Ostrich eggshell beads were used to create the world's oldest social network, connecting cultures.

According to researchers in Germany, the beads show a 50,000-year-old infrastructure that connects Stone Age people in South and East Africa.

Humans entirely changed the shells to construct the beads, making them the world's oldest fully made jewellery.

Different prehistoric cultures manufactured various types of beads, allowing scholars to trace links between them.

Anthropologists spent more than a decade compiling the world's largest database of ostrich eggshell beads, which included 1,500 beads from the last 50,000 years and were discovered in 31 locations across South and East Africa. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/social-media-day-history-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-394943">Also read | Social Media Day: History, significance and all you need to know</a>

They discovered that people in the two regions were using nearly similar beads by comparing the diameter and shell thickness of the beads.&nbsp;

The findings show that the oldest social network discovered was a long-distance social network that connected people living approximately 1,900 kilometres apart.

By 33,000 years ago, all signs of the network had vanished, which was most likely caused by drastic climate change.

"Humans are social beings, but little is known about when, how, and why distinct populations bonded in the past," stated lead study author Dr Jennifer Miller.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ostrich eggshell beads were used to create the world's oldest social network, connecting cultures. According to researchers in Germany, the beads show a 50,000-year-old infrastructure that connects Stone Age people in South and East Africa.

Ostrich eggshell beads were used to create the world's oldest social network, connecting cultures. According to researchers in Germany, the beads show a 50,000-year-old infrastructure that connects Stone Age people in South and East Africa. Humans entirely changed the shells to construct the beads, making them the world's oldest fully made jewellery. Different prehistoric cultures manufactured various types of beads, allowing scholars to trace links between them. Anthropologists spent more than a decade compiling the world's largest database of ostrich eggshell beads, which included 1,500 beads from the last 50,000 years and were discovered in 31 locations across South and East Africa. Also read | Social Media Day: History, significance and all you need to know They discovered that people in the two regions were using nearly similar beads by comparing the diameter and shell thickness of the beads. The findings show that the oldest social network discovered was a long-distance social network that connected people living approximately 1,900 kilometres apart. By 33,000 years ago, all signs of the network had vanished, which was most likely caused by drastic climate change. "Humans are social beings, but little is known about when, how, and why distinct populations bonded in the past," stated lead study author Dr Jennifer Miller. (With inputs from agencies)

Social networking in Stone Age: 50,000-year-old social network discovered in Africa

Nextdoor, the neighbourhood-focused social network based in San Francisco, announced its plans to go public Tuesday, raising $686 million for the 10-year-old startup and valuing the company at roughly $4.3 billion.

But instead of completing a traditional initial public offering process, Nextdoor will be listed on the public markets by way of a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, a type of financial vehicle that has grown increasingly popular in recent years among tech companies.

Nextdoor's SPAC will be backed by an affiliate of Khosla Ventures, a blue-chip Silicon Valley firm, and will include participation from firms such as T. Rowe Price Associates, Baron Capital Group and Dragoneer Investment Group, along with existing investors that include Tiger Global.

Over the past year, these buzzy, financial vehicles have come under increased regulatory scrutiny as private equity firms and investors create record amounts of so-called blank check companies in the hunt to take promising startups public. Executives at companies like Reddit have mulled going public via SPAC, while hundreds of new SPACs have been created in the first half of 2021 alone.

Sarah Friar, Nextdoor’s CEO, said in an interview that going the SPAC route made the most sense for the company, allowing it to be more closely involved and counselled by a smaller, more targeted group of investors. Friar also said it gave Nextdoor a better sense of certainty about how much money it would raise, rather than the riskiness that could come with a traditional IPO process.

"We've been prepping for this now for a couple of years," Friar said. "We are ready, and we’ll do this right."

Founded in 2011, Nextdoor rose to prominence early on as a kind of "Facebook for neighbourhoods," slowly meting out invitations to people who lived in specific areas and could form small, tight-knit social groups based on proximity. Using the site's web and mobile apps, neighbours discussed everything from yard sales to finding child care to concerns about crime.

Nearly 10 years later, Nextdoor has ballooned to more than 275,000 "neighbourhoods" across 11 countries. As the network grew, Nextdoor began making money by selling advertising to businesses, which pay the company to post sponsored content inside users' feeds. Ads run the gamut from national brand marketers to small and midsize businesses to local service providers.

Nextdoor plans to use the new funding to invest in expanding its products and acquiring more users, Friar said, while also using capital to further develop its self-serve advertising platform aimed at small and midsize businesses. It also plans to hire more engineers and other employees.

Critics of Nextdoor have assailed the platform for being a haven for racism and targeted online harassment. Complaints often involve users who have flocked to Nextdoor to lodge racially motivated grievances about their neighbours or to engage in toxic behaviour or harassment.

Since Friar became CEO in 2018, she has made it a priority to clean up areas of the platform that have created problems. The company has added anti-racial profiling steps and includes ways to make users slow down and become more thoughtful about certain kinds of posts, like those about suspected crimes. Friar said the new funding would also pay for products that handle such content moderation issues.

In addition, Friar, the company’s three original founders and its earliest investor plan to contribute a portion of their shares in Nextdoor to form the Nextdoor Kind Foundation, a nonprofit foundation "dedicated to helping neighbours rejuvenate their neighbourhoods through targeted grants." The foundation will solicit ideas from people who want to improve their communities, whether it is to "plant a garden, paint a community center, or repair the playground," according to the company.

Shares of Nextdoor will be publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the stock ticker symbol “KIND.”

Nextdoor, the neighbourhood-focused social network based in San Francisco, announced its plans to go public Tuesday, raising $686 million for the 10-year-old startup and valuing the company at roughly $4.

Nextdoor, the neighbourhood-focused social network based in San Francisco, announced its plans to go public Tuesday, raising $686 million for the 10-year-old startup and valuing the company at roughly $4.3 billion. But instead of completing a traditional initial public offering process, Nextdoor will be listed on the public markets by way of a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, a type of financial vehicle that has grown increasingly popular in recent years among tech companies. Nextdoor's SPAC will be backed by an affiliate of Khosla Ventures, a blue-chip Silicon Valley firm, and will include participation from firms such as T. Rowe Price Associates, Baron Capital Group and Dragoneer Investment Group, along with existing investors that include Tiger Global. Over the past year, these buzzy, financial vehicles have come under increased regulatory scrutiny as private equity firms and investors create record amounts of so-called blank check companies in the hunt to take promising startups public. Executives at companies like Reddit have mulled going public via SPAC, while hundreds of new SPACs have been created in the first half of 2021 alone. Sarah Friar, Nextdoor’s CEO, said in an interview that going the SPAC route made the most sense for the company, allowing it to be more closely involved and counselled by a smaller, more targeted group of investors. Friar also said it gave Nextdoor a better sense of certainty about how much money it would raise, rather than the riskiness that could come with a traditional IPO process. "We've been prepping for this now for a couple of years," Friar said. "We are ready, and we’ll do this right." Founded in 2011, Nextdoor rose to prominence early on as a kind of "Facebook for neighbourhoods," slowly meting out invitations to people who lived in specific areas and could form small, tight-knit social groups based on proximity. Using the site's web and mobile apps, neighbours discussed everything from yard sales to finding child care to concerns about crime. Nearly 10 years later, Nextdoor has ballooned to more than 275,000 "neighbourhoods" across 11 countries. As the network grew, Nextdoor began making money by selling advertising to businesses, which pay the company to post sponsored content inside users' feeds. Ads run the gamut from national brand marketers to small and midsize businesses to local service providers. Nextdoor plans to use the new funding to invest in expanding its products and acquiring more users, Friar said, while also using capital to further develop its self-serve advertising platform aimed at small and midsize businesses. It also plans to hire more engineers and other employees. Critics of Nextdoor have assailed the platform for being a haven for racism and targeted online harassment. Complaints often involve users who have flocked to Nextdoor to lodge racially motivated grievances about their neighbours or to engage in toxic behaviour or harassment. Since Friar became CEO in 2018, she has made it a priority to clean up areas of the platform that have created problems. The company has added anti-racial profiling steps and includes ways to make users slow down and become more thoughtful about certain kinds of posts, like those about suspected crimes. Friar said the new funding would also pay for products that handle such content moderation issues. In addition, Friar, the company’s three original founders and its earliest investor plan to contribute a portion of their shares in Nextdoor to form the Nextdoor Kind Foundation, a nonprofit foundation "dedicated to helping neighbours rejuvenate their neighbourhoods through targeted grants." The foundation will solicit ideas from people who want to improve their communities, whether it is to "plant a garden, paint a community center, or repair the playground," according to the company. Shares of Nextdoor will be publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the stock ticker symbol “KIND.”

