’s standout feature is the Discover section, a social-style feed showing how others are using Meta AI. People can share prompts, responses, and even remix or comment on AI content. This feature aims to help users explore ideas and see what the AI can do. Friends’ posts from Facebook and Instagram may also appear if they choose to share them. Also read: 'Crazy, crazy idea': Zuckerberg wanted to delete everyone's Facebook friends lists. Here's why How does voice mode work? Meta is testing a more advanced voice interaction feature using its “full-duplex” AI model. This lets the assistant handle quick exchanges, interruptions, and back-and-forth chatter, making conversations feel more human. Although the beta voice mode is available only through opt-in and doesn’t yet pull in live web results, it shows where Meta is heading with voice-based AI. Will Meta AI replace any existing apps? Yes. The new app takes over from the View companion app used for Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Users will still find features like galleries and controls for their glasses, now combined with the AI assistant in a single app. Also read: AI to kmake laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence' “We built a new thing for you,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “There are almost a billion people who are using Meta AI across an app, so we made a new standalone app,” Zuckerberg added. Can Meta AI remember things about you? Like ChatGPT, Meta AI can be taught to remember details about you, helping it give more useful replies over time. In some regions, it also learns from your Facebook and Instagram activity to fine-tune its answers. Zuckerberg called this “the beginning of what is going to be a long journey,” as Meta pushes ahead in the AI race.

Meta’s answer to ChatGPT is here, and it’s a ‘social’ AI app: What are its key features?

All the Meta platforms - Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp - are going to have a new AI chatbot called "Digital Companions" that will have sexual conversation with users, including children and minors, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. As per the report, the Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg believes the chatbot will be the future of social media.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/start-your-day-right-6-detox-waters-for-a-metabolism-boost-8988545">Start Your Day Right: 6 Detox Waters for a Metabolism Boost</a>
However, multiple Meta employees from various departments have expressed their concerns that Zuckerberg's rush to popularise the chatbot may have crossed the ethical limits. The company has created AI personas that are capable of fantasy sex, according to people who worked on them, WSJ reported. It was also revealed that there is not even any age restrictions for the usage of the chatbot, which means underage people can also be exposed to explicit content.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-denies-instagram-acquisition-was-to-kill-competition-8966967">Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denies Instagram acquisition was to kill competition</a>
Meta has created and allowed these AI empowered personas to offer a full range of social interaction, including &ldquo;romantic role-play&rdquo;. The useres can banter over textm share selfies and even have live voice conversations with the chatbot.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-testifies-in-meta-antitrust-trial-over-instagram-deal-8966758">Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Meta antitrust trial over Instagram deal</a>
In the rush to push the endorsement o the chatbot, Meta has joined hands with celebrities like Kristen Bell, Judi Dench and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena. The celebrities are expected to give their voices for the chatbot. Althgouh, as per the sources familiar with the matter, Meta has given assurance that celebrities' voices would not be used for sexually explicit discussions.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-instagram-sale-trial-at-ftc-vs-meta-not-first-time-zuckerberg-court-cases-house-senate-testimonies-timeline-updates-8963294">The 9 lives of Mark Zuckerberg: Every time Meta CEO faced scrutiny. Will he survive 'sell Instagram' trial this time? A timeline</a>
WSJ has claimed that Meta&rsquo;s official AI helper, called Meta AI, and a vast array of user-created chatbots will engage in and sometimes escalate discussions that are decidedly sexual. Contrary to Meta's assurance, the bots deploying the celebrity voices were equally willing to engage in sexual chats.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | SCIENCE & TECH | World | The Wall Street Journal has reported that Meta plans to introduce a new AI chatbot named "Digital Companions" across its platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

All the Meta platforms - Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp - are going to have a new AI chatbot called "Digital Companions" that will have sexual conversation with users, including children and minors, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. As per the report, the Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg believes the chatbot will be the future of social media. Also read: Start Your Day Right: 6 Detox Waters for a Metabolism Boost However, multiple Meta employees from various departments have expressed their concerns that Zuckerberg's rush to popularise the chatbot may have crossed the ethical limits. The company has created AI personas that are capable of fantasy sex, according to people who worked on them, WSJ reported. It was also revealed that there is not even any age restrictions for the usage of the chatbot, which means underage people can also be exposed to explicit content. Also read: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denies Instagram acquisition was to kill competition Meta has created and allowed these AI empowered personas to offer a full range of social interaction, including “romantic role-play”. The useres can banter over textm share selfies and even have live voice conversations with the chatbot. Also read: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Meta antitrust trial over Instagram deal In the rush to push the endorsement o the chatbot, Meta has joined hands with celebrities like Kristen Bell, Judi Dench and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena. The celebrities are expected to give their voices for the chatbot. Althgouh, as per the sources familiar with the matter, Meta has given assurance that celebrities' voices would not be used for sexually explicit discussions. Also read: The 9 lives of Mark Zuckerberg: Every time Meta CEO faced scrutiny. Will he survive 'sell Instagram' trial this time? A timeline WSJ has claimed that Meta’s official AI helper, called Meta AI, and a vast array of user-created chatbots will engage in and sometimes escalate discussions that are decidedly sexual. Contrary to Meta's assurance, the bots deploying the celebrity voices were equally willing to engage in sexual chats. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fantasy sex, role-play, friends with benefits': Meta's latest AI disaster doesn't spare even kids

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a US court for a second day to defend the company’s acquisition of Instagram amid an FTC-led anti-trust trial. Zuckerberg denied claims that the buyout was meant to crush competition. Watch this report for more details!

