Meta

Meta faces backlash from photographers over mislabeling real photos

Meta faced criticism from photographers after its ‘Made by AI’ label was incorrectly applied to genuine photos. Notably, a photo taken by former White House photographer Pete Souza and an Instagram photo of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL victory were wrongly marked as AI-generated. Photographers have reported that even minor edits using tools like Adobe’s Generative Fill can trigger Meta’s algorithm to label images as AI-generated.

Pete Souza and others have expressed frustration at being unable to remove these labels, suspecting that specific editing processes may be causing the issue. Meta’s labelling approach is also affecting photos with minimal AI modifications, leading to concerns about the accuracy and fairness of such labels. Photographer Noah Kalina argued that if minor retouching counts as AI-generated, the term loses its meaning and authenticity.

In response, Meta stated it is reviewing feedback to ensure its labels accurately reflect the amount of AI used in images. The company relies on industry-standard indicators and collaborates with other companies to refine its process. Meta’s labelling initiative, introduced to combat misinformation ahead of election season, involves tagging AI-generated content from major tech firms. However, the exact triggers for the “Made with AI” label remain undisclosed.

Meta and Anthropic in AI deal talks with Apple

Meta Platforms, Facebook’s parent company, is in talks to integrate its generative AI model into Apple’s newly announced AI system for iPhones. The integration comes as Apple plans to incorporate technology from various AI companies into its devices. There are also reports that Apple is considering a partnership with Google, its long-time search partner.

Additionally, Apple is exploring partnerships with other AI companies, including in regions like China, where OpenAI’s ChatGPT is banned. AI startup Anthropic has been discussing bringing its generative AI to Apple Intelligence with Apple. Though Meta and Anthropic have not commented, and Apple has not responded to requests for comment, these talks, if successful, could significantly expand the reach of these AI technologies.

The financial details of these potential deals remain unclear, but they could involve AI companies selling premium subscriptions through Apple Intelligence. AI search startup Perplexity is also discussing with Apple the incorporation of its generative AI technology. Apple recently announced its AI strategy, aiming to integrate the new Apple Intelligence technology across its apps, including Siri, and differentiate itself from competitors by emphasising privacy.

Meta and Google adopt different approaches to election-related query restrictions in India

As India’s elections conclude and the new government commences its term, Meta has removed restrictions on election-related queries through its Meta AI chatbot. Users can now access information about election results, politicians, and officeholders. Initially, Meta had limited such queries, directing users to the Election Commission’s website for information on politicians, candidates, and political parties. While Meta hasn’t issued an official statement, this move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to refine its AI models.

Meanwhile, despite launching its Gemini AI app in India, Google maintains restrictions on election-related queries as part of a global policy. The company directs users to Google Search instead of providing direct responses through Gemini AI. These restrictions were implemented earlier this year in response to elections worldwide. However, it remains to be seen when Google will lift these restrictions, particularly in countries where elections have concluded and new governments are in place.

Why does it matter?

The differing approaches of Meta and Google highlight the complexities surrounding AI chatbots and political queries. While Meta temporarily restricted queries during the Indian elections, Google maintains global restrictions. The decisions underscore companies’ challenges in managing AI outputs, especially amidst concerns about bias and misinformation. Other AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot also exhibit varied responses to political queries, reflecting the broader scrutiny developers face in ensuring the integrity of AI-driven platforms.

Meta to face US lawsuit by Australian billionaire over scam crypto ads on Facebook

A US judge has denied Meta Platforms’ attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest. The lawsuit accuses Meta of negligence for allowing scam advertisements featuring Forrest’s likeness, promoting fake cryptocurrency and fraudulent investments, to appear on Facebook. Judge Casey Pitts ruled that Forrest could proceed with claims that Meta’s actions breached its duty to operate responsibly and that Meta misappropriated Forrest’s name and likeness for profit.

Meta had argued that it was protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which typically shields online platforms from liability for third-party content. However, the judge determined that Forrest’s allegations raised questions about whether Meta’s advertising tools actively contributed to the misleading content rather than simply hosting it neutrally.

Forrest alleges that over 1,000 fraudulent ads featuring him appeared on Facebook in Australia from April to November 2023, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for victims. The lawsuit marks a significant step, challenging the usual immunity social media companies claim under Section 230 for their advertising practices. Forrest is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from Meta.

The following decision follows Australian prosecutors’ refusal to pursue criminal charges against Meta over similar scam ads. Forrest, the executive chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, considers the judge’s ruling a strategic victory in holding social media companies accountable for fraudulent advertising.

Meta halts AI launch in Europe after EU regulator ruling

Meta’s main EU regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), requested that the company delay the training of its large language models (LLMs) on content published publicly by adults on the company’s platforms. In response, Meta announced they would not be launching their AI in Europe for the time being. 

The main reason behind the request is Meta’s plan to use this data to train its AI models without explicitly seeking consent. The company claims it must do so or else its AI ‘won’t accurately understand important regional languages, cultures or trending topics on social media.’ It is already developing continent-specific AI technology. Another cause for concern is Meta’s use of information belonging to people who do not use its services. In a message to its Facebook users, it said that it may process information about non-users if they appear in an image or are mentioned on their platforms. 

The DPC welcomed Meta’s decision to delay its implementation. The commission is leading the regulation of Meta’s AI tools on behalf of EU data protection authorities (DPAs), 11 of which received complaints by advocacy group NOYB (None Of Your Business). NOYB argues that the GDPR is flexible enough to accommodate this AI, as long as it asks for the user’s consent. The delay comes right before Meta’s new privacy policy comes into force on 26 June. 