Nextdoor, the social network for neighborhoods, plans to go public

Over 22 billion records were exposed worldwide amid 730 publicly disclosed data breaches in 2020, a new report revealed on Friday. 
 
Thirty five percent of breaches were linked to ransomware attacks, resulting in tremendous financial cost, while 14 per cent of breaches were the result of email compromises, according to an analysis of breach data by cyber exposure company Tenable`s Security Response Team (SRT) from January through October last year. 
 
One of the overarching themes of the threat landscape in 2020 was that threat actors relied on unpatched vulnerabilities in their attacks as well as chaining together multiple vulnerabilities as part of their attacks. 
 
"Every day, cybersecurity professionals in India and the rest of the world are faced with new challenges and vulnerabilities that can put their organisations at risk," said Satnam Narang, Staff Research Engineer at Tenable. 
 
"The 18,358 vulnerabilities disclosed in 2020 alone reflects a new normal and a clear sign that the job of a cyber defender is only getting more difficult as they navigate the ever-expanding attack surface," Narang added. 
 
From 2015 to 2020, the number of reported common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) increased at an average annual percentage growth rate of 36.6 per cent. 
 
In 2020, 18,358 CVEs were reported, representing a 6 per cent increase over the 17,305 reported in 2019, and a 183 per cent increase over the 6,487 disclosed in 2015. 
 
"Pre-existing vulnerabilities in virtual private network (VPN) solutions ? many of which were initially disclosed in 2019 or earlier -- continue to remain a favorite target for cybercriminals and nation-state groups," the report mentioned. 
 
Web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are the primary target for zero-day vulnerabilities, accounting for over 35 per cent of all zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, it added. 
 
"In 2021, it`s essential that we have the tools, awareness and intelligence to effectively reduce risk and eliminate blind spots. It`s only through looking at where we`ve come from that we can effectively plan for what lies ahead," Narang noted.

Over 22 billion records were exposed worldwide amid 730 publicly disclosed data breaches in 2020, a new report revealed on Friday. Thirty five percent of breaches were linked to ransomware attacks, resulting in tremendous financial cost, while 14 per cent of breaches were the result of email compromises, according to an analysis of breach data by cyber exposure company Tenable`s Security Response Team (SRT) from January through October last year.

Over 22 billion records were exposed worldwide amid 730 publicly disclosed data breaches in 2020, a new report revealed on Friday. Thirty five percent of breaches were linked to ransomware attacks, resulting in tremendous financial cost, while 14 per cent of breaches were the result of email compromises, according to an analysis of breach data by cyber exposure company Tenable`s Security Response Team (SRT) from January through October last year. One of the overarching themes of the threat landscape in 2020 was that threat actors relied on unpatched vulnerabilities in their attacks as well as chaining together multiple vulnerabilities as part of their attacks. "Every day, cybersecurity professionals in India and the rest of the world are faced with new challenges and vulnerabilities that can put their organisations at risk," said Satnam Narang, Staff Research Engineer at Tenable. "The 18,358 vulnerabilities disclosed in 2020 alone reflects a new normal and a clear sign that the job of a cyber defender is only getting more difficult as they navigate the ever-expanding attack surface," Narang added. From 2015 to 2020, the number of reported common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) increased at an average annual percentage growth rate of 36.6 per cent. In 2020, 18,358 CVEs were reported, representing a 6 per cent increase over the 17,305 reported in 2019, and a 183 per cent increase over the 6,487 disclosed in 2015. "Pre-existing vulnerabilities in virtual private network (VPN) solutions ? many of which were initially disclosed in 2019 or earlier -- continue to remain a favorite target for cybercriminals and nation-state groups," the report mentioned. Web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are the primary target for zero-day vulnerabilities, accounting for over 35 per cent of all zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, it added. "In 2021, it`s essential that we have the tools, awareness and intelligence to effectively reduce risk and eliminate blind spots. It`s only through looking at where we`ve come from that we can effectively plan for what lies ahead," Narang noted.

Over 22 billion records exposed in data breaches in 2020: Report

Perfectly-glazed buns melt-in-your-mouth cakes. The oozing chocolate and an Instagram-able dinner table. Is this the story of your lockdown? Or does it look more like this?

Perfectly-glazed buns melt-in-your-mouth cakes. The oozing chocolate and an Instagram-able dinner table. Is this the story of your lockdown? Or does it look more like this? Sponge cakes too hard for human-teeth? Eggs that look more like a pufferfish? And royal plating disasters! If the lockdown is all about finding your inner chef-- then why fake it till you make it? Those jaw-dropping lemon cakes and the gorgeous cookies don't happen overnight. While the picture-perfect food makes it to Instagram. The numerous trials and errors end up in the dustbin or worse, in the stomachs of blackmailed family members. But not anymore! Thousands in Vietnam are ready to reverse this trend. They are coming out with the grain of truth and posting their culinary disasters online! From alien-looking cakes to charred food. It's all out there for the world to see. It all started in the second week of April. A 37-year-old, Dinh Duc Thanh is a Vietnamese videographer created a Facebook page for culinary catastrophes. Dinh Duc Thanh, administrator of the Facebook group 'Hating kitchen, not addicting to houses'. "I think when there are groups on attractive, delicious dishes and a nice house, we should also have someplace where people can share their failure, so that people may feel more comfortable, being able to share themselves." Within days, thousands were sharing their stories. One netizen laughed at his disastrous ripe cakes. Another woman complained about how her husband thought her banana cream was cat vomit! One mother shared a video of her daughter refusing to eat her sad-looking cake! Another shared photos of burnt potatoes and charred pans. The ash is finally out of the bag. Apart from the smoked flavour, this has given rise to good laughter online and no one is complaining! As everyone knows, cooking and baking isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Discovering real inner chef: Vietnamese post culinary disasters online

Earlier today, Instagram introduced a new feature which allows its users to access the content easily and to share content content faster to ease the pressure created by self-isolation on people across the globe.

The picture-based social network, owned by Facebook has also stepped up measures to control the flow of misinformation across its platform during the times of pandemic.

During a press briefing, the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri introduced the new feature, which is called “co-watching”. It allows people to browse and connect even in the middle of a video call.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/business-economy/instagram-removes-igtv-button-from-home-screen-275586" hreflang="en">Instagram removes IGTV button from home screen</a>

With over 1.3 billion people forced into lockdown by governments in a bid to contain the virus, most people are physically cut-off from each other.

The aim behind the feature, as asserted by Mosseri, is to “combat the loneliness” that accompanies self-isolation measures.

According to Mosseri, there is no coordination misinformation campaign in place, which is a common exercise during elections, but rather “bad advice” is being touted by people all over the place.

To counter this, Instagram directly links the people to advisories released by the World Health Organisation and local health ministries&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

“Stickers” will be employed to signify which information is verified, with the company committed to removing health claims that do not arrive from credible sources.

In the times of social distancing, Instagram has offered to share tips and tricks on how it can be effectively achieved.

Additionally, the platform is also linking up charities tp enable donations for hard-hit countries.

The parent company, Facebook has ramped up efforts to fight misinformation across all its platforms including Messenger and WhatsApp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/instagram-bans-influencers-from-promoting-vaping-products-269156" hreflang="en">Instagram bans influencers from promoting vaping products</a>

Two billion people use applications developed and maintained by Facebook daily.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instagram boasts one billion global&nbsp;users, making it a key decider of not only images, but of news surrounding the pandemic.&nbsp;

“Stickers” will be employed to signify which information is verified, with the company committed to removing health claims that do not arrive from credible sources.

(With inputs from AFP)

Earlier today, Instagram introduced a new feature which allows its users to access the content easily and to share content content faster to ease the pressure created by self-isolation on people across the globe.