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denies Instagram acquisition was to kill competition

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Meta antitrust trial over Instagram deal

The Trump administration is pushing forward with major antitrust cases against Big Tech, showing no signs of backing down, despite expectations that a second Trump term might ease pressure on the industry.
On Monday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to go head-to-head with Meta in court, accusing the company of stifling competition by buying up Instagram and WhatsApp. Later this month, on 21 April, the Justice Department will argue that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser to limit its dominance in search.
Both lawsuits were first filed during Trump&rsquo;s initial presidency and have been supported by the Biden administration, which also brought monopoly cases against Amazon, Apple, and Google&rsquo;s ad tech business.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/instagram-whatsapp-meta-monopoly-antitrust-case-updates-mark-zuckerberg-could-lose-social-media-assets-8960162">Will Zuckerberg lose Instagram, Whatsapp? Landmark antitrust case could force Meta to divest crown jewels | Details here</a>
Tech investors in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street had hoped Trump would ease regulations in his second term, with many expecting a lighter touch on mergers and fewer rules. But so far, Trump&rsquo;s new team has signalled otherwise.
&ldquo;They may not have fully focused on how much the first Trump presidency had to do with setting in motion this re-examination of tech,&rdquo; said former FTC chairman Bill Kovacic.
<h2>Where do the lawsuits stand?</h2>
Currently, five major government cases are in motion against the tech giants:
<ul>
<li>Meta is on trial over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, which the FTC claims were part of a &ldquo;buy or bury&rdquo; strategy to eliminate rivals. The trial is expected to run through July and include testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg.</li>
<li>Google is facing two lawsuits. One accuses it of running a monopoly in search. A judge has already sided with the government, and a hearing will be held later this month on how to rein in the company. The DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome, while Google has offered lighter alternatives and plans to appeal. The second case focuses on Google's ad business, with a court decision expected soon.</li>
<li>Amazon is being sued by the FTC for allegedly putting pressure on smaller sellers on its marketplace. The case is set for trial next year.</li>
<li>Apple is fighting a DOJ lawsuit that claims its ecosystem makes it too difficult for users to leave its devices. The company has asked for the case to be thrown out.</li>
<li>Artificial intelligence is also on the radar. The DOJ and FTC agreed last year to split responsibility for policing the sector. The DOJ is looking into Nvidia, while the FTC is examining Microsoft and its partnership with OpenAI.</li>
</ul>
Trump appointed Andrew Ferguson as chair of the FTC, responsible for enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws. Ferguson, who previously worked with top Republican senators, has pledged to go hard on Big Tech.
&ldquo;I will throw every resource the agency has at prosecuting the cases against Big Tech that we&rsquo;ve got going,&rdquo; Ferguson said on Bloomberg&rsquo;s &ldquo;Odd Lots&rdquo; podcast earlier this year.
&ldquo;I think it is extremely important that we protect competition in the AI space, but I think it is equally important that the government not race to regulate AI,&rdquo; he told Bloomberg TV in March.
At the Justice Department, Gail Slater now leads the antitrust division. A seasoned lawyer with a background in tech and media, she also served in the White House during Trump&rsquo;s first term.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s now a bipartisan issue, and there&rsquo;s a consensus around the need for robust antitrust enforcement,&rdquo; she said at a recent event hosted by start-up accelerator Y Combinator.

World: Tech investors in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street had hoped Trump would ease regulations in his second term, with many expecting a lighter touch on mergers and fewer rules. But so far, Trump’s new team has signalled otherwise.

The Trump administration is pushing forward with major antitrust cases against Big Tech, showing no signs of backing down, despite expectations that a second Trump term might ease pressure on the industry. On Monday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to go head-to-head with Meta in court, accusing the company of stifling competition by buying up Instagram and WhatsApp. Later this month, on 21 April, the Justice Department will argue that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser to limit its dominance in search. Both lawsuits were first filed during Trump’s initial presidency and have been supported by the Biden administration, which also brought monopoly cases against Amazon, Apple, and Google’s ad tech business. Also read: Will Zuckerberg lose Instagram, Whatsapp? Landmark antitrust case could force Meta to divest crown jewels | Details here Tech investors in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street had hoped Trump would ease regulations in his second term, with many expecting a lighter touch on mergers and fewer rules. But so far, Trump’s new team has signalled otherwise. “They may not have fully focused on how much the first Trump presidency had to do with setting in motion this re-examination of tech,” said former FTC chairman Bill Kovacic. Where do the lawsuits stand? Currently, five major government cases are in motion against the tech giants: Meta is on trial over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, which the FTC claims were part of a “buy or bury” strategy to eliminate rivals. The trial is expected to run through July and include testimony from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Google is facing two lawsuits. One accuses it of running a monopoly in search. A judge has already sided with the government, and a hearing will be held later this month on how to rein in the company. The DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome, while Google has offered lighter alternatives and plans to appeal. The second case focuses on Google's ad business, with a court decision expected soon. Amazon is being sued by the FTC for allegedly putting pressure on smaller sellers on its marketplace. The case is set for trial next year. Apple is fighting a DOJ lawsuit that claims its ecosystem makes it too difficult for users to leave its devices. The company has asked for the case to be thrown out. Artificial intelligence is also on the radar. The DOJ and FTC agreed last year to split responsibility for policing the sector. The DOJ is looking into Nvidia, while the FTC is examining Microsoft and its partnership with OpenAI. Trump appointed Andrew Ferguson as chair of the FTC, responsible for enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws. Ferguson, who previously worked with top Republican senators, has pledged to go hard on Big Tech. “I will throw every resource the agency has at prosecuting the cases against Big Tech that we’ve got going,” Ferguson said on Bloomberg’s “Odd Lots” podcast earlier this year. “I think it is extremely important that we protect competition in the AI space, but I think it is equally important that the government not race to regulate AI,” he told Bloomberg TV in March. At the Justice Department, Gail Slater now leads the antitrust division. A seasoned lawyer with a background in tech and media, she also served in the White House during Trump’s first term. “It’s now a bipartisan issue, and there’s a consensus around the need for robust antitrust enforcement,” she said at a recent event hosted by start-up accelerator Y Combinator.

