Meta Releases Llama 3.2—and Gives Its AI a Voice
Meta’s AI assistants can now talk and see the world. The company is also releasing the multimodal Llama 3.2, a free model with visual skills. Key Points
WIREDMeta unveils futuristic Orion AR glasses, will let users project digital on real world
Meta Orion is designed to seamlessly blend all digital content with your view of the physical world. It is equipped with AI voice assistance, hand-tracking, eye-tracking, and a wrist-based neural interface that allows users to control functions using brain signals. Key Points
India TodayMeta AI now available on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook in India: How to set it up, how it works
Meta has launched its advanced AI assistant, Meta AI, in India. People who use its Instagram, FaceBook and WhatsApp services will be able to use Meta AI in these apps. The company claims that its Meta AI can help users with everyday tasks, learning, and creative work. Key Points
India TodayCareer growth or work-life balance? Employee compares tenure at Google and Meta, reveals THIS
No one can better tell you about the work-life balance of a company than a former employee, and if he has work experience of eight years in the top two tech giants of the world, i.e. Google and Meta, then you are lucky to have a secret diary to know the work culture of the two. Key Points
mintMeta AI thinks it has a child studying in public school, tells Facebook user it has no dark intentions
Meta AI, while responding to a Facebook user, said that it has a child studying in a New York City public school. When the user asked "What in the Black Mirror is this?", the AI assistant responded that it does not have any dark intentions like the show. Key Points
India Today
WhatsApp testing Meta AI chatbot in India, other markets
With over 500 million WhatsApp users, India is the instant messaging service’s largest market. WhatsApp has said that it is testing its large language... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaMeta to Replace Widely Used Data Tool—and Largely Cut Off Reporter Access
CrowdTangle has been a source for some embarrassing articles about its Facebook and Instagram. The company says its replacement tool is only for academics and nonprofit researchers. Key Points
mintMeta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: Zuckerberg defends Quest's superiority in heated VR showdown
Meta Platforms and Apple clash over the superiority of their VR headsets, with Mark Zuckerberg defending Meta Quest 3's value and superiority over Apple Vision Pro. Zuckerberg highlights key differences like weight, motion blur, and others. Key Points
mintFacebook Messenger has laid off 50 employees, once again says it is all for efficiency
Facebook Messenger has conducted a fresh round of layoffs recently. Around 50 employees have been affected. Key Points
India TodayFacebook & Instagram suffer massive outage; issue seems to be resolved
Meta's Facebook, and Instagram have experienced outages in India, with nearly 15,381 people reporting Facebook outage and over 19,200 on Instagram. Meta Communications Director Andy Stone confirmed the company is working on the issue. Key Points
Economic Times
Instagram may soon let you write messages with help of AI
Meta to introduce experiences with a new class of generative AI features that expand and strengthen the ways people connect with each other.... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaView: Mark Zuckerberg’s 20-year formula for success has expired
For Mark Zuckerberg, the barnstorming success of other parts of Meta Platforms Inc. — the rebranding of the business meant to reflect his vision of the future — means its duds can hide out within the comically cluttered navigation menu on the main Facebook app. Besides, for 20 years, use of the main Facebook service — known as the “blue” app internally — has remained remarkably resilient Key Points
Economic TimesMeta Finally Figures Out How to Sell the Metaverse
Facebook parent’s ad business is booming again, while AI gives better cover to its capital-spending surge. Buybacks and a new dividend don’t hurt either. Key Points
mintMark Zuckerberg’s wealth surges by $28 billion as Meta rallies
International Business News: Mark Zuckerberg's wealth surges by $28 billion as Meta rallies. Meta Platforms Inc is back, and so is Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune. The Facebook co-founder’s net worth surged by $28.1 billion after Meta’s quarterly results far exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, sending its shares up about 20%. Key Points
Times Of IndiaMeta adds $214 billion amid job cuts and dividend pay off
Meta's stock shot up as much as 23% and was last up 21.7%. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Meta Q4 results beat estimates, declares first dividend; shares of Facebook parent spikes over 14%
Meta Platforms said the dividend would be 50 cents per share. It also announced it had authorized an additional $50 billion in share repurchases. Key Points
mintNorway's Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started
The Norwegian data regulator has already fined Meta $7 million. Now it says it’s investigating the company’s new ad-free subscription services. Key Points
WIREDInstagram, Facebook owner Meta to restrict teen content surrounding eating disorders, self-harm and suicid
Meta stated on Tuesday that it will be protecting the accounts of teen users and hiding content that is considered age-inappropriate for the youth and teens. Here's everything to know more. Key Points