Earlier today, Instagram introduced a new feature which allows its users to access the content easily and to share content content faster to ease the pressure created by self-isolation on people across the globe. The picture-based social network, owned by Facebook has also stepped up measures to control the flow of misinformation across its platform during the times of pandemic. During a press briefing, the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri introduced the new feature, which is called “co-watching”. It allows people to browse and connect even in the middle of a video call. Also read: Instagram removes IGTV button from home screen With over 1.3 billion people forced into lockdown by governments in a bid to contain the virus, most people are physically cut-off from each other. The aim behind the feature, as asserted by Mosseri, is to “combat the loneliness” that accompanies self-isolation measures. According to Mosseri, there is no coordination misinformation campaign in place, which is a common exercise during elections, but rather “bad advice” is being touted by people all over the place. To counter this, Instagram directly links the people to advisories released by the World Health Organisation and local health ministries Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? “Stickers” will be employed to signify which information is verified, with the company committed to removing health claims that do not arrive from credible sources. In the times of social distancing, Instagram has offered to share tips and tricks on how it can be effectively achieved. Additionally, the platform is also linking up charities tp enable donations for hard-hit countries. The parent company, Facebook has ramped up efforts to fight misinformation across all its platforms including Messenger and WhatsApp. Also read: Instagram bans influencers from promoting vaping products Two billion people use applications developed and maintained by Facebook daily. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. Instagram boasts one billion global users, making it a key decider of not only images, but of news surrounding the pandemic. “Stickers” will be employed to signify which information is verified, with the company committed to removing health claims that do not arrive from credible sources. (With inputs from AFP)

Instagram introduces new feature to ease social isolation triggered by coronavirus

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday.

The Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT-In) "sought submission of information from WhatsApp on November 9, 2019, including a need to conduct an audit and inspection of WhatsApp's security systems and processes," Ravi Shankar Prasad told parliament in a statement.

WhatsApp declined to comment.

WhatsApp last month sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group, accusing it of helping clients break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents. The targets of the hacking included diplomats, political dissidents, journalists, along with military and government officials.

Of those allegedly affected by NSO's Pegasus spyware, 121 are based in India, WhatsApp's biggest market with over 400 million users, two sources told Reuters previously.

WhatsApp has responded to CERT's queries but further clarifications have been sought, Prasad said, adding that the agency had also asked NSO Group to provide information about the malware and its impact on Indian users.

NSO has previously denied snooping allegations and said it sells technology to governments to counter-terrorism.

WhatsApp executives including CEO Will Cathcart made no mention of the spyware when they met Indian technology ministry officials in July and September, the minister said.

WhatsApp had, however, informed CERT of an incident in May in which the firm had identified and fixed a "vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices," Prasad said.

A group of Indians including journalists and lawyers whose phones were hacked via WhatsApp have asked the government to make public its ties with the Israeli firm accused of deploying the spyware.

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday.

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday. The Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT-In) "sought submission of information from WhatsApp on November 9, 2019, including a need to conduct an audit and inspection of WhatsApp's security systems and processes," Ravi Shankar Prasad told parliament in a statement. WhatsApp declined to comment. WhatsApp last month sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group, accusing it of helping clients break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents. The targets of the hacking included diplomats, political dissidents, journalists, along with military and government officials. Of those allegedly affected by NSO's Pegasus spyware, 121 are based in India, WhatsApp's biggest market with over 400 million users, two sources told Reuters previously. WhatsApp has responded to CERT's queries but further clarifications have been sought, Prasad said, adding that the agency had also asked NSO Group to provide information about the malware and its impact on Indian users. NSO has previously denied snooping allegations and said it sells technology to governments to counter-terrorism. WhatsApp executives including CEO Will Cathcart made no mention of the spyware when they met Indian technology ministry officials in July and September, the minister said. WhatsApp had, however, informed CERT of an incident in May in which the firm had identified and fixed a "vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices," Prasad said. A group of Indians including journalists and lawyers whose phones were hacked via WhatsApp have asked the government to make public its ties with the Israeli firm accused of deploying the spyware.

India plans security audit of WhatsApp after hacking attempt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-invokes-fake-news-law-for-first-time-over-facebook-post-264359">Facebook</a>&nbsp;on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys.

The new market research app will be used to improve the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;"family" of offerings including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/instagram-in-trouble-as-nearly-50-million-users-data-gets-leaked-online-220423">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whatsapp-business-launches-on-iphones-207989#the-business-app-207980">WhatsApp</a>, Portal, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/to-boost-the-sale-of-immersive-games-facebooks-oculus-cuts-price-of-its-hardware-17782">Oculus</a> and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh.

The app could blunt criticism that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;keeps to itself profits made by taking advantage of data shared on the social network.

"We believe the best way to make products better is to get insights directly from people who use them," Naveh said in an online post.

Points can be accumulated to earn payments, which will be sent to people via PayPal.

People who set up accounts in the Viewpoints app will be invited to take part in programs, the first a well-being survey intended to gather insights that can be used to curb negative effects of social media and enhance its benefits, according to Naveh.

Personal information such as name, age, gender, and country of residence will be gathered while setting up Viewpoints accounts, which are only open to people 18 years of age or older.

"We won't sell your information from this app to third parties," Naveh said.

"We also won't publicly share your&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;Viewpoints activity on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;or on other accounts you've linked without your permission."

Viewpoints are only available to US&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;members, but the California-based internet giant planned to expand it to more countries next year.

Facebook on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys. The new market research app will be used to improve the Facebook "family" of offerings including Instagram, WhatsApp, Portal, Oculus and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh.

Facebook on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys. The new market research app will be used to improve the Facebook "family" of offerings including Instagram, WhatsApp, Portal, Oculus and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh. The app could blunt criticism that Facebook keeps to itself profits made by taking advantage of data shared on the social network. "We believe the best way to make products better is to get insights directly from people who use them," Naveh said in an online post. Points can be accumulated to earn payments, which will be sent to people via PayPal. People who set up accounts in the Viewpoints app will be invited to take part in programs, the first a well-being survey intended to gather insights that can be used to curb negative effects of social media and enhance its benefits, according to Naveh. Personal information such as name, age, gender, and country of residence will be gathered while setting up Viewpoints accounts, which are only open to people 18 years of age or older. "We won't sell your information from this app to third parties," Naveh said. "We also won't publicly share your Facebook Viewpoints activity on Facebook or on other accounts you've linked without your permission." Viewpoints are only available to US Facebook members, but the California-based internet giant planned to expand it to more countries next year.

New Facebook app pays people to take part in surveys

The social network Facebook said Monday that it removed over 97 fake accounts, pages and groups from Russia. Watch full video to know more.

Facebook removes over 97 fake accounts tied to Russia

As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends.

The new features were introduced in a revamped Facebook app as the embattled social network embarks on a new strategy emphasizing private communications and small groups.

"As the world gets bigger and more connected, we need that sense of intimacy more than ever," Mark Zuckerberg said as he opened the F8 developer conference for the social networking giant.

"That's why I believe the future is private."

The new app made available to US users Tuesday aims for a new direction for Facebook: it eliminates the blue background and offers a range of new ways to connect, in line with Zuckerberg's vision to move away from the "digital town square" to a "digital living room."

Facebook's shift comes response to criticism over failing to curb misinformation and manipulation of the platform used by 2.3 billion people, and missteps on handling of private user data.

"It can be hard to find your sense of purpose when you are connected to billions of people at the same time," Zuckerberg told the developers gathered in San Jose, California.

"Privacy gives us the freedom to be ourselves."

The redesigned application, to be followed by a new Facebook website, symbolizes changes in how Facebook runs its business, Zuckerberg said.

"I know we don't exactly have the strongest reputation on privacy right now, to put it lightly," he said. "But I am committed to starting a new chapter for our product."

Dogs and politics

Changes announced Tuesday put groups at the centre of the experience and add dating, friend-making and events features intended to promote people getting together in real life, Facebook's new app head Fidji Simo told AFP ahead of F8.

The redesign is meant to make it easier for users to take part in communities, whether based on friendships, family ties or common interests, according to Simo.

"It's definitely part of Mark's bigger vision," she said.

The new design gives users more options for private and group connections.

While counterintuitive, Facebook sees the change as potentially bringing people with opposing political viewpoints together rather than separating them in "filter bubbles."

"We are seeing that groups can bridge people across dividing lines," Simo said.

"If you are a dog lover, you will find people who are dog lovers across all divides, political or otherwise," she added.

A "Meet New Friends" feature being gradually rolled out will let users opt into getting acquainted with others interested in fresh connections in shared communities.