Trump’s big tech war: What antitrust cases mean for Google, Meta, Apple and the Future of AI | Explained

Instagram WhatsApp purchase - Meta antitrust trial starts: A decade ago, Mark Zuckerberg acquired photo sharing app Instagram and instant messaging app Whatsapp for what were whopping sums. It was frowned upon at the time as an attempt by Facebook - the company that would be renamed Meta in 2021- as a way to kill off potential competition. Now, that issue is coming back to bite Zuckerburg, as an antitrust case filed by US Federal Trade Commission or FTC starts its blockbuster trial from Monday (Apr 14).&nbsp;
<h2>Meta antitrust case: Will Meta lose Instagram, WhatsApp?</h2>
If FTC wins, Meta will have to sell Instagram and WhatsApp.
But the trial could last for weeks, and Meta is determined to push back against having to divest WhatsApp and Instagram.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-accused-by-whistleblower-of-compromising-us-national-security-report-8943915">Meta accused by whistleblower of compromising US national security: Report</a>
FTC is a powerful, independent agency whose primary responsibility is enforcing antitrust laws and consumer protection. In its court filings, the FTC alleged that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp violated the competition laws of the US. It said that Meta is monopolising the personal social networking market.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1002_sumit_META_12PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1002_sumit_META_12PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=128&amp;tags=ai, meta, job cuts, world news, latest news" title="Meta layoffs accelerate as company focuses on AI expansion" id="PL_iframe_block-m9gs4oms-2wv4zbze-gq5dcr2l"></iframe>
After their acquisition by Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram became the social media giant's crown jewels, helping Meta evolve into one of the Big Tech giants.
In spite of the rise of rivals, Instagram is still dominant in the photo and video sharing space, while WhatsApp is practically unrivalled on the personal messaging front.
<h2>How will the Meta antitrust case unfold? Who will testify? </h2>
A court in Washington will hear FTC's case, in which the top executives of Meta's rivals Tiktok, Snap Inc, and YouTube are expected to testify.&nbsp;
For Meta, former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom and other former and current officials will take the stand besides Zuckerberg.
<h2>What is the FTC saying about Meta's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram?</h2>
Instagram was bought by Facebook for a then-unprecedented sum of $1 billion in 2012.
Two years later, Facebook acquired WhatsApp, the rising star of instant messaging, for an even more eye-watering $19 billion.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocked-in-this-country-over-fake-news-hate-speech-and-porn-government-warns-its-national-threat-8889442">Facebook blocked in THIS country over &lsquo;fake news, hate speech, and porn&rsquo;; government warns it&rsquo;s national threat</a>
The FTC is seeking to cleale off the two crown jewels from Meta, saying it should not have been allowed to make these acquisitions.
&ldquo;Acquiring these competitive threats has enabled Facebook to sustain its dominance&mdash;to the detriment of competition and users&mdash;not by competing on the merits, but by avoiding competition,&rdquo; the FTC said in a legal filing.
<h2>What is Meta saying about the acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram?</h2>
Meta, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, said in a pretrial argument that it was not a monopoly.
It claimed that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp had not harmed competition.&nbsp;
It would insist in the trial that Instagram users had a better experience since it was taken over.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-bans-under-16s-from-going-live-on-instagram-heres-what-new-safety-rules-mean-for-parents-8939651">Meta bans under-16s from going live on Instagram: Here's what new safety rules mean for parents</a>
But FTC is arguing that these acquisitions were done to eliminate competition.
Back when these acquisitions were made, the FTC had approved it, with the caveat that it would continue to monitor the results of the purchases.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/even-jurassic-world-makers-couldnt-convince-scarlett-johansson-to-join-instagram-8845195">Even Jurassic World makers couldn't convince Scarlett Johansson to join Instagram</a>
According to reports, Zuckerberg's emails at the time of the acquisitions will play out in court as evidence. As per some of these emails, he said that it would be better to buy the rivals than to compete with them.

FTC alleged that Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp violated competition laws of the US. business & economy trending science & technology

Instagram WhatsApp purchase - Meta antitrust trial starts: A decade ago, Mark Zuckerberg acquired photo sharing app Instagram and instant messaging app Whatsapp for what were whopping sums. It was frowned upon at the time as an attempt by Facebook - the company that would be renamed Meta in 2021- as a way to kill off potential competition. Now, that issue is coming back to bite Zuckerburg, as an antitrust case filed by US Federal Trade Commission or FTC starts its blockbuster trial from Monday (Apr 14). Meta antitrust case: Will Meta lose Instagram, WhatsApp? If FTC wins, Meta will have to sell Instagram and WhatsApp. But the trial could last for weeks, and Meta is determined to push back against having to divest WhatsApp and Instagram. Meta accused by whistleblower of compromising US national security: Report FTC is a powerful, independent agency whose primary responsibility is enforcing antitrust laws and consumer protection. In its court filings, the FTC alleged that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp violated the competition laws of the US. It said that Meta is monopolising the personal social networking market. After their acquisition by Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram became the social media giant's crown jewels, helping Meta evolve into one of the Big Tech giants. In spite of the rise of rivals, Instagram is still dominant in the photo and video sharing space, while WhatsApp is practically unrivalled on the personal messaging front. How will the Meta antitrust case unfold? Who will testify? A court in Washington will hear FTC's case, in which the top executives of Meta's rivals Tiktok, Snap Inc, and YouTube are expected to testify. For Meta, former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom and other former and current officials will take the stand besides Zuckerberg. What is the FTC saying about Meta's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram? Instagram was bought by Facebook for a then-unprecedented sum of $1 billion in 2012. Two years later, Facebook acquired WhatsApp, the rising star of instant messaging, for an even more eye-watering $19 billion. Facebook blocked in THIS country over ‘fake news, hate speech, and porn’; government warns it’s national threat The FTC is seeking to cleale off the two crown jewels from Meta, saying it should not have been allowed to make these acquisitions. “Acquiring these competitive threats has enabled Facebook to sustain its dominance—to the detriment of competition and users—not by competing on the merits, but by avoiding competition,” the FTC said in a legal filing. What is Meta saying about the acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram? Meta, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, said in a pretrial argument that it was not a monopoly. It claimed that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp had not harmed competition. It would insist in the trial that Instagram users had a better experience since it was taken over. Meta bans under-16s from going live on Instagram: Here's what new safety rules mean for parents But FTC is arguing that these acquisitions were done to eliminate competition. Back when these acquisitions were made, the FTC had approved it, with the caveat that it would continue to monitor the results of the purchases. Even Jurassic World makers couldn't convince Scarlett Johansson to join Instagram According to reports, Zuckerberg's emails at the time of the acquisitions will play out in court as evidence. As per some of these emails, he said that it would be better to buy the rivals than to compete with them.

