Meta

Meta alters data use policy after CMA approval

Britain’s competition watchdog has approved Meta’s new approach to handling advertisers’ data on its platform. Previously under scrutiny for potentially unfair practices, the tech giant had initially allowed advertisers to opt out of using their data to enhance Facebook Marketplace. However, Meta has now gone further, ensuring that none of the data from advertisers on Facebook Marketplace will be used to improve the e-commerce platform, removing the need to opt in or out.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which began investigating Meta in 2021, has confirmed that these changes surpass the original commitments and do not disadvantage advertisers. The inquiry initially focused on whether Meta had an unfair edge in sectors like online classified ads and dating due to its data practices.

The decision follows a broader trend of tech companies, like Amazon, making adjustments to ensure fair competition. Last year, Amazon agreed not to use marketplace data from competing sellers to create a level playing field for third-party vendors.

Meta disrupts Russia’s AI-driven misinformation campaigns

According to a Meta security report, Russia’s use of generative AI in online deception campaigns could have been more effective. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reported that while AI-powered tactics offer some productivity and content-generation gains for malicious actors, they have yet to advance these efforts significantly. Despite growing concerns about generative AI being used to manipulate elections, Meta has successfully disrupted such influence operations.

The report highlights that Russia remains a leading source of ‘coordinated inauthentic behaviour’ on social media, particularly since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These operations have primarily targeted Ukraine and its allies, with expectations that as the US election nears, Russia-backed campaigns will increasingly attack candidates who support Ukraine. Meta’s approach to detecting these campaigns focuses on account behaviour rather than content alone, as influence operations often span multiple online platforms.

Meta has observed that posts on X are sometimes used to bolster fabricated content. While Meta shares its findings with other internet companies, it notes that X has significantly reduced its content moderation efforts, making it a haven for disinformation. Researchers have also raised concerns about X, now owned by Elon Musk, being a platform for political misinformation. Musk, who supports Donald Trump, has been criticised for using his influence on the platform to spread falsehoods, including sharing an AI-generated deepfake video of Vice President Kamala Harris.

New sticker options on WhatsApp with AI and GIPHY

WhatsApp is expanding its sticker options, offering users more ways to express themselves through its platform. Despite the availability of hundreds of emojis and sticker packs, many users may struggle to find the perfect expression for their emotions. To address this, WhatsApp has integrated AI and GIPHY, enhancing the experience.

Users can now access an extensive collection by tapping the sticker icon and searching with text or emojis. Additionally, WhatsApp allows users to create custom ones from their existing images. By simply opening a photo, the app automatically removes the background, leaving only the subject for further customisation.

They can be cropped, drawn upon, and decorated before being saved automatically in the sticker section. WhatsApp now lets users preview and reorganize packs by dragging them within the sticker tray, offering greater control over their collection.

These updates are set to make messaging on WhatsApp more dynamic and personal, giving users a broader range of tools to express themselves creatively.

Meta welcomes Instagram’s return in Turkey

Meta Platforms announced that access to Instagram in Turkey has been restored after a nine-day block. The social media giant expressed its satisfaction with the platform being operational again and confirmed ongoing discussions with Turkish authorities regarding content that violates its policies. Meta emphasised its commitment to removing content related to dangerous organisations and individuals while applying allowances for newsworthy content where appropriate.

The Turkish government had blocked Instagram on 2 August, citing the platform’s failure to comply with local laws. The ban was linked to allegations that Instagram had restricted posts expressing condolences over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The block led to significant protests from users and businesses reliant on the platform. Meta clarified that it did not change its policies but agreed to reassess its actions concerning policy-violating content in Turkey.

Turkey, which ranks fifth globally in Instagram usage with over 57 million users, saw the platform reinstated after Meta’s assurances to cooperate with Turkish authorities. Despite the platform’s return, tensions remain, highlighted by the recent arrest of a woman who criticised the Instagram ban.

Polish billionaire couple targets Meta in fake Ad lawsuit

Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska and his wife plan to take legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, due to fake advertisements circulating on these platforms. These ads falsely feature Brzoska’s image and spread misinformation about his wife. The couple has yet to decide where to file the lawsuit, which is part of a broader effort to hold Meta accountable for allowing such ads to persist even after being alerted to the issue.

Brzoska, known for founding the Polish parcel locker company InPost, stated that he first notified Meta about the problem in early July but has yet to see a resolution. He and his wife are considering various legal jurisdictions, including possibly filing a lawsuit in the United States if they don’t see action in Europe. They intend to demand that Meta cease profiting from misleading content that infringes on their rights and seek substantial compensation, which they plan to donate to charity.

The situation has prompted action from the President of the Personal Data Protection Office in Poland, who recently mandated that Meta Platforms Ireland Limited stop displaying false advertisements featuring the Brzoskas on Facebook and Instagram in Poland for three months.

A Meta spokesperson responded that the company removes false ads when discovered and collaborates with local authorities to combat scammers. They acknowledged the ongoing challenge of scammers who constantly adapt to evade detection, reaffirming their commitment to working with businesses, local governments, and law enforcement to address these issues.