An "Events" tab will expedite making real world, local plans with online friends.

Hidden crushes

Facebook also announced it is expanding its dating feature to 14 more countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Brazil and Chile.

A new feature called "Secret Crush" will let people signal which friends they are interested in romantically, but only letting the object of their fancy know it if that person makes similar interest known on a private crush list.

"We think there is a lot of potential in developing these relationships," Simo said.

"It's all built with privacy in mind, and with the goal of building meaningfully long-term relationships and not just hookups."

The ability for people in small groups to be able to communicate securely and privately is seen as essential to making the social network more intimate.

There are tens of millions of active groups on Facebook, and more than 400 million people belong to groups at the social network.

Leaner, faster Messenger

Separately, Facebook unveiled a Messenger app overhaul that makes the mobile software leaner, faster and more of an energy miser.

"We rewrote practically all of the code from scratch," Facebook head of messaging product Stan Chudnovsky told AFP.

"We made Messenger the fastest private communication hub on the planet."

Features built into the new Messenger app used by some 1.3 billion people build on the social network's broader vision of small-group-sharing in "virtual living rooms," according to Chudnovsky.

Facebook also announced it's Portal video call device would be available internationally starting with Canada in June and Europe later this year, and would allow calls over the WhatsApp messaging platform.

The Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest headsets, starting at $399, will begin shipping on May 21, expanding Facebook's move into virtual reality and gaming, the company said.

As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends. The new features were introduced in a revamped Facebook app as the embattled social network embarks on a new strategy emphasizing private communications and small groups.

As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends. The new features were introduced in a revamped Facebook app as the embattled social network embarks on a new strategy emphasizing private communications and small groups. "As the world gets bigger and more connected, we need that sense of intimacy more than ever," Mark Zuckerberg said as he opened the F8 developer conference for the social networking giant. "That's why I believe the future is private." The new app made available to US users Tuesday aims for a new direction for Facebook: it eliminates the blue background and offers a range of new ways to connect, in line with Zuckerberg's vision to move away from the "digital town square" to a "digital living room." Facebook's shift comes response to criticism over failing to curb misinformation and manipulation of the platform used by 2.3 billion people, and missteps on handling of private user data. "It can be hard to find your sense of purpose when you are connected to billions of people at the same time," Zuckerberg told the developers gathered in San Jose, California. "Privacy gives us the freedom to be ourselves." The redesigned application, to be followed by a new Facebook website, symbolizes changes in how Facebook runs its business, Zuckerberg said. "I know we don't exactly have the strongest reputation on privacy right now, to put it lightly," he said. "But I am committed to starting a new chapter for our product." Dogs and politics Changes announced Tuesday put groups at the centre of the experience and add dating, friend-making and events features intended to promote people getting together in real life, Facebook's new app head Fidji Simo told AFP ahead of F8. The redesign is meant to make it easier for users to take part in communities, whether based on friendships, family ties or common interests, according to Simo. "It's definitely part of Mark's bigger vision," she said. The new design gives users more options for private and group connections. While counterintuitive, Facebook sees the change as potentially bringing people with opposing political viewpoints together rather than separating them in "filter bubbles." "We are seeing that groups can bridge people across dividing lines," Simo said. "If you are a dog lover, you will find people who are dog lovers across all divides, political or otherwise," she added. A "Meet New Friends" feature being gradually rolled out will let users opt into getting acquainted with others interested in fresh connections in shared communities. An "Events" tab will expedite making real world, local plans with online friends. Hidden crushes Facebook also announced it is expanding its dating feature to 14 more countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Brazil and Chile. A new feature called "Secret Crush" will let people signal which friends they are interested in romantically, but only letting the object of their fancy know it if that person makes similar interest known on a private crush list. "We think there is a lot of potential in developing these relationships," Simo said. "It's all built with privacy in mind, and with the goal of building meaningfully long-term relationships and not just hookups." The ability for people in small groups to be able to communicate securely and privately is seen as essential to making the social network more intimate. There are tens of millions of active groups on Facebook, and more than 400 million people belong to groups at the social network. Leaner, faster Messenger Separately, Facebook unveiled a Messenger app overhaul that makes the mobile software leaner, faster and more of an energy miser. "We rewrote practically all of the code from scratch," Facebook head of messaging product Stan Chudnovsky told AFP. "We made Messenger the fastest private communication hub on the planet." Features built into the new Messenger app used by some 1.3 billion people build on the social network's broader vision of small-group-sharing in "virtual living rooms," according to Chudnovsky. Facebook also announced it's Portal video call device would be available internationally starting with Canada in June and Europe later this year, and would allow calls over the WhatsApp messaging platform. The Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest headsets, starting at $399, will begin shipping on May 21, expanding Facebook's move into virtual reality and gaming, the company said.

Got a crush on another Facebook user? The social network will help you connect

A news report Friday said many smartphone apps were sending highly personal information such as menstrual cycles and body weight to Facebook, without notifying users.

The Wall Street Journal report based on its own in-house tests showed that intimate data could be shared with Facebook using a tool designed to help target ads, even if app users were not members of the leading social network.

Information collected by apps included personal details regarding body weight, pregnancy status, ovulation, and home shopping, according to the Journal.

Facebook said data sharing across apps on iPhones or Android-powered devices is standard industry practice when it comes to how mobile advertising works.

Facebook spokeswoman Nissa Anklesaria said in response to an AFP inquiry: "We require app developers to be clear with their users about the information they are sharing with us, and we prohibit app developers from sending us sensitive data."

She added, "We also take steps to detect and remove data that should not be shared with us."

The Journal reported that its testing showed at least 11 popular apps that had, overall, been downloaded tens of millions of times share user information, often without disclosing the practice prominently or directly.

According to the report, California-based Facebook said that some of the shared data pinpointed appeared to violate business terms that direct app makers not to send the social network health, financial "or other categories of sensitive information."

App developers identified in the report were to get word from Facebook to stop sending data deemed sensitive, according to the Journal.

A news report Friday said many smartphone apps were sending highly personal information such as menstrual cycles and body weight to Facebook, without notifying users.

A news report Friday said many smartphone apps were sending highly personal information such as menstrual cycles and body weight to Facebook, without notifying users. The Wall Street Journal report based on its own in-house tests showed that intimate data could be shared with Facebook using a tool designed to help target ads, even if app users were not members of the leading social network. Information collected by apps included personal details regarding body weight, pregnancy status, ovulation, and home shopping, according to the Journal. Facebook said data sharing across apps on iPhones or Android-powered devices is standard industry practice when it comes to how mobile advertising works. Facebook spokeswoman Nissa Anklesaria said in response to an AFP inquiry: "We require app developers to be clear with their users about the information they are sharing with us, and we prohibit app developers from sending us sensitive data." She added, "We also take steps to detect and remove data that should not be shared with us." The Journal reported that its testing showed at least 11 popular apps that had, overall, been downloaded tens of millions of times share user information, often without disclosing the practice prominently or directly. According to the report, California-based Facebook said that some of the shared data pinpointed appeared to violate business terms that direct app makers not to send the social network health, financial "or other categories of sensitive information." App developers identified in the report were to get word from Facebook to stop sending data deemed sensitive, according to the Journal.

Smartphone apps send intimate user data to Facebook: Report

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey.

The Microsoft survey, covering 22 countries and coming a few months ahead of the general elections, shows that as many as 64 per cent of the Indians surveyed has encountered fake news as against the global average of 57 per cent.

The country is ahead of the global average on Internet hoaxes with 54 per cent of those surveyed reporting so and also instances of phishing or spoofing at 42 per cent, Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday.

Interestingly, the survey finds that there have been a sharp 9 percentage points increase in family and friends spreading online risks to 29 per cent.

"Social circles became riskier in India," the survey said, adding the jump to 29 per cent has taken the country a little over the global average.

Indians are also higher than the global average when it comes to reporting of severe pain from online risks, with 52 per cent saying so as against the global average of 28 per cent.

In what only complicates the matter, the country saw increased consequences from risks and little positive action taken following an online risk exposure, the survey said.

"Indians match the worldwide trend for consequences and were more likely to say that they were stressed and lost sleep in the latest year versus the previous year's study," the survey said.

India also showed a drop in positive actions taken following online risk exposure and are less likely to pause before replying to someone whom they disagreed with online.