Will Zuckerberg lose Instagram, Whatsapp? Landmark antitrust case could force Meta to divest crown jewels | Details here

Meta-owned social media giant WhatsApp was down for several users globally on Saturday (Apr 12), according to outage tracking website Downdetector. The data on Downdetector showed that close to 88 per cent of the users were facing issues sending their message on WhatsApp groups, while 10 per cent of the users were having problems with the application itself.&nbsp;There were also 2 per cent of people who reported logging issues. As per Downdetector, the messaging app faced an outage at 5 PM IST as well.
<figure class="image"><img alt="whatapp down 1" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/789x337/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/12/pZtyDDT94zdkzYK7AnVy.JPG" style="width: 789px;">
<figcaption>Photograph: (Screenshot from Downdetector)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
People on other social media platforms such as X started sharing memes and posts stating that WhatsApp is down.
More to follow...

Meta-owned social media giant WhatsApp was down for several users globally on Saturday (Apr 12), according to outage tracking website Downdetector.

Meta-owned social media giant WhatsApp was down for several users globally on Saturday (Apr 12), according to outage tracking website Downdetector. The data on Downdetector showed that close to 88 per cent of the users were facing issues sending their message on WhatsApp groups, while 10 per cent of the users were having problems with the application itself. There were also 2 per cent of people who reported logging issues. As per Downdetector, the messaging app faced an outage at 5 PM IST as well. Photograph: (Screenshot from Downdetector) People on other social media platforms such as X started sharing memes and posts stating that WhatsApp is down. More to follow...

WhatsApp down: Users unable to send messages, make calls as second outage reported in a day

Meta is stepping up its efforts to make its platforms safer for teenagers. The company is now expanding its teen safety features beyond Instagram, bringing new restrictions to Facebook and Messenger as well.
<h2>No more live streaming for under-16s</h2>
One of the main changes is a new restriction on Instagram&rsquo;s Live feature. Teenagers under the age of 16 will no longer be able to use Instagram Live unless they have permission from a parent. Meta is also tightening how teens interact with images in direct messages. A feature that blurs images suspected of containing nudity will now require parental approval to be switched off.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meta-may-launch-standalone-instagram-reels-app-to-challenge-tiktok-8763257">Meta may launch standalone Instagram Reels app to challenge TikTok</a>
<h2>What are other new features?</h2>
The company is rolling out the same system of teen accounts that was introduced on Instagram last year to Facebook and Messenger. These teen accounts automatically apply stricter safety settings for under-18 users. Parents can set daily time limits, restrict usage at certain hours, and view who their child is messaging.
In the new update, users under 16 will need parental consent to make any changes to these default settings. Those aged 16 and 17 will also have the features turned on by default but will be allowed to adjust them on their own.
The updated features will first be introduced in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Meta said that more than 90% of 13- to 15-year-olds using Instagram have kept the restrictions on, and around 54 million teens worldwide are currently using the teen account system.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-to-toss-out-factcheckers-reduce-censorship-and-restore-free-expression-8599677">Meta to toss out factcheckers to reduce censorship, restore 'free expression'</a>
The changes come at a time when governments are putting pressure on tech companies to protect young users. In the UK, the Online Safety Act came into effect in March.
This law forces online platforms to take action against illegal content like child abuse, terrorism, and online fraud. It also requires extra protections for under-18s to keep them safe from harmful material such as suicide or self-harm-related content.
<h2>&ldquo;Shift the balance in favour of parents&rdquo;</h2>
When the Instagram teen features were first introduced, Meta&rsquo;s then president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, said the goal was to give parents more control.
He explained that the new rules would &ldquo;shift the balance in favour of parents&rdquo; when it comes to keeping their children safe online. Clegg also pointed out that many parents still don&rsquo;t make use of available safety tools.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Teenagers under the age of 16 will no longer be able to use Instagram Live unless they have permission from a parent.   Trending

Meta is stepping up its efforts to make its platforms safer for teenagers. The company is now expanding its teen safety features beyond Instagram, bringing new restrictions to Facebook and Messenger as well. No more live streaming for under-16s One of the main changes is a new restriction on Instagram’s Live feature. Teenagers under the age of 16 will no longer be able to use Instagram Live unless they have permission from a parent. Meta is also tightening how teens interact with images in direct messages. A feature that blurs images suspected of containing nudity will now require parental approval to be switched off. Also read: Meta may launch standalone Instagram Reels app to challenge TikTok What are other new features? The company is rolling out the same system of teen accounts that was introduced on Instagram last year to Facebook and Messenger. These teen accounts automatically apply stricter safety settings for under-18 users. Parents can set daily time limits, restrict usage at certain hours, and view who their child is messaging. In the new update, users under 16 will need parental consent to make any changes to these default settings. Those aged 16 and 17 will also have the features turned on by default but will be allowed to adjust them on their own. The updated features will first be introduced in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Meta said that more than 90% of 13- to 15-year-olds using Instagram have kept the restrictions on, and around 54 million teens worldwide are currently using the teen account system. Also read: Meta to toss out factcheckers to reduce censorship, restore 'free expression' The changes come at a time when governments are putting pressure on tech companies to protect young users. In the UK, the Online Safety Act came into effect in March. This law forces online platforms to take action against illegal content like child abuse, terrorism, and online fraud. It also requires extra protections for under-18s to keep them safe from harmful material such as suicide or self-harm-related content. “Shift the balance in favour of parents” When the Instagram teen features were first introduced, Meta’s then president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, said the goal was to give parents more control. He explained that the new rules would “shift the balance in favour of parents” when it comes to keeping their children safe online. Clegg also pointed out that many parents still don’t make use of available safety tools. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta bans under-16s from going live on Instagram: Here's what new safety rules mean for parents

#Gravitas An investigation has found that Facebook has hosted and profited from more than 100 paid advertisements promoting illegal Israeli settlements and far-right settler activity in West Bank.