UMG and Meta sign expanded deal on music monetisation

On Monday, the world’s largest music label, Universal Music Group (UMG), announced an agreement with Meta Platforms to create new opportunities for artists and songwriters on Meta’s social platforms. The multi-year global agreement includes Meta’s major platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

The joint statement states, ‘The new agreement reflects the two companies’ shared commitment to protecting human creators and artistry, including ensuring that artists and songwriters are compensated fairly. As part of their multifaceted partnership, Meta and UMG will continue working together to address, among other things, unauthorised AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters.

In 2017, UMG and Meta Platforms signed an agreement to license UMG’s music catalogues for use on Facebook’s platforms, thereby creating a new revenue stream for artists to generate income from user-generated videos, as there was no way to monetise this previously, and artists had to rely on complicated legal proceedings to remove unlicensed content. The latest agreement further expands monetisation opportunities for Universal Music’s artists and songwriters, including licensed music for short-form videos.

Meta wins appeal against anti-vaccine group

Meta Platforms (META.O) has successfully defended against an appeal by Children’s Health Defense (CHD), an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., challenging Meta’s censorship of Facebook posts containing vaccine misinformation. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, California, ruled that CHD did not prove Meta was influenced or coerced by federal officials to suppress anti-vaccine content, upholding a June 2021 decision by US District Judge Susan Illston.

CHD sued Meta in 2020, claiming its constitutional rights were violated when Meta flagged ‘vaccine misinformation’ as false and restricted the group’s advertising on Facebook. Meta argued its actions were part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, including prohibiting claims that the vaccines are ineffective and directing users to authoritative sources like the World Health Organisation for accurate information.

Circuit Judge Eric Miller, appointed by former President Donald Trump, emphasised that Meta, as a private company, has the right under the First Amendment to regulate content on its platform and promote its views on vaccine safety and efficacy, even if they align with the government’s stance. The court also dismissed claims against the Poynter Institute and Science Feedback, which help Meta evaluate content accuracy.

Children’s Health Defense expressed disappointment with the ruling and is considering further legal actions. Circuit Judge Daniel Collins dissented partially, suggesting that CHD could seek an injunction on free speech claims. However, he agreed other claims, such as those for monetary damages, should be dismissed. The decision underscores the ongoing debate around content moderation and free speech in the digital age.

Zuckerberg apologises for Facebook photo error involving Trump

Former President Donald Trump revealed that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised to him after Facebook mistakenly labelled a photo of Trump as misinformation. The photo, which showed Trump raising a fist after surviving an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was initially flagged by Meta’s AI system. Trump disclosed the apology during an interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo, stating that Zuckerberg called him twice to express regret and praise his response to the event.

Meta Vice President of Global Policy Joel Kaplan clarified that the error occurred due to similarities between a doctored image and the real photo, leading to an incorrect fact-check label. Kaplan explained that the AI system misapplied the label due to subtle differences between the two images. Meta’s spokesperson Andy Stone reiterated that Zuckerberg has not endorsed any candidate for the 2024 presidential election and that the labelling error was not due to bias.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges for Meta as it navigates content moderation and political neutrality, especially ahead of the 2024 United States election. Additionally, the assassination attempt on Trump has sparked various online conspiracy theories. Meta’s AI chatbot faced criticism for initially refusing to answer questions about the shooting, a decision attributed to the overwhelming influx of information during breaking news events. Google’s AI chatbot Gemini similarly refused to address the incident, sticking to its policy of avoiding responses on political figures and elections.

Both Meta and Google have faced scrutiny over their handling of politically sensitive content. Meta’s recent efforts to shift away from politics and focus on other areas, combined with Google’s cautious approach to AI responses, reflect the tech giants’ strategies to manage the complex dynamics of information dissemination and political neutrality in an increasingly charged environment.

Meta restores Malaysian PM’s posts after error

The company formerly known as Facebook apologised on Tuesday for removing content from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook and Instagram accounts concerning the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The posts, which expressed condolences over Haniyeh’s death, were removed, prompting Malaysia to seek an explanation from Meta.

A Meta spokesperson explained that the removal was an operational error and confirmed that the content had been restored with the correct newsworthy label. The apology followed a meeting on Monday between Malaysia‘s communications minister, members of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Meta representatives.

The Prime Minister’s Office condemned Meta’s actions as discriminatory, unjust, and a blatant suppression of free expression. The office issued a statement on Monday expressing their dissatisfaction with the removal of the posts and the need for an explanation from the tech company. Meta’s acknowledgement of the mistake and the restoration of the content aim to address the concerns raised by the Malaysian government.

This incident comes amid other challenges for Meta, including the exclusion of its AI models from the EU market due to regulatory concerns, and a significant fine imposed by Turkey for improper data sharing practices. These issues highlight the growing scrutiny Meta faces globally over content regulation, data privacy, and freedom of expression.

Meta negotiates celebrity voices for AI

According to the New York Times, Meta is negotiating with actors such as Awkwafina, Judi Dench and influencers to use their voices for its MetaAI digital assistant. The social media giant is also in talks with comedian Keegan-Michael Key and other celebrities, with Hollywood’s top talent agencies involved in the negotiations.

On Wednesday, Meta announced its commitment to significant spending on AI infrastructure. Like many tech companies, Meta has invested billions in its data centres to leverage the generative AI boom.

While it’s unclear which celebrities might finalise deals, reports suggest Meta could pay millions in fees to secure their voices. Meta did not comment on these discussions.