Millennials and teenagers are the hardest hit by online risks and also sought help online, it said.

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey.

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey. The Microsoft survey, covering 22 countries and coming a few months ahead of the general elections, shows that as many as 64 per cent of the Indians surveyed has encountered fake news as against the global average of 57 per cent. The country is ahead of the global average on Internet hoaxes with 54 per cent of those surveyed reporting so and also instances of phishing or spoofing at 42 per cent, Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday. Interestingly, the survey finds that there have been a sharp 9 percentage points increase in family and friends spreading online risks to 29 per cent. "Social circles became riskier in India," the survey said, adding the jump to 29 per cent has taken the country a little over the global average. Indians are also higher than the global average when it comes to reporting of severe pain from online risks, with 52 per cent saying so as against the global average of 28 per cent. In what only complicates the matter, the country saw increased consequences from risks and little positive action taken following an online risk exposure, the survey said. "Indians match the worldwide trend for consequences and were more likely to say that they were stressed and lost sleep in the latest year versus the previous year's study," the survey said. India also showed a drop in positive actions taken following online risk exposure and are less likely to pause before replying to someone whom they disagreed with online. Millennials and teenagers are the hardest hit by online risks and also sought help online, it said.

India topping fake news menace globally, may increase ahead of general elections: Microsoft survey

Facebook on Wednesday said it considered charging application makers to access data at the social network.

Such a move would have been a major shift away from the policy of not selling Facebook members' information, which the social network has stressed in the face of criticism alleging it is more interested in making money than protecting privacy.

"To be clear, Facebook has never sold anyone's data," director of developer platforms and programs Konstantinos Papamiltiadis said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"Our APIs have always been free of charge and we have never required developers to pay for using them, either directly or by buying advertising."

The Wall Street Journal reported that internal emails indicating that Facebook mulled charging companies for access to user data were referred to in a lawsuit filed against the social network in 2015 by Six4Three, creator of a failed app called "Pikinis."

The application enabled users to find Facebook pictures of people in bathing suits, taking advantage of an API feature that let apps access the data of social network users as well as their friends.

The suit accuses Facebook of abusing its power over user data. Most of the documents filed in the case have been sealed by a California judge at Facebook's request.

Some emails indicated Facebook employees discussed providing increased access of user information to advertisers in return for spending more money on the social network, according to the WSJ.

"The documents Six4Three gathered for this baseless case are only part of the story and are presented in a way that is very misleading without additional context," Papamiltiadis said.

Cambridge Analytica

Facebook early on adopted a practice of letting developers use APIs (application programming interfaces) to plug into the social network for free and connect to user data to enhance the online gathering place with games, services and more.

Facebook went public on the stock market in early 2012, and subsequently considered ways it might be able to increase revenue, opting not to charge developers for access to the social network.

Facebook in August said it has suspended more than 400 out of thousands of applications it has investigated to determine whether people's personal information was being improperly shared.

Applications were suspended "due to concerns around the developers who built them or how the information people chose to share with the app may have been used," according to a blog post.

Facebook contended that the suit by Six4Three is aimed at compelling the social network to provide the kind of access to friends' data that was taken advantage of in the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal.

Facebook admitted that up to 87 million users may have had their data hijacked by Cambridge Analytica, which was working for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Facebook has modified app data sharing policies since the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

"We stand by the platform changes we made in 2015 to stop a person from sharing their friends' data with developers," Papamiltiadis said.

Facebook on Wednesday said it considered charging application makers to access data at the social network. Such a move would have been a major shift away from the policy of not selling Facebook members' information, which the social network has stressed in the face of criticism alleging it is more interested in making money than protecting privacy.

Facebook on Wednesday said it considered charging application makers to access data at the social network. Such a move would have been a major shift away from the policy of not selling Facebook members' information, which the social network has stressed in the face of criticism alleging it is more interested in making money than protecting privacy. "To be clear, Facebook has never sold anyone's data," director of developer platforms and programs Konstantinos Papamiltiadis said in response to an AFP inquiry. "Our APIs have always been free of charge and we have never required developers to pay for using them, either directly or by buying advertising." The Wall Street Journal reported that internal emails indicating that Facebook mulled charging companies for access to user data were referred to in a lawsuit filed against the social network in 2015 by Six4Three, creator of a failed app called "Pikinis." The application enabled users to find Facebook pictures of people in bathing suits, taking advantage of an API feature that let apps access the data of social network users as well as their friends. The suit accuses Facebook of abusing its power over user data. Most of the documents filed in the case have been sealed by a California judge at Facebook's request. Some emails indicated Facebook employees discussed providing increased access of user information to advertisers in return for spending more money on the social network, according to the WSJ. "The documents Six4Three gathered for this baseless case are only part of the story and are presented in a way that is very misleading without additional context," Papamiltiadis said. Cambridge Analytica Facebook early on adopted a practice of letting developers use APIs (application programming interfaces) to plug into the social network for free and connect to user data to enhance the online gathering place with games, services and more. Facebook went public on the stock market in early 2012, and subsequently considered ways it might be able to increase revenue, opting not to charge developers for access to the social network. Facebook in August said it has suspended more than 400 out of thousands of applications it has investigated to determine whether people's personal information was being improperly shared. Applications were suspended "due to concerns around the developers who built them or how the information people chose to share with the app may have been used," according to a blog post. Facebook contended that the suit by Six4Three is aimed at compelling the social network to provide the kind of access to friends' data that was taken advantage of in the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. Facebook admitted that up to 87 million users may have had their data hijacked by Cambridge Analytica, which was working for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Facebook has modified app data sharing policies since the Cambridge Analytica scandal. "We stand by the platform changes we made in 2015 to stop a person from sharing their friends' data with developers," Papamiltiadis said.

Facebook mulled charging for access to user data

In the latest blow, Facebook is now expected to be fined a whopping US $1.6 billion by the European Union (EU) privacy watchdog due to the latest data breach which exposed the private information of at least 50 million users, reports said.&nbsp;

The latest data breach is said to have violated the EU's new privacy law called the General Data Protection Regulation, which came into effect in May.&nbsp;The new law by the EU aims to safeguard users data for people within the European Union.&nbsp;

The breach was discovered on Friday and Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DCI), Facebook's lead regulator in Europe, has asked the social network to reveal more information about the hack including information on EU users that were impacted.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DPCIreland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DPCIreland</a> is awaiting from Facebook further urgent details of the security breach impacting some 50m users, including details of EU users which have been affected, so that we can properly assess the nature of the breach and risk to users. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dataprotection?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GDPR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GDPR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eudatap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eudatap</a> <a href="https://t.co/3oM3BSaSBS">https://t.co/3oM3BSaSBS</a>
— Data Protection Commission Ireland (@DPCIreland) <a href="https://twitter.com/DPCIreland/status/1046417378236608512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the biggest-ever security breach after Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook on Friday admitted hackers broke into nearly 50 million users' accounts by stealing their "access tokens" or digital keys.

This allowed them to steal Facebook access tokens which they could then use to take over people's accounts.

The hackers also gained access to personal information from third-party apps and services, like Tinder, Spotify, Airbnb, and Instagram, which allow users to sign up using their Facebook login.

According to Facebook, users’ passwords were not revealed in the data breach, though impacted accounts did have to re-log into the social network on Friday. &nbsp;

Senator Mark R. Warner has also called for a full probe into the incident.

&nbsp;

In the latest blow, Facebook is now expected to be fined a whopping US $1.6 billion by the European Union (EU) privacy watchdog due to the latest data breach which exposed the private information of at least 50 million users, reports said.

In the latest blow, Facebook is now expected to be fined a whopping US $1.6 billion by the European Union (EU) privacy watchdog due to the latest data breach which exposed the private information of at least 50 million users, reports said. The latest data breach is said to have violated the EU's new privacy law called the General Data Protection Regulation, which came into effect in May. The new law by the EU aims to safeguard users data for people within the European Union. The breach was discovered on Friday and Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DCI), Facebook's lead regulator in Europe, has asked the social network to reveal more information about the hack including information on EU users that were impacted. .@DPCIreland is awaiting from Facebook further urgent details of the security breach impacting some 50m users, including details of EU users which have been affected, so that we can properly assess the nature of the breach and risk to users. #dataprotection #GDPR #eudatap https://t.co/3oM3BSaSBS — Data Protection Commission Ireland (@DPCIreland) September 30, 2018 × In the biggest-ever security breach after Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook on Friday admitted hackers broke into nearly 50 million users' accounts by stealing their "access tokens" or digital keys. This allowed them to steal Facebook access tokens which they could then use to take over people's accounts. The hackers also gained access to personal information from third-party apps and services, like Tinder, Spotify, Airbnb, and Instagram, which allow users to sign up using their Facebook login. According to Facebook, users’ passwords were not revealed in the data breach, though impacted accounts did have to re-log into the social network on Friday. Senator Mark R. Warner has also called for a full probe into the incident.