Meta Cashes In On Ads For Illegal Israeli Settlements

Meta is reportedly considering spinning off Instagram Reels into a separate app, according to The Information. The move is said to be part of an internal initiative called Project Ray, aimed at refining content recommendations and enhancing the user experience.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-accuses-hindi-of-erasing-regional-languages-calls-for-opposition-to-hindi-imposition-8761987" aria-label="Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin accuses Hindi of erasing regional languages, slams opposition for 'Hindi imposition'">Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin accuses Hindi of erasing regional languages, slams opposition for 'Hindi imposition'</a>
Instagram currently houses a blend of photos, Stories, and Reels, but critics argue that the platform has become cluttered. By creating a dedicated space for short-form videos, Meta could streamline Instagram&rsquo;s core features while giving Reels a more focused platform.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instagrams-content-filter-fails-users-report-surge-in-disturbing-posts-whats-really-happening-8762746" aria-label="Instagram&rsquo;s &lsquo;content&rsquo; filter fails: Users report surge in disturbing posts - What&rsquo;s really happening?">Instagram&rsquo;s &lsquo;content&rsquo; filter fails: Users report surge in disturbing posts - What&rsquo;s really happening?</a>
Reports suggest that the new app might also introduce longer, three-minute Reels, aligning with evolving content consumption trends. However, Meta has yet to make an official announcement regarding the project.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/his-own-spokesman-trump-answered-over-1000-questions-in-his-first-month-7-times-more-than-biden-8762615" aria-label="&lsquo;His own spokesman&rsquo;: Trump answered over 1,000 questions in his first month, 7 times more than Biden">&lsquo;His own spokesman&rsquo;: Trump answered over 1,000 questions in his first month, 7 times more than Biden</a>
<h2>Rivaling TikTok in an unstable market</h2>
The timing of Meta&rsquo;s potential move is notable, as TikTok continues to face regulatory scrutiny in the US Concerns over national security risks have led to discussions about banning or restructuring the platform&rsquo;s ownership. While ByteDance, TikTok&rsquo;s Chinese parent company, has resisted calls to sell its US operations, uncertainty looms over its future. &nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-health-department-bans-plastic-use-in-idli-preparation-over-health-risks-8762578" aria-label="Karnataka health department bans plastic use in idli preparation over health risks">Karnataka health department bans plastic use in idli preparation over health risks</a>
Meta has already been aggressively promoting Reels by offering financial incentives to creators and encouraging them to post content from TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.&nbsp;
With no official confirmation from Meta, it remains to be seen whether Instagram Reels will get its own platform or remain integrated within the main app.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending: Instagram houses a blend of photos, Stories, and Reels, but critics argue that it has become cluttered. By creating a dedicated space for short-form videos, Meta could streamline Instagram’s core features while giving Reels a focused platform.

Meta is reportedly considering spinning off Instagram Reels into a separate app, according to The Information. The move is said to be part of an internal initiative called Project Ray, aimed at refining content recommendations and enhancing the user experience. Also read | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin accuses Hindi of erasing regional languages, slams opposition for 'Hindi imposition' Instagram currently houses a blend of photos, Stories, and Reels, but critics argue that the platform has become cluttered. By creating a dedicated space for short-form videos, Meta could streamline Instagram’s core features while giving Reels a more focused platform. Also read | Instagram’s ‘content’ filter fails: Users report surge in disturbing posts - What’s really happening? Reports suggest that the new app might also introduce longer, three-minute Reels, aligning with evolving content consumption trends. However, Meta has yet to make an official announcement regarding the project. Also read | ‘His own spokesman’: Trump answered over 1,000 questions in his first month, 7 times more than Biden Rivaling TikTok in an unstable market The timing of Meta’s potential move is notable, as TikTok continues to face regulatory scrutiny in the US Concerns over national security risks have led to discussions about banning or restructuring the platform’s ownership. While ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has resisted calls to sell its US operations, uncertainty looms over its future. Also read | Karnataka health department bans plastic use in idli preparation over health risks Meta has already been aggressively promoting Reels by offering financial incentives to creators and encouraging them to post content from TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. With no official confirmation from Meta, it remains to be seen whether Instagram Reels will get its own platform or remain integrated within the main app. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta may launch standalone Instagram Reels app to challenge TikTok