Economic TimesEnd-to-End Encrypted Instagram and Messenger Chats: Why It Took Meta 7 Years
Mark Zuckerberg personally promised that the privacy feature would launch by default on Messenger and Instagram chat. WIRED goes behind the scenes of the company’s colossal effort to get it right. Key Points
WIREDNorway's Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started
The Norwegian data regulator has already fined Meta $7 million. Now it says it’s investigating the company’s new ad-free subscription services. Key Points
WIRED
A ‘Recipe for Disaster’: Insiders Warned Meta’s Privacy Push Would Shield Child Predators
The company’s own child-safety experts sounded the alarm about efforts to encrypt messages on Instagram and Facebook. This month, it started doing it anyway. Key Points
mintEnd-to-End Encrypted Instagram and Messenger Chats: Why It Took Meta 7 Years
Mark Zuckerberg personally promised that the privacy feature would launch by default on Messenger and Instagram chat. WIRED goes behind the scenes of the company’s colossal effort to get it right. Key Points
WIREDMeta reimagine: An AI tool to generate images from text prompts in Facebook, Instagram group chats
Meta has rolled out a new AI feature, Reimagine, for Instagram and Facebook chats. The feature enable users to create AI-generated images from text prompts. Key Points
India TodayFinally! Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Messenger call and messages will now be end-to-end encrypted by default
In a significant move towards bolstering user privacy, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Wednesday that Messenger calls and messages will now be end-to-end encrypted by default. Here is what we know. Key Points
India TodaySpanish media association files $598 mln lawsuit against Facebook owner Meta
A group representing 83 Spanish media outlets on Monday said it has filed a 550 million euro ($598 million) lawsuit against Facebook owner Meta Platforms (META.O), citing unfair competition in the advertising market. Key Points
Reuters
TikTok and Meta challenge Europe’s new rules that crack down on digital giants
The Digital Markets Act aims at giving users more choices and threatening big penalties if they don’t comply. TikTok and Facebook owner Meta are filing legal challenges against new European Union rules designed to counter the dominance of digital giants and make online competition fairer by giving consumers more choice. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaNorway's Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started
The Norwegian data regulator has already fined Meta $7 million. Now it says it’s investigating the company’s new ad-free subscription services. Key Points
WIREDMeta says it will appeal US judge's ruling in privacy fight with FTC
Meta Platforms (META.O), which owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, said on Tuesday it would appeal a judge's ruling that a U.S. regulator can seek to reduce the amount of money the social media company makes from users under 18. Key Points
ReutersExclusive: Meta Platforms' paid ad-free service targeted in Austrian privacy complaint
Meta Platforms' (META.O) paid no-ads subscription service launched in Europe this month faced one of its biggest tests as advocacy group NOYB on Tuesday filed a complaint with an Austrian regulator, saying that it amounted to paying a fee to ensure privacy. Key Points
ReutersExclusive: Meta's head of augmented reality software stepping down
Meta's (META.O) head of augmented reality software is stepping down from his role, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Friday, raising questions about the company's progress in developing a custom operating system for its planned AR glasses. Key Points
Reuters
TikTok and Meta challenge Europe’s new rules that crack down on digital giants
The Digital Markets Act aims at giving users more choices and threatening big penalties if they don’t comply. TikTok and Facebook owner Meta are filing legal challenges against new European Union rules designed to counter the dominance of digital giants and make online competition fairer by giving consumers more choice. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaNorway's Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started
The Norwegian data regulator has already fined Meta $7 million. Now it says it’s investigating the company’s new ad-free subscription services. Key Points
WIREDSenators demand documents from Meta on social media harm to children
A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has written to Meta Platforms (META.O) CEO Mark Zuckerberg demanding documents about its research into the harm to children from its social media platforms. Key Points
ReutersMeta to require disclosures for AI-created, altered political ads
Meta Platforms (META.O) on Wednesday said come 2024, advertisers will have to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) or other digital methods are used to alter or create political, social or election related advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. Key Points
ReutersExclusive: Meta to bar political advertisers from using generative AI ads tools
Facebook owner Meta (META.O) is barring political advertisers from using its new generative AI advertising products, a company spokesperson said on Monday, cutting off campaigns' access to tools that lawmakers have warned could turbo-charge the spread of election misinformation. Key Points
Reuters
Facebook Finally Puts a Price on Privacy: It’s $10 a Month
Meta is about to roll out ad-free subscriptions on Instagram and Facebook. But critics say privacy should not be turned into a luxury. Key Points