Facebook to be fined $1.6 billion over latest EU data breach 

Facebook Inc said on Wednesday it would end its partnerships with several large data brokers who help advertisers target people on the social network, a step that follows a scandal over how Facebook handles personal information.

The world's largest social media company is under pressure to improve its handling of data after disclosing that information about 50 million Facebook users wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook adjusted the privacy settings on its service on Wednesday, giving users control over their personal information in fewer taps.

Facebook has for years given advertisers the option of targeting their ads based on data collected by companies such as Acxiom Corp and Experian PLC.

The tool has been widely used among certain categories of advertisers - such as automakers, luxury goods producers and consumer packaged goods companies - who do not sell directly to consumers and have relatively little information about who their customers are, according to Facebook.

"While this is common industry practice, we believe this step, winding down over the next six months, will help improve people`s privacy on Facebook," Graham Mudd, a Facebook product marketing director, said in a statement.

Shares in Acxiom traded down more than 10 percent to $25 after Facebook`s announcement after the bell. Shares in other data brokers were largely unchanged. A representative for Acxiom could not immediately be reached for comment.

Facebook declined to comment on how the change could affect its ad revenue.

Advertisers would still be able to use third-party data services to measure how well their ads performed by examining purchasing data, Facebook said.

Facebook`s website lists nine third-party data providers that it has worked with, including Acxiom, Experian, Oracle Data Cloud , TransUnion and WPP PLC .

None of the companies could immediately be reached for comment.

Facebook on Wednesday also put all its privacy settings on one page and made it easier to stop third-party apps from using personal information. Privacy settings had previously been spread over at least 20 screens, Facebook said.

Facebook said in a blog post it had been working on the updates for some time but sped things up to appease users` anger over how the company uses data and as lawmakers around the globe call for regulation.

Facebook`s shares closed up 0.5 percent at $153.03 on Wednesday. They are still down more than 17 percent since March 16, when Facebook first acknowledged that user data had been improperly channelled in 2014 via a third-party app to Cambridge Analytica, which was later hired by Donald Trump`s 2016 presidential campaign.

The data leak has raised investor concerns that any failure by big tech companies to protect privacy could deter advertisers, who are Facebook`s lifeblood and lead to tougher regulation.

SCRUTINY FROM LAWMAKERS

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly apologised for the mistakes the company made and has promised to crack down on abuse of the Facebook platform and restrict developers` access to user information.

There is a new Facebook page - called Access Your Information - where users can see what they have shared and manage it.

"The biggest difference is ease of access in settings, which fulfils Mark Zuckerberg`s promise to make the privacy process and permissions more transparent to users," Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said.

It was uncertain whether the changes will satisfy lawmakers.

They have announced ahead of a stringent European Union data law which comes into force in May. It requires companies to give people a "right to portability" - to take their data with them - and imposes fines of up to 4 percent of global revenue for companies breaking the law.

Lawmakers in the United States and Britain are still clamouring for Zuckerberg himself to explain how users` data ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica.

He plans to testify before Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday. Facebook has said it has received invitations to testify and that it is talking to legislators.

Zuckerberg and the CEOs of Alphabet Inc and Twitter Inc have been invited to testify at an April 10 hearing on data privacy. The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and U.S. Senate Commerce Committee have also asked Zuckerberg to appear at a hearing.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into Facebook, and attorneys representing 37 states are also pressing Zuckerberg to explain what happened.

Facebook adjusted the privacy settings on its service on Wednesday, giving users control over their personal information in fewer taps.

Facebook Inc said on Wednesday it would end its partnerships with several large data brokers who help advertisers target people on the social network, a step that follows a scandal over how Facebook handles personal information. The world's largest social media company is under pressure to improve its handling of data after disclosing that information about 50 million Facebook users wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. Facebook adjusted the privacy settings on its service on Wednesday, giving users control over their personal information in fewer taps. Facebook has for years given advertisers the option of targeting their ads based on data collected by companies such as Acxiom Corp and Experian PLC. The tool has been widely used among certain categories of advertisers - such as automakers, luxury goods producers and consumer packaged goods companies - who do not sell directly to consumers and have relatively little information about who their customers are, according to Facebook. "While this is common industry practice, we believe this step, winding down over the next six months, will help improve people`s privacy on Facebook," Graham Mudd, a Facebook product marketing director, said in a statement. Shares in Acxiom traded down more than 10 percent to $25 after Facebook`s announcement after the bell. Shares in other data brokers were largely unchanged. A representative for Acxiom could not immediately be reached for comment. Facebook declined to comment on how the change could affect its ad revenue. Advertisers would still be able to use third-party data services to measure how well their ads performed by examining purchasing data, Facebook said. Facebook`s website lists nine third-party data providers that it has worked with, including Acxiom, Experian, Oracle Data Cloud , TransUnion and WPP PLC . None of the companies could immediately be reached for comment. Facebook on Wednesday also put all its privacy settings on one page and made it easier to stop third-party apps from using personal information. Privacy settings had previously been spread over at least 20 screens, Facebook said. Facebook said in a blog post it had been working on the updates for some time but sped things up to appease users` anger over how the company uses data and as lawmakers around the globe call for regulation. Facebook`s shares closed up 0.5 percent at $153.03 on Wednesday. They are still down more than 17 percent since March 16, when Facebook first acknowledged that user data had been improperly channelled in 2014 via a third-party app to Cambridge Analytica, which was later hired by Donald Trump`s 2016 presidential campaign. The data leak has raised investor concerns that any failure by big tech companies to protect privacy could deter advertisers, who are Facebook`s lifeblood and lead to tougher regulation. SCRUTINY FROM LAWMAKERS Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly apologised for the mistakes the company made and has promised to crack down on abuse of the Facebook platform and restrict developers` access to user information. There is a new Facebook page - called Access Your Information - where users can see what they have shared and manage it. "The biggest difference is ease of access in settings, which fulfils Mark Zuckerberg`s promise to make the privacy process and permissions more transparent to users," Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said. It was uncertain whether the changes will satisfy lawmakers. They have announced ahead of a stringent European Union data law which comes into force in May. It requires companies to give people a "right to portability" - to take their data with them - and imposes fines of up to 4 percent of global revenue for companies breaking the law. Lawmakers in the United States and Britain are still clamouring for Zuckerberg himself to explain how users` data ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica. He plans to testify before Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday. Facebook has said it has received invitations to testify and that it is talking to legislators. Zuckerberg and the CEOs of Alphabet Inc and Twitter Inc have been invited to testify at an April 10 hearing on data privacy. The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and U.S. Senate Commerce Committee have also asked Zuckerberg to appear at a hearing. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into Facebook, and attorneys representing 37 states are also pressing Zuckerberg to explain what happened.

Facebook cuts ties to data brokers in blow to targeted ads

Facebook&#39;s Instagram has updated its camera tool with quirky face-tracking filters, adding another feature similar to that offered by social media rival Snapchat.

Instagram users will now be able to choose from a range of filters including koala ears that move and twitch as well as math equations that spin to create humorous effects.

Other new features include a rewind mode for videos, which will allow users to play video in reverse, and hashtag stickers to visit hashtag pages.

Facebook has been amping up its camera tool to take on Snapchat&#39;s features such as disappearing messages and face-tracking filters, which are hugely popular among its teenage and millennial users.

The world&#39;s largest social media network has already added several Snapchat-like features such as Stories, which allows users to upload pictures and video slideshows that disappear after 24 hours.

Instagram said in April, over 200 million people used Stories daily. Snap, in its first earnings report as a listed company, said it had 166 million daily active users as of March 31.

Snap&#39;s shares have been on a roller-coaster ride since their market debut on March 1. The stock plunged about 23 per cent last week after the company posted disappointing quarterly results.