Instagram users across the globe have recently reported a surge in violent and explicit content appearing on their feeds. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to share their concerns, stating they were seeing graphic images of severe injuries, dead bodies, and violent attacks.
While some of these posts were labelled as &ldquo;Sensitive Content,&rdquo; they remained accessible, raising questions about Instagram&rsquo;s moderation policies.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh0ymd-srwk5ohv-bpm7zsdc">
My lineup💀 <a href="https://t.co/n9hlpqkUhv">pic.twitter.com/n9hlpqkUhv</a>
&mdash; Aryan Auroshman (@realaryan2003) <a href="https://twitter.com/realaryan2003/status/1894772508571967601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-2025-up-police-crackdown-on-instagram-telegram-channels-for-videos-of-women-bathing-8739515">Maha Kumbh 2025: Instagram, Telegram channels under the lens for videos of bathing women</a>
One user took to X to express shock, &ldquo;Wtf is happening to Instagram I literally saw the most violent scary shit a person have the misfortune to watch.&rdquo;
<h2>What caused this surge in graphic content?</h2>
The sudden influx of such disturbing content left users wondering whether it was a technical glitch or a deliberate change in Instagram&rsquo;s algorithm.
Meta addressed the issue on Thursday, confirming that an &ldquo;error&rdquo; had caused the problem. The company apologised, and assured users that the issue had been fixed.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh2lu9-9qkyi8jf-euq0ruxc">
Instagram provide violence content this month This is a very big crime The Impact of Violent Content A Growing Concern Violent content has become increasingly prevalent across various media platforms, Please pay attention to this topic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTAGRAM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTAGRAM</a> <a href="https://t.co/RsCn0ygzwU">pic.twitter.com/RsCn0ygzwU</a>
&mdash; Mohammadkaif Dafedar (@Mohammadka57546) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohammadka57546/status/1895062989348446515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologise for the mistake,&rdquo; a Meta spokesperson told CNBC.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/i-was-blindsided-laid-off-meta-employee-claims-workers-on-leave-were-targeted-8714306">'I was blindsided': Laid-off Meta employee claims workers on leave were targeted</a>
<h2>Meta&rsquo;s content moderation policies</h2>
Meta clarified that the flood of violent videos was not linked to recent changes in its content moderation policies. The company has been shifting its approach to avoid censoring content unless it poses a high-severity violation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh3142-iw9bue1b-5etzlr5e">
Wtf is happening to Instagram I literally saw the most violent scary shit a person have the misfortune to watch
&mdash; ِ (@neontue) <a href="https://twitter.com/neontue/status/1895045728004685892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
Instead of relying heavily on AI to proactively remove or demote certain posts, Meta now allows more content to remain visible unless users report it. The aim, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is to prevent unnecessary censorship while still addressing the most severe violations.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh39xu-d2yredtk-22b5bfcs">
Has Instagram and YouTube showing more and more gore, violent, crime, fighting, shooting etc, content to you also. Or is it just me? (Feb 2025)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTAGRAM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTAGRAM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouTube?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouTube</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/violent?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#violent</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/algorithm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#algorithm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ContentCreation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ContentCreation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DarkWeb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DarkWeb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rigged?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rigged</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/reels?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#reels</a>
&mdash; AAA (@KinshukJain15) <a href="https://twitter.com/KinshukJain15/status/1895021443441729586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-says-he-was-almost-sentenced-to-death-in-pakistan-8713631">Mark Zuckerberg says he was 'almost sentenced to death in Pakistan' - VIDEO</a>
Under its current policy, Meta removes content that is excessively violent, including footage depicting &ldquo;dismemberment, visible innards, or charred bodies.&rdquo; It also prohibits posts containing &ldquo;sadistic remarks&rdquo; about human or animal suffering.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh3hms-uk4itbtl-ekbc1vwb">
Yesterday, the Instagram algorithm all over the world decided to go violent. I thought I was using the wrong app. There are so many inexplicable things happening in less than 1/3 of this year. I hope there will be less bad things after March🙁
&mdash; CKB (@Jinhan61907361) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jinhan61907361/status/1895015998841070040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
However, some graphic content is permitted if it is intended to raise awareness of human rights violations, armed conflicts, or terrorism. Such posts may be restricted with warning labels rather than being removed entirely.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-inauguration-from-elon-musks-nazi-salute-to-mark-zuckerbergs-bad-boy-moment-these-are-the-viral-moments-you-cannot-miss-8640494">Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss</a>
<h2>Users still reporting disturbing content</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7nh3ulc-p5d99jk0-xi7wjldn">
What is wrong with <a href="https://twitter.com/instagram?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@instagram</a> reels so suddenly. I'm still getting those sensitive and violent content.
&mdash; Grenish Rai (@grenish_rai) <a href="https://twitter.com/grenish_rai/status/1895005968355725747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
Despite Meta&rsquo;s announcement that the issue has been resolved, some users claim they are still encountering violent and graphic content on their feeds.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The sudden influx of such disturbing content left users wondering whether it was a technical glitch or a deliberate change in Instagram’s algorithm. Trending

Instagram users across the globe have recently reported a surge in violent and explicit content appearing on their feeds. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to share their concerns, stating they were seeing graphic images of severe injuries, dead bodies, and violent attacks. While some of these posts were labelled as “Sensitive Content,” they remained accessible, raising questions about Instagram’s moderation policies. My lineup💀 pic.twitter.com/n9hlpqkUhv — Aryan Auroshman (@realaryan2003) February 26, 2025 Also read: Maha Kumbh 2025: Instagram, Telegram channels under the lens for videos of bathing women One user took to X to express shock, “Wtf is happening to Instagram I literally saw the most violent scary shit a person have the misfortune to watch.” What caused this surge in graphic content? The sudden influx of such disturbing content left users wondering whether it was a technical glitch or a deliberate change in Instagram’s algorithm. Meta addressed the issue on Thursday, confirming that an “error” had caused the problem. The company apologised, and assured users that the issue had been fixed. Instagram provide violence content this month This is a very big crime The Impact of Violent Content A Growing Concern Violent content has become increasingly prevalent across various media platforms, Please pay attention to this topic #INSTAGRAM pic.twitter.com/RsCn0ygzwU — Mohammadkaif Dafedar (@Mohammadka57546) February 27, 2025 “We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologise for the mistake,” a Meta spokesperson told CNBC. Also read: 'I was blindsided': Laid-off Meta employee claims workers on leave were targeted Meta’s content moderation policies Meta clarified that the flood of violent videos was not linked to recent changes in its content moderation policies. The company has been shifting its approach to avoid censoring content unless it poses a high-severity violation. Wtf is happening to Instagram I literally saw the most violent scary shit a person have the misfortune to watch — ِ (@neontue) February 27, 2025 Instead of relying heavily on AI to proactively remove or demote certain posts, Meta now allows more content to remain visible unless users report it. The aim, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is to prevent unnecessary censorship while still addressing the most severe violations. Has Instagram and YouTube showing more and more gore, violent, crime, fighting, shooting etc, content to you also. Or is it just me? (Feb 2025)#INSTAGRAM #YouTube #violent #algorithm #ContentCreation #DarkWeb #gore #Crime #rigged #reels — AAA (@KinshukJain15) February 27, 2025 Also read: Mark Zuckerberg says he was 'almost sentenced to death in Pakistan' - VIDEO Under its current policy, Meta removes content that is excessively violent, including footage depicting “dismemberment, visible innards, or charred bodies.” It also prohibits posts containing “sadistic remarks” about human or animal suffering. Yesterday, the Instagram algorithm all over the world decided to go violent. I thought I was using the wrong app. There are so many inexplicable things happening in less than 1/3 of this year. I hope there will be less bad things after March🙁 — CKB (@Jinhan61907361) February 27, 2025 However, some graphic content is permitted if it is intended to raise awareness of human rights violations, armed conflicts, or terrorism. Such posts may be restricted with warning labels rather than being removed entirely. Also read: Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss Users still reporting disturbing content What is wrong with @instagram reels so suddenly. I'm still getting those sensitive and violent content. — Grenish Rai (@grenish_rai) February 27, 2025 Despite Meta’s announcement that the issue has been resolved, some users claim they are still encountering violent and graphic content on their feeds. (With inputs from agencies)