Beyond the EU, the executive director of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office was pleased with the delay, and added that ‘in order to get the most out of generative AI and the opportunities it brings, it is crucial that the public can trust that their privacy rights will be respected from the outset.’

EU charges Apple and Meta for non-compliance

Apple and Meta Platforms are set to face charges from the European Commission for failing to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) before the summer. The DMA aims to curb the dominance of Big Tech by ensuring fair competition and making it easier for users to switch between competing services. Apple and Meta are the Commission’s priority cases, with Apple expected to be charged first, followed by Meta.

Apple’s charges will focus on its App Store policies, which allegedly restrict app developers from informing users about alternative offers and impose new fees. Additionally, a separate investigation into Apple’s Safari web browser is expected to take more time. Meta’s charges will centre on its recent ‘pay or consent’ model for Facebook and Instagram, which requires users to either pay for an ad-free experience or consent to targeted advertising.

Both companies have the opportunity to address the concerns before the final decision, which could result in fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover. Apple stated in March that it believes its plans comply with the DMA and is engaging constructively with the Commission. Meta and the Commission declined to comment on the ongoing investigations.

Meta unveils new WhatsApp tools for businesses

Meta has announced a range of product updates for WhatsApp businesses in India and other countries, introducing AI tools and a Meta Verified program. That announcement was made during the Conversations event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Meta detailed that these new features would provide businesses with additional options on WhatsApp. Initially available in India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Colombia, these services will be offered through subscription plans starting at approximately $14 per month.

The Meta Verified program, previously launched for Facebook and Instagram, is now extended to WhatsApp businesses. The verification provides a badge for companies that have registered their information with Meta, offering them protection against impersonation and additional account support. Verified businesses can use WhatsApp across multiple devices, and customers will see the badge on their channels and custom pages, ensuring authenticity and trust.

In addition to verification, Meta is introducing AI tools designed to help businesses enhance customer interactions. These tools can assist with answering common questions, discovering new products, and creating ads for Instagram and Facebook. Moreover, Meta is rolling out a feature that allows users to call businesses directly via WhatsApp, facilitating quick assistance for complex inquiries like travel arrangements or banking needs. The calling feature is currently being tested and will be expanded to more businesses in the coming months.

Samsung boosts ties with Meta, Amazon, Qualcomm

Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Y. Lee recently held high-level meetings with Meta, Qualcomm, and Amazon leaders to discuss AI, cloud services, and chip technology cooperation. Lee’s discussions with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, held at Zuckerberg’s home, included AI and virtual and augmented reality topics. In separate meetings, Lee explored semiconductor collaboration with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, focusing on memory chips for Amazon’s data centres, cloud services, and chip manufacturing for Qualcomm’s mobile processors.

These discussions are part of Lee’s two-week visit to the United States and will inform Samsung’s upcoming company-wide strategic meeting at the end of June. The meetings aim to bolster Samsung’s position in the competitive semiconductor market, particularly in high-end memory for AI, where Samsung has faced challenges. The company’s newly appointed head of the semiconductor division has emphasised the need for a collective effort to navigate these challenges.

Samsung maintains strong relationships with these tech giants, supplying chips to Amazon for various applications and partnering on TV, mobile, and content projects. With Qualcomm, Samsung’s high-end smartphones feature Snapdragon mobile processors, and the partnership now extends to AI-enabled PCs. Meta, another key client, has collaborated with Samsung on projects like the Gear VR headset and foldable smartphones, showcasing the deep integration of their technologies.

Meta develops AI technology tailored specifically for Europe

Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, announced it is developing AI technology tailored specifically for Europe, taking into account the region’s linguistic, geographic, and cultural nuances. The company will train its large language models using publicly shared content from its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, ensuring that private posts are excluded to maintain user privacy.

Last month, Meta revealed plans to inform Facebook and Instagram users in Europe and the UK about how their public information is utilised to enhance and develop AI technologies. The move aims to increase transparency and reassure users about data privacy.

By focusing on localised AI development, Meta hopes to serve the European market better, reflecting the region’s diverse characteristics in its technology offerings. That effort underscores Meta’s commitment to respecting user privacy while advancing its AI capabilities.

Meta launches AI-driven ads on WhatsApp

Meta has launched its first AI-driven ad targeting program for businesses on WhatsApp, aiming to generate revenue from the popular chat service. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the new tools at a conference in Brazil, marking a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has traditionally avoided targeted advertising.

The new AI tools will use behaviour data from Facebook and Instagram to target messages more effectively to users who are likely to engage, provided they use the same phone number across accounts. The new feature is crucial for businesses as it allows for optimised ad delivery, making their marketing efforts more cost-effective.

Meta is also testing a new AI chatbot for business inquiries on WhatsApp. Namely, the chatbot will handle common requests like finding catalogues or consulting business hours, pushing towards automated customer service solutions. Additionally, Meta is integrating Brazil’s popular digital payment method, PIX, into WhatsApp’s payment tool, enhancing its functionality in the country.

These developments come as part of Meta’s broader strategy to monetise WhatsApp, which, despite its massive user base, has yet to contribute significantly to Meta’s overall revenue. The new initiatives are seen as steps to leverage WhatsApp’s extensive reach and user engagement for greater financial returns.