Instagram is adding protections for Teen Accounts, restricting users under 16 from going Live or disabling unwanted image filters in DMs without parental consent. Teen Accounts will also be available on Facebook and Messenger, providing similar safety features. Currently, 97% of teens aged 13-15 keep default restrictions, and 94% of US parents find these accounts helpful. Features include private accounts and content controls to enhance teen safety.
WhatsApp enables users to manage business chats effectively, offering tools for message control, feedback, and opt-in preferences. Users can stop conversations anytime, block businesses, and share feedback on messages. New features like business broadcasts enhance communication, with limits on marketing messages to prevent overload. Businesses must adhere to strict guidelines for messaging, ensuring quality and relevance, with penalties for policy violations.
Instagram is launching a School Partnership Program to help educators report bullying and safety issues directly. Developed with ISTE and ASCD, the program aims to improve teen safety in schools. Instagram Teen Accounts provide parents with tools to ensure safe online experiences for their teens. The program prioritizes reports from schools and offers educational resources. Schools can sign up for the program to enhance their ability to address cyberbullying.
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Meta AI is launching in 41 European countries, including EU nations and overseas territories. The chatbot will support six languages to enhance social experiences for over 700 million users. It will be available for free on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, allowing engagement in group chats. Users can discover relevant content and access information efficiently. Future plans include expanding AI features and personalization globally.
Threads has introduced new features for personalization, including the ability to add up to ten topics to your bio, follower-only replies, and an enhanced video player. Posts with tagged topics attract more views, and prompts for trending topics help users engage their audience. Users can manage interactions by allowing replies only from followers and can customize their feed order. The video player now includes improved controls for easier viewing.
Meta's Llama AI model has surpassed one billion downloads, emphasizing the importance of open sourcing AI for global access. Key users include Spotify, which uses Llama for personalized music recommendations, and startup Fynopsis, which helps small businesses with M&A deals. Developer Srimoyee Mukhopadhyay created an app to uncover local cultural gems in Austin. These applications illustrate the power of open source AI and invite more users to participate.
Meta is testing Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the US, replacing its third-party fact-checking program. This crowd-sourced approach allows diverse contributors to add context to posts, aiming to reduce bias. Initially, notes won't be public as the system is tested. Contributors must meet specific criteria, and notes will have a character limit and require links. The program will gradually roll out, with plans for global expansion.
Meta AI has launched in the Middle East and North Africa, providing millions in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco with access to AI tools in Arabic across popular apps. Users can generate text, images, and animations, with features like simultaneous dubbing and AI image editing coming soon. The launch includes a campaign called 'Elevating Every Moment' featuring regional creators. Meta AI is user-friendly and accessible on any device, enhancing creativity and collaboration.
Meta is intensifying its fight against romance scams on its platforms ahead of Valentine's Day 2025. The company has removed 408,000 fraudulent accounts in 2024 and over 116,000 in 2025. Common scams include military impersonation, celebrity impersonation, and fake matchmaking agencies. New safety features include alerts for suspicious activity, call silencing on WhatsApp, and warnings for teens on Instagram.