Instagram’s ‘content’ filter fails: Users report surge in disturbing posts - What’s really happening?

Meta is building the world's longest undersea cable which will connect five continents! This multi-billion-dollar investment aims to boost global connectivity and digital inclusion. Will this project truly bridge the digital divide? Watch this report to know more.

Undersea cable revolution: Meta's big bet

Meta has confirmed its ambitious 'Project Waterworth,' aimed at building the world’s longest undersea internet cable. Spanning over 50,000km, the cable will exceed Earth's circumference and boost global connectivity.

Meta announces world's longest undersea cable, spanning 50,000km

Meta has recently conducted another round of job cuts, affecting around 3,600 employees globally. While the company claims the layoffs were performance-based, some workers argue otherwise, sharing their shock at being let go despite solid performance records.&nbsp;
One of those employees, Elana Reman Safner, a product counsel for MetaWorks, says she was blindsided after returning from maternity leave.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-or-gaza-journalist-fact-checks-doges-50mn-condoms-claim-musk-replies-8713620">Mozambique or Gaza? Journalist fact-checks DOGE's $50mn condoms claim, Musk replies</a>
<h2>Employee questions layoff criteria</h2>
In a LinkedIn post, Safner expressed her disappointment, suggesting that employees who took recent leaves, particularly maternity leave, might have been targeted. She revealed that during her more than three years at Meta, she had never received a review below "Meets All" expectations. Despite her performance, she found herself laid off after a six-month maternity break.
"I was blindsided," she wrote. It is very hard to believe that &ndash; despite Meta indicating my expectations are prorated &ndash; I did not do enough. Many laid off today have similar stories &ndash; a history of good performance, and a recent leave of absence."
<iframe width="504" height="1040" src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7295104277964881923" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" title="Embedded post"></iframe>
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-sparks-criticism-for-removing-black-history-month-pride-among-other-cultural-events-8713991">Google sparks criticism by removing Black History Month, Pride Month, other such events from Calendar</a>
<h2>Criticising leadership and work environment</h2>
However, Safner also pointed out several aspects of Meta that she would not miss. She criticised the uncertainty surrounding her career growth, the high stress of her job, and what she described as an unpredictable leadership style, particularly by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
"Here's what I won't miss: my career trajectory being completely at the whim of product decisions I have no control over, mental overload, 34-page one-pagers, having 62 tabs open, deprecating beloved products because they weren't &ldquo;moonshot&rdquo; enough for Zuck, Zuck's newfound &ldquo;masculine energy&rdquo; and becoming its collateral damage." Safner wrote.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/corruption-perceptions-index-reveals-worlds-most-corrupt-countries-india-ranks-at-8713744">Corruption Perceptions Index reveals world&rsquo;s most corrupt countries; India ranks at&hellip;</a>
<h2>Reflections on her time at Meta</h2>
Though shocked by the layoff, Safner shared gratitude for the lessons and experiences gained at Meta. She acknowledged the growth she achieved.
"Even when I disagreed with product direction or was disappointed by Meta in the news, my clients and colleagues kept me energised," she added.
&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Trending: One of those employees, Elana Reman Safner, a product counsel for MetaWorks, says she was blindsided after returning from maternity leave.

Meta has recently conducted another round of job cuts, affecting around 3,600 employees globally. While the company claims the layoffs were performance-based, some workers argue otherwise, sharing their shock at being let go despite solid performance records. One of those employees, Elana Reman Safner, a product counsel for MetaWorks, says she was blindsided after returning from maternity leave. Also Read | Mozambique or Gaza? Journalist fact-checks DOGE's $50mn condoms claim, Musk replies Employee questions layoff criteria In a LinkedIn post, Safner expressed her disappointment, suggesting that employees who took recent leaves, particularly maternity leave, might have been targeted. She revealed that during her more than three years at Meta, she had never received a review below "Meets All" expectations. Despite her performance, she found herself laid off after a six-month maternity break. "I was blindsided," she wrote. It is very hard to believe that – despite Meta indicating my expectations are prorated – I did not do enough. Many laid off today have similar stories – a history of good performance, and a recent leave of absence." Also Read | Google sparks criticism by removing Black History Month, Pride Month, other such events from Calendar Criticising leadership and work environment However, Safner also pointed out several aspects of Meta that she would not miss. She criticised the uncertainty surrounding her career growth, the high stress of her job, and what she described as an unpredictable leadership style, particularly by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "Here's what I won't miss: my career trajectory being completely at the whim of product decisions I have no control over, mental overload, 34-page one-pagers, having 62 tabs open, deprecating beloved products because they weren't “moonshot” enough for Zuck, Zuck's newfound “masculine energy” and becoming its collateral damage." Safner wrote. Also Read | Corruption Perceptions Index reveals world’s most corrupt countries; India ranks at… Reflections on her time at Meta Though shocked by the layoff, Safner shared gratitude for the lessons and experiences gained at Meta. She acknowledged the growth she achieved. "Even when I disagreed with product direction or was disappointed by Meta in the news, my clients and colleagues kept me energised," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

'I was blindsided': Laid-off Meta employee claims workers on leave were targeted

Meta is ramping up AI hiring while laying off thousands of employees. Reports suggest that 3,600 jobs will be slashed this week as the company shifts focus toward artificial intelligence-driven projects.