WIREDWhy an Indian-origin engineer left a Rs 6.5 crore job at Meta
Dedicated Meta engineer of Indian origin resigns after a five-year stint, despite a whopping 6.5 crore annual package. Key Points
India TodayMeta faces legal action from over 30 US States ; Check out why
The states argue that Meta encourages young people to spend excessive time on social media, despite knowing that teenage brains are particularly susceptible to seeking approval through likes from other users. The lawsuit also alleges that Meta has publicly denied the harm that its social media platforms can cause. Key Points
Economic TimesMeta India’s gross ad revenue swells 13% to Rs 18,300 crore in FY23
Meta's India arm earns ad revenue by selling ad inventory on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Along with Google, Meta has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the shift in ad spending from traditional platforms to digital. Key Points
Economic TimesMeta, US government spar in court over toughened privacy order
Lawyers for Meta (META.O), which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and the U.S. government tangled on Tuesday over the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's plan to toughen a 2019 privacy order. Key Points
Reuters/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/SG75DZWFDVLRBJ6VLJXZD3VF6M.jpg)
Mediation collapses between Meta and Kenyan moderators, rights group says
Settlement talks have collapsed between Facebook's parent company Meta (META.O) and Kenyan content moderators over a lawsuit alleging unfair dismissal, a tech rights group working with the moderators said on Monday. Key Points
ReutersMeta takes steps to remove Hamas-related disinformation
Meta (META.O) said on Friday it was taking steps including removing praise and substantive support for Hamas from its platforms after the European Union reprimanded social media companies for not doing enough to tackle disinformation. Key Points
ReutersMeta starts rolling out generative AI tools for all advertisers
Social media giant Meta Platforms (META.O) said on Wednesday that it has started rolling out generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can create content like image backgrounds and variations of written text for all advertisers. Key Points
ReutersExclusive: Meta to lay off employees in metaverse silicon unit on Wednesday
Meta (META.O) is planning to lay off employees on Wednesday in the unit of its metaverse-oriented Reality Labs division focused on creating custom silicon, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. Key Points
ReutersTikTok testing out advert-free monthly subscription
The video sharing site is looking into charging a fee of around $4.99 to get rid of ads. Key Points
BBC News
Meta looks at $14 monthly plan for ad-free Instagram, Facebook in EU, reports WSJ
Under the plan, Meta would charge roughly 10 euros ($10.46) a month on a desktop for a Facebook or Instagram account. Key Points
ThePrintMeta's new AI chatbot trained on public Facebook and Instagram posts
Meta Platforms (META.O) used public Facebook and Instagram posts to train its new Meta AI virtual assistant, but excluded private posts shared only with family and friends in an effort to respect consumers' privacy, the company's top policy executive told Reuters in an interview. Key Points
ReutersNorway asks EU regulator to fine Facebook owner Meta over privacy breach
Norway's data regulator will refer the fine it has imposed on Meta Platforms (META.O) to the European data authority, it said on Thursday, a move that could make the fine permanent and widen it to the European Union. Key Points
ReutersMeta unveils smart glasses that can livestream what you see, says its AI chatbot will come to WhatsApp soon
Meta finally introduced its own AI assistant along with smart glasses that can livestream what you see during its Connect launch event. And the company’s AI assistant, called Meta AI, will be available on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook soon. Key Points
India TodayMeta Connect: All the details on Quest 3, Ray-Ban smart glasses, AI chatbots
Meta Platforms (META.O) unveiled artificial intelligence-powered chatbots, a new mixed reality headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses at its annual products conference in Menlo Park, California. Key Points
Reuters
The Meta AI Chatbot Is Mark Zuckerberg's Answer to ChatGPT
Meta's AI assistant can do things like suggest travel plans in a group chat. The company also announced a string of chatbots modeled on celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. Key Points
WIREDExclusive: Meta executive leading AI chip efforts to leave position - sources
A Meta Platforms (META.O) executive overseeing the company's efforts to develop its own chips for artificial intelligence work is leaving her position at the end of the month, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Key Points
ReutersMeta to signal future of AR/VR investments at annual Connect conference
Meta (META.O) CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday is set to update investors on his plan to build the immersive metaverse that he has pitched as the future of computing at the company's first in-person conference since the start of the pandemic. Key Points
ReutersFacebook Is Giving Up on News—Again
Meta says it will retire Facebook's "news" tag in the UK, France, and Germany, ahead of rules that might force it to pay for content. Users may not care, but it has left media scrambling. Key Points
WIRED