Metaverse

Ray-Ban Meta sales drive smart glasses growth

EssilorLuxottica is set to ramp up production of its smart glasses, driven by the success of its Ray-Ban Meta range developed in partnership with Meta. Since their launch in September 2023, over two million units have been sold, with growing user engagement indicating a shift towards mainstream adoption.

The eyewear giant, which has collaborated with Meta since 2019, aims to expand its smart glasses portfolio with new brands and features. The company is also considering subscription-based services and additional functionalities to enhance user experience.

To meet rising demand, EssilorLuxottica plans to increase production capacity to 10 million units annually by the end of next year. Manufacturing will be expanded across China and Southeast Asia, enabling the company to support future product releases, including the development of Nuance Audio glasses with integrated hearing solutions.

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Meta to restrict high-risk AI development

Meta has introduced a new policy framework outlining when it may restrict the release of its AI systems due to security concerns. The Frontier AI Framework categorises AI models into ‘high-risk’ and ‘critical-risk’ groups, with the latter referring to those capable of aiding catastrophic cyber or biological attacks. If an AI system is classified as a critical risk, Meta will suspend its development until safety measures can be implemented.

The company’s evaluation process does not rely solely on empirical testing but also considers input from internal and external researchers. This approach reflects Meta’s belief that existing evaluation methods are not yet robust enough to provide definitive risk assessments. Despite its historically open approach to AI development, the company acknowledges that some models could pose unacceptable dangers if released.

By outlining this framework, Meta aims to demonstrate its commitment to responsible AI development while distinguishing its approach from other firms with fewer safeguards. The policy comes amid growing scrutiny of AI’s potential misuse, especially as open-source models gain wider adoption.

Israeli spyware firm Paragon accused of hacking WhatsApp users

WhatsApp has identified an advanced hacking campaign targeting nearly 90 users across more than two dozen countries. The attack, linked to Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, exploited a zero-click vulnerability, meaning victims’ devices were compromised without them needing to interact with any malicious files. The messaging platform, owned by Meta, has since taken steps to block the hacking attempts and has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon.

While WhatsApp has not disclosed the identities of those targeted, reports indicate that journalists and members of civil society were among the victims. The company has referred affected users to Citizen Lab, a Canadian watchdog that investigates digital security threats. Law enforcement agencies and industry partners have also been alerted, though specifics remain undisclosed.

Paragon, which was recently acquired by US investment firm AE Industrial Partners, has not commented on the allegations. The company presents itself as a responsible player in the spyware industry, claiming to sell its technology only to governments in stable democracies. However, critics argue that the continued spread of surveillance tools increases the risk of human rights abuses, with spyware repeatedly found on the devices of activists, journalists, and officials worldwide.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the growing use of commercial spyware poses an ongoing threat to digital privacy. Despite claims of ethical safeguards, the latest revelations suggest that even companies with supposedly responsible practices may be engaging in questionable surveillance activities.

Meta’s smart glasses with AI: More hype than help

Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses, featuring a Live AI assistant, promise a futuristic way to interact with the world. Users can ask questions about their surroundings, with the AI offering answers in real time. From recipe ideas to decorating advice, Live AI aims to be a virtual assistant that sees what you see and responds conversationally.

Despite its intriguing potential, Live AI struggles in everyday use. Its responses often state the obvious, like suggesting scrambled eggs when a fridge has two eggs and no milk. Users also find it challenging to remember to use the feature, with a smartphone search frequently feeling more practical and efficient. Moreover, the AI’s suggestions often lack the depth needed to be genuinely useful.

Making Live AI effective requires users to master the art of asking precise, specific questions a skill that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. This, combined with issues like misinterpreting conversations and a short battery life, makes the technology feel less magical in real-world scenarios. While the glasses point to a vision of hands-free AI, they currently struggle to provide a compelling alternative to existing devices.

Instagram error hides results for ‘Democrats’

Instagram has been facing backlash after a technical issue caused search results for the terms ‘Democrat’ and ‘Democrats’ to be hidden. Users searching for these terms have encountered a message stating that the results may contain sensitive content. In contrast, hashtags such as ‘Republican’ continue to display posts without such issues. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has stated that the problem is not politically motivated, as it has also affected other political hashtags.

Social media experts have warned that the glitch could harm Meta’s reputation, particularly in a highly partisan political climate. Matt Navarra, a social media consultant, described the situation as embarrassing for Instagram, suggesting it could fuel conspiracy theories and further divisions among users. Meta has confirmed it is working urgently to fix the issue.

This incident comes at a time of increased scrutiny over Meta’s handling of political content on its platforms. The company has faced criticism from various sides of the political spectrum, and its recent changes to content moderation policies have attracted further attention.