Meta layoffs accelerate as company focuses on AI expansion

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hacking" rel="dofollow">hacking </a>software told the Guardian.&nbsp;
The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices.&nbsp;
WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-cia-read-your-whatapp-messages-this-is-what-mark-zuckerberg-has-to-say-8612166" rel="dofollow">Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say...&nbsp;</a>
However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based.&nbsp;
<h2>'Cease-and-desist'</h2>
An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking.&nbsp;
WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat.&nbsp;
&ldquo;WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We&rsquo;ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-proclaims-pegasus-maker-nso-group-accountable-in-whatsapp-hacking-case-785916" rel="dofollow">Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge</a>
"Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read.
Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement&rsquo;s homeland security investigations division.
Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-based-nso-admits-hacking-1400-whatsapp-users-with-pegasus-spyware-unsealed-court-docs-reveal-776497" rel="dofollow">Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal</a>
The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal.
The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat.&nbsp;
It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, science & technology: WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". 

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of hacking software told the Guardian. The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices. WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". Also read: Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say... However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based. 'Cease-and-desist' An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking. WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat. “WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We’ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said. Also read: Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge "Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read. Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s homeland security investigations division. Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government. Also read: Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal. The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat. It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting. (With inputs from agencies)

WhatsApp says nearly 100 journalists and civil society members targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon

Following Meta's recent decision to remove tampons from men's bathrooms in its offices, some employees have reportedly begun staging "quiet rebellions" by bringing in their own supplies, according to a report by The New York Times.
At the beginning of January, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-meta-agreed-to-pay-25-mn-to-us-president-trump-8669842">CEO Mark Zuckerberg</a> introduced several internal and external policy changes. These included lifting restrictions on speech to "restore free expression" across Meta platforms and revising the company's "Hateful Conduct" policy.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-for-free-speech-advocacy-billionaire-turns-down-offer-8678649" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer</a>
One particular move that didn't sit well with some employees was the removal of sanitary products from men's bathrooms. Meta had previously provided these items for nonbinary and transgender staff members.
According to The New York Times, "To protest Zuckerberg's actions, some Meta workers soon brought their own tampons, pads and liners to the men's bathrooms, five people with knowledge of the effort said. A group of employees also circulated a petition to save the tampons."
The petition called for Meta's leadership to reinstate tampons and other menstrual products in men's bathrooms. In response, Meta&rsquo;s vice president of workplace services said that the company had no plans to reverse the decision. 
"The sanitary products were emblematic of the quiet rebellions that Silicon Valley workers have staged as they grapple with the rightward shift of their bosses," The New York Times reported.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
While Meta's leadership is seen as publicly aligning with US President Donald Trump, some employees are engaging in "subtle acts of defiance," the report claimed.
The Times also reported that, according to an internal poll, some Meta employees were keen to ask Zuckerberg during an upcoming company Q&amp;A how women in the organisation could contribute "masculine energy" to the workplace. This follows comments Zuckerberg made during a 10 January interview with Joe Rogan, where he stated: "Masculine energy I think is good, and obviously society has plenty of that, but I think corporate culture was really trying to get away from it."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-inauguration-from-elon-musks-nazi-salute-to-mark-zuckerbergs-bad-boy-moment-these-are-the-viral-moments-you-cannot-miss-8640494">Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss</a>
He added, "If you&rsquo;re a woman going into a company, it probably feels like it&rsquo;s too masculine. There isn&rsquo;t enough of the energy that you may naturally have. You want women to be able to succeed and have companies that can unlock all the value from having great people, no matter what their background or gender."
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending news: Meta had previously provided sanitary products including tampons in male washrooms for nonbinary and transgender staff members.

Following Meta's recent decision to remove tampons from men's bathrooms in its offices, some employees have reportedly begun staging "quiet rebellions" by bringing in their own supplies, according to a report by The New York Times. At the beginning of January, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced several internal and external policy changes. These included lifting restrictions on speech to "restore free expression" across Meta platforms and revising the company's "Hateful Conduct" policy. Also read: Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer One particular move that didn't sit well with some employees was the removal of sanitary products from men's bathrooms. Meta had previously provided these items for nonbinary and transgender staff members. According to The New York Times, "To protest Zuckerberg's actions, some Meta workers soon brought their own tampons, pads and liners to the men's bathrooms, five people with knowledge of the effort said. A group of employees also circulated a petition to save the tampons." The petition called for Meta's leadership to reinstate tampons and other menstrual products in men's bathrooms. In response, Meta’s vice president of workplace services said that the company had no plans to reverse the decision. "The sanitary products were emblematic of the quiet rebellions that Silicon Valley workers have staged as they grapple with the rightward shift of their bosses," The New York Times reported. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom While Meta's leadership is seen as publicly aligning with US President Donald Trump, some employees are engaging in "subtle acts of defiance," the report claimed. The Times also reported that, according to an internal poll, some Meta employees were keen to ask Zuckerberg during an upcoming company Q&A how women in the organisation could contribute "masculine energy" to the workplace. This follows comments Zuckerberg made during a 10 January interview with Joe Rogan, where he stated: "Masculine energy I think is good, and obviously society has plenty of that, but I think corporate culture was really trying to get away from it." Also read: Trump inauguration: From Elon Musk's Nazi salute to Mark Zuckerberg's 'bad boy' moment, these are the viral instances you cannot miss He added, "If you’re a woman going into a company, it probably feels like it’s too masculine. There isn’t enough of the energy that you may naturally have. You want women to be able to succeed and have companies that can unlock all the value from having great people, no matter what their background or gender." (With inputs from agencies)

meta