However, it recouped some of those losses after several institutional investors including George Soros and Daniel Loeb disclosed stakes in the company.

(Reuters)

Facebook has been amping up its camera tool to take on Snapchat's features which are hugely popular among its teenage and millennial users

Facebook's Instagram has updated its camera tool with quirky face-tracking filters, adding another feature similar to that offered by social media rival Snapchat. Instagram users will now be able to choose from a range of filters including koala ears that move and twitch as well as math equations that spin to create humorous effects. Other new features include a rewind mode for videos, which will allow users to play video in reverse, and hashtag stickers to visit hashtag pages. Facebook has been amping up its camera tool to take on Snapchat's features such as disappearing messages and face-tracking filters, which are hugely popular among its teenage and millennial users. The world's largest social media network has already added several Snapchat-like features such as Stories, which allows users to upload pictures and video slideshows that disappear after 24 hours. Instagram said in April, over 200 million people used Stories daily. Snap, in its first earnings report as a listed company, said it had 166 million daily active users as of March 31. Snap's shares have been on a roller-coaster ride since their market debut on March 1. The stock plunged about 23 per cent last week after the company posted disappointing quarterly results. However, it recouped some of those losses after several institutional investors including George Soros and Daniel Loeb disclosed stakes in the company. (Reuters)

Facebook adds Snapchat-like camera filters to Instagram

Instagram has announced new features that will give users more control over comments.

After offering users the ability to filter comments based on keywords, the company is now letting them turn off comments on their posts.

&ldquo;Sometimes there may be moments when you want to let your post stand on its own. Previously this was only available for a small number of accounts. In a few weeks, it will be available for everyone,&rdquo; said Instagram in a blog post.

To access this new feature, users need to tap &ldquo;Advanced Settings&rdquo; before they post and select &ldquo;Turn Off Commenting.&rdquo; Alternatively, users can also tap the vertical three-dot button any time after posting to turn commenting back on.

Also, the company will soon allow users to like comments by tapping a heart icon next to any comment.

Besides, the company is giving users a new way to control the Instagram account. As the company explains, some people on Instagram choose to have private accounts, which means they approve each follower. In the past, once the user approved a follower, there was no simple way to undo that decision without blocking them.

But now, if the user has set an account to private, he can remove followers. The person who is removed from the list of followers, however, will not be notified about it.

(WION)

&nbsp;

Here is how you can now turn off comments on your Instagram posts

Instagram has announced new features that will give users more control over comments. After offering users the ability to filter comments based on keywords, the company is now letting them turn off comments on their posts. “Sometimes there may be moments when you want to let your post stand on its own. Previously this was only available for a small number of accounts. In a few weeks, it will be available for everyone,” said Instagram in a blog post. To access this new feature, users need to tap “Advanced Settings” before they post and select “Turn Off Commenting.” Alternatively, users can also tap the vertical three-dot button any time after posting to turn commenting back on. Also, the company will soon allow users to like comments by tapping a heart icon next to any comment. Besides, the company is giving users a new way to control the Instagram account. As the company explains, some people on Instagram choose to have private accounts, which means they approve each follower. In the past, once the user approved a follower, there was no simple way to undo that decision without blocking them. But now, if the user has set an account to private, he can remove followers. The person who is removed from the list of followers, however, will not be notified about it. (WION)

Instagram now gives users more control over comments

After facing withering criticism for failing to stem a flood of phony news articles in the run-up to the US presidential election, Facebook is apparently now asking users to rate the title of news stories appearing on the social network.

A few users on Twitter posted screenshots of the survey that Facebook is seemingly conducting to ascertain the authenticity of stories.

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Facebook is asking whether this <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyInquirer">@PhillyInquirer</a> headline is fake? <a href="https://t.co/cCUpwtvQlS">pic.twitter.com/cCUpwtvQlS</a>
&mdash; Chris Krewson (@ckrewson) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckrewson/status/805892298051612672">December 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A Facebook survey to see how accurate a Rolling Stone headline is. Pizzagate shows that information on social media fucking matters. <a href="https://t.co/i4PIsbFhYF">pic.twitter.com/i4PIsbFhYF</a>
&mdash; Jorge (@iamjorgecamargo) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamjorgecamargo/status/805889930526359555">December 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The move appears to be aimed at weeding out hoaxes and other types of false information. Facebook, however, is yet to official announce as to what all it plans to do with the survey results.

Facebook&rsquo;s new survey comes close on the heels of Zuckerberg&rsquo;s recent statement wherein he said that the company had been working on the issue of misinformation for a long time, thereby calling the problem complex both technically and philosophically.

&quot;While the percentage of misinformation is relatively small, we have much more work ahead on our roadmap,&quot; Zuckerberg had said.

He had also made it clear that Facebook would make it easier to report false content, work with third-party verification organisations and journalists on fact-checking efforts, and explore posting warning labels on content flagged as false by users.

(WION)

Facebook has been facing withering criticism for failing to stem a flood of phony news articles

After facing withering criticism for failing to stem a flood of phony news articles in the run-up to the US presidential election, Facebook is apparently now asking users to rate the title of news stories appearing on the social network. A few users on Twitter posted screenshots of the survey that Facebook is seemingly conducting to ascertain the authenticity of stories. Facebook is asking whether this @PhillyInquirer headline is fake? pic.twitter.com/cCUpwtvQlS — Chris Krewson (@ckrewson) December 5, 2016 × A Facebook survey to see how accurate a Rolling Stone headline is. Pizzagate shows that information on social media fucking matters. pic.twitter.com/i4PIsbFhYF — Jorge (@iamjorgecamargo) December 5, 2016 × The move appears to be aimed at weeding out hoaxes and other types of false information. Facebook, however, is yet to official announce as to what all it plans to do with the survey results. Facebook’s new survey comes close on the heels of Zuckerberg’s recent statement wherein he said that the company had been working on the issue of misinformation for a long time, thereby calling the problem complex both technically and philosophically. "While the percentage of misinformation is relatively small, we have much more work ahead on our roadmap," Zuckerberg had said. He had also made it clear that Facebook would make it easier to report false content, work with third-party verification organisations and journalists on fact-checking efforts, and explore posting warning labels on content flagged as false by users. (WION)

Facebook asks users to rate and flag misleading story titles

Instagram on Tuesday said it will start testing features that let smartphone or tablet users easily buy items they find on the popular photo and video sharing service.

The test slated to begin next week in the US will be tailored for Instagram applications on Apple mobile devices, according to a blog post by the Facebook-owned service.

The move will build on a strategy by the world&#39;s leading online social network to connect shoppers and shops, earning revenue from purchases.

&quot;Mobile has changed the way people shop,&quot; Instagram said in the blog post

&quot;We&#39;re excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram.&quot;

Instagram cited industry statistics indicating that smartphone purchases are commonly used in the US to browse or research options regarding potential purchases.

Twenty US retailers including Kate Spade and JackThreads will take part in the Instagram e-commerce test, sharing posts that provide more information along with &quot;Shop Now&quot; icons for streamlined purchasing, according to the blog post.

&quot;This test is going to change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile,&quot; JackThreads chief marketing officer Ryan McIntyre said in the post.

&quot;Our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds -- allowing us to reach guys where they&rsquo;re already hunting for what&rsquo;s new.&quot;

Rival firm Pinterest last year dove into e-commerce with &quot;pins&quot; that let people buy items they like at the popular online bulletin board.

Pinterest became a hit, particularly among women, by giving people virtual bulletin boards that they can decorate with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, to fashion or travel.

(AFP)

Instagram cited industry statistics indicating that smartphone purchases are commonly used in the US to browse or research options

Instagram on Tuesday said it will start testing features that let smartphone or tablet users easily buy items they find on the popular photo and video sharing service. The test slated to begin next week in the US will be tailored for Instagram applications on Apple mobile devices, according to a blog post by the Facebook-owned service. The move will build on a strategy by the world's leading online social network to connect shoppers and shops, earning revenue from purchases. "Mobile has changed the way people shop," Instagram said in the blog post "We're excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram." Instagram cited industry statistics indicating that smartphone purchases are commonly used in the US to browse or research options regarding potential purchases. Twenty US retailers including Kate Spade and JackThreads will take part in the Instagram e-commerce test, sharing posts that provide more information along with "Shop Now" icons for streamlined purchasing, according to the blog post. "This test is going to change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile," JackThreads chief marketing officer Ryan McIntyre said in the post. "Our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds -- allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new." Rival firm Pinterest last year dove into e-commerce with "pins" that let people buy items they like at the popular online bulletin board. Pinterest became a hit, particularly among women, by giving people virtual bulletin boards that they can decorate with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, to fashion or travel. (AFP)

Facebook-owned Instagram getting into shopping

Tech giant Facebook has come up with a new feature that can help nonprofits and charity organisations to raise money for the causes they care about, the company said. 
 