Ex-Meta COO faces penalties over Cambridge Analytica email scandal

Former Meta Platforms COO Sheryl Sandberg has been sanctioned by a Delaware Chancery Court judge for deleting emails linked to the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal, despite orders to preserve them. Judge Travis Laster determined that Sandberg used a personal email account under a pseudonym to erase messages potentially relevant to a shareholder lawsuit. The sanctions are likely to complicate her defence in the trial set for April, and she has been ordered to cover shareholders’ expenses related to the motion.

The lawsuit, filed in 2018, accuses Facebook’s leadership of harming investors by violating a 2012 Federal Trade Commission consent order to protect user data. Shareholders also allege the company paid a $5 billion fine in 2019 to shield founder Mark Zuckerberg from personal liability. Zuckerberg is expected to face a second deposition before the non-jury trial begins. Sandberg has argued that her email deletions did not affect critical evidence, claiming that relevant messages were often copied to others.

Judge Laster criticised the deletions, stating they likely erased the most sensitive communications. The court also considered similar allegations against Jeffrey Zients, a former Meta board member, but deemed his deleted emails less significant as he joined after the Cambridge Analytica scandal emerged. The case has been described by Laster as involving “wrongdoing on a truly colossal scale,” with significant implications for accountability in corporate governance.

Brazil challenges Meta’s hate speech policy changes

Brazil’s government has expressed serious concerns over Meta’s recent changes to its hate speech policy, warning that the adjustments may not comply with national legislation. The social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has eased restrictions on discussions around sensitive topics such as immigration and gender identity while also ending its fact-checking programme in the United States. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously called the policy shift “extremely serious,” prompting officials to demand clarification from Meta.

Meta has responded by stating that fact-checking changes currently apply only in the United States and that adjustments to its community standards remain limited to hate speech policy. The company argues that the revisions aim to promote greater freedom of expression, but Brazil’s solicitor general’s office believes the changes are insufficient to protect fundamental rights. Government ministries have raised concerns that Meta’s updated terms of use may violate Brazilian law, particularly in relation to online discourse and misinformation.

A public hearing will be held later this week to discuss the potential impact of Meta’s policy changes. The government is engaging experts to assess whether the new rules align with Brazil’s legal framework and ensure that social media platforms uphold protections against hate speech. Authorities are monitoring how the changes affect digital content regulation as they consider further action to address concerns over online safety and misinformation.

Meta pushes free speech at the cost of content control

Meta has announced that Instagram and Threads users will no longer be able to opt out of seeing political content from accounts they don’t follow. The change, part of a broader push toward promoting “free expression,” will take effect in the US this week and expand globally soon after. Users will be able to adjust how much political content they see but won’t be able to block it entirely.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram and Threads, had previously expressed reluctance to feature political posts, favouring community-focused content like sports and fashion. However, he now claims that users have asked to see more political material. Critics, including social media experts, argue the shift is driven by changing political dynamics in the US, particularly with Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House.

While some users have welcomed Meta’s stance on free speech, many worry it could amplify misinformation and hate speech. Experts also caution that marginalised groups may face increased harm due to fewer content moderation measures. The changes could also push discontented users toward rival platforms like Bluesky, raising questions about Meta’s long-term strategy.

Meta to test eBay integration on Facebook Marketplace

Meta is set to trial a new feature allowing users in Germany, France, and the United States to browse eBay listings directly on Facebook Marketplace. Transactions will still be completed on eBay’s platform, but the integration aims to provide Facebook users with a wider selection of products while giving eBay sellers greater exposure.

The move follows a hefty $840 million fine imposed by the European Commission in November over alleged anticompetitive practices related to Facebook Marketplace. While Meta continues to appeal the decision, it says it is working to address regulators’ concerns. The European Commission has yet to comment on the latest development.

Meta’s partnership with eBay reflects broader efforts by tech companies to expand online marketplaces and enhance user experience. The initiative is expected to benefit both buyers and sellers by increasing reach and streamlining access to listings.

Meta appoints three new board directors

Meta Platforms has elected three new directors to its board, including Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump. Investor and former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Exor CEO John Elkann have also joined. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said their expertise would help the company navigate opportunities in artificial intelligence, wearables, and digital connectivity.

White’s appointment strengthens his ties with Zuckerberg, who has become a mixed martial arts enthusiast. The two have shared public exchanges in recent years, with Zuckerberg attending UFC events at White’s invitation. Songhurst has been involved in Meta’s AI advisory group since May, while Elkann holds leadership roles at Ferrari and Stellantis, alongside chairing the Agnelli Foundation.

Zuckerberg has been adjusting Meta’s strategy ahead of a possible second Trump presidency. The company recently promoted Republican policy expert Joel Kaplan and donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, signalling a shift in its political stance. Meta has also acknowledged past content decisions that were unpopular among conservatives as it prepares for the evolving political landscape.