Several months after the social network launched a new &quot;fundraiser&quot; feature for nonprofits to collect donations, Facebook announced it has expanded the tool to individual users. 
 
The tool is now available to 1 per cent of US users, standard for new Facebook products in order to gather feedback and make sure there are not any bugs. But it will roll out to all US users in the coming weeks. 
 
The new fundraisers are the latest feature from Facebook&#39;s Social Good team, which officially launched in September 2015 and is the force behind tools like &#39;Safety Check&#39; and &#39;Amber Alerts&#39;. 
 
Focusing on products aimed at crisis response and charitable giving, the team now hopes to break down barriers and empower people to use the tools it is building. 
 
&quot;We had Facebook fundraising for nonprofits with International Medical Corps in Nepal and then last year... nonprofits could fundraise for themselves,&quot; Naomi Gleit, Vice President of product management for social good at Facebook, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;But the real vision has always been people fundraising for nonprofits,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
The inspiration for the tool came from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral in 2014. Facebook saw people raising money and awareness, but the ALS Association told Facebook that it couldn&#39;t handle the volume of traffic to its website, nor could it accept international currencies. 
 
US users create fundraisers, people around the world donate&nbsp; 
 
Now, users will be able to donate directly through Facebook or start their own campaigns. 
 
Any US-based nonprofit that holds a 501(c)3 status, has a verified Facebook page and agrees to the Facebook Pages Terms can sign up for the programme. 
 
As part of the initial rollout on Thursday, fundraiser creators can choose from nearly 100 charities, such as the Nature Conservancy, Alzheimer&#39;s Association and Oxfam. 
 
&quot;Before we actually disburse funds to them, depending on how much money it is, we will do some more quality control,&quot; Gleit said about the nonprofits overall. 
 
&quot;We just want to make sure there&#39;s no fraud, so there&#39;s an additional layer of vetting,&quot; Gleit added. 
 
While only US users can create fundraisers, people around the world can donate.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

Any US-based nonprofit that holds a 501(c)3 status, has verified Facebook page and agrees to Facebook Pages Terms can sign up for programme

Tech giant Facebook has come up with a new feature that can help nonprofits and charity organisations to raise money for the causes they care about, the company said. Several months after the social network launched a new "fundraiser" feature for nonprofits to collect donations, Facebook announced it has expanded the tool to individual users. The tool is now available to 1 per cent of US users, standard for new Facebook products in order to gather feedback and make sure there are not any bugs. But it will roll out to all US users in the coming weeks. The new fundraisers are the latest feature from Facebook's Social Good team, which officially launched in September 2015 and is the force behind tools like 'Safety Check' and 'Amber Alerts'. Focusing on products aimed at crisis response and charitable giving, the team now hopes to break down barriers and empower people to use the tools it is building. "We had Facebook fundraising for nonprofits with International Medical Corps in Nepal and then last year... nonprofits could fundraise for themselves," Naomi Gleit, Vice President of product management for social good at Facebook, said in a statement. "But the real vision has always been people fundraising for nonprofits," he said. The inspiration for the tool came from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral in 2014. Facebook saw people raising money and awareness, but the ALS Association told Facebook that it couldn't handle the volume of traffic to its website, nor could it accept international currencies. US users create fundraisers, people around the world donate Now, users will be able to donate directly through Facebook or start their own campaigns. Any US-based nonprofit that holds a 501(c)3 status, has a verified Facebook page and agrees to the Facebook Pages Terms can sign up for the programme. As part of the initial rollout on Thursday, fundraiser creators can choose from nearly 100 charities, such as the Nature Conservancy, Alzheimer's Association and Oxfam. "Before we actually disburse funds to them, depending on how much money it is, we will do some more quality control," Gleit said about the nonprofits overall. "We just want to make sure there's no fraud, so there's an additional layer of vetting," Gleit added. While only US users can create fundraisers, people around the world can donate. (PTI)

Facebook's new feature to allow charities to raise money online

Israel&#39;s minister of internal security on Saturday accused Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, of not doing enough to prevent incitement against Israel and said the social network was &quot;sabotaging&quot; Israeli police work. 
 
Israel has in the past said Facebook is used to encourage attacks and the government is drafting legislation to enable it to order Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media to remove online postings it deems incite terrorism. 
 
But the comments made by Gilad Erdan, a cabinet minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s Right-wing coalition that oversees law enforcement, were particularly biting. 
 
He said Zuckerberg was responsible for Facebook policy and called on &quot;the citizens of Israel to flood him in every possible place with the demand to monitor the platform he established and from which he earns billions&quot;. 
 
A spokesman for Facebook in Israel said the company was not commenting on the minister&#39;s assertions. 
 
During an interview on Channel 2 television, Erdan said, &quot;Facebook today, which brought an amazing, positive revolution to the world, sadly, we see this since the rise of Daesh (Islamic State) and the wave of terror, it has simply become a monster.&quot; 
 
&quot;Facebook today sabotages, it should be known, sabotages the work of the Israeli police, because when the Israeli police approach them, and it is regarding a resident of Judea and Samaria, Facebook does not cooperate,&quot; he said, referring to the area of the West Bank. 
 
&quot;It also sets a very high bar for removing inciteful content and posts,&quot; Erdan said. 
 
Since October, Palestinians have killed 34 Israelis and two visiting US citizens in a wave of street attacks, mostly stabbings. Israeli forces have shot dead at least 201 Palestinians, 137 of whom Israel has said were assailants. Others were killed in clashes and protests. 
 
Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation over the collapse of peace talks in 2014 and Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory that Palestinians seek for an independent state. Most countries view the settlements as illegal. Israel disputes this. 
 
Israel says incitement in the Palestinian media and personal problems at home have been important factors that have spurred assailants, often teenagers, to launch attacks. 
 
Tensions over Jewish access to a contested Jerusalem holy site, revered by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and Jews as Temple Mount, have also fuelled the violence. 
 
(Reuters)

Gilad Erdam blamed Mark Zuckerberg for Facebook policy and called on Israeli citizens to demand monitoring of the social network

Israel's minister of internal security on Saturday accused Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, of not doing enough to prevent incitement against Israel and said the social network was "sabotaging" Israeli police work. Israel has in the past said Facebook is used to encourage attacks and the government is drafting legislation to enable it to order Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media to remove online postings it deems incite terrorism. But the comments made by Gilad Erdan, a cabinet minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Right-wing coalition that oversees law enforcement, were particularly biting. He said Zuckerberg was responsible for Facebook policy and called on "the citizens of Israel to flood him in every possible place with the demand to monitor the platform he established and from which he earns billions". A spokesman for Facebook in Israel said the company was not commenting on the minister's assertions. During an interview on Channel 2 television, Erdan said, "Facebook today, which brought an amazing, positive revolution to the world, sadly, we see this since the rise of Daesh (Islamic State) and the wave of terror, it has simply become a monster." "Facebook today sabotages, it should be known, sabotages the work of the Israeli police, because when the Israeli police approach them, and it is regarding a resident of Judea and Samaria, Facebook does not cooperate," he said, referring to the area of the West Bank. "It also sets a very high bar for removing inciteful content and posts," Erdan said. Since October, Palestinians have killed 34 Israelis and two visiting US citizens in a wave of street attacks, mostly stabbings. Israeli forces have shot dead at least 201 Palestinians, 137 of whom Israel has said were assailants. Others were killed in clashes and protests. Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation over the collapse of peace talks in 2014 and Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory that Palestinians seek for an independent state. Most countries view the settlements as illegal. Israel disputes this. Israel says incitement in the Palestinian media and personal problems at home have been important factors that have spurred assailants, often teenagers, to launch attacks. Tensions over Jewish access to a contested Jerusalem holy site, revered by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and Jews as Temple Mount, have also fuelled the violence. (Reuters)

Israel minister terms Facebook 'monster' for hindering security

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