kik MediaLab Acquisition Saves Kik Messenger From Imminent Shutdown Multimedia holding company MediaLab officially acquires the popular messaging app Kik, rescuing it from a previously rumored shutdown. The new owners plan to introduce ads, reduce spam bots, and improve the app's overall speed.
twitter Twitter Restricts Interactions With Rule-Breaking World Leaders Twitter limits likes, replies, and retweets on world leader posts that violate platform rules while allowing quote-tweets for public commentary. The policy keeps offensive content visible behind a warning notice to balance public interest with rule enforcement.
instagram Instagram Shuts Down Notorious Following Tab to Curb Digital Stalking Instagram officially removes its Following tab, a feature notorious for exposing user activity rather than aiding account discovery. The company directs users to the Explore tab instead.
twitter Twitter Proposes Flagging Deepfakes While Resisting Broad Removals Twitter releases a draft proposal to flag synthetic and manipulated media like deepfakes with warning labels rather than automatic removals. The company states it will only delete such content if it directly threatens physical safety or causes serious harm.
facebook Zuckerberg's TikTok Misunderstanding Threatens Facebook's Future Leaked audio reveals Mark Zuckerberg views TikTok as merely an Explore Tab, missing its true nature as a new form of premeditated social entertainment.
twitter Twitter Rolls Out Anti-Abuse Filter for Direct Messages Across All Platforms Twitter expands its spam and abuse filtering tools to Direct Messages on iOS, Android, and the web, allowing users to hide potentially offensive content previews without opening them.
facebook Facebook Hides Like Counts in Australia to Improve User Well-Being Facebook begins testing hidden Like counts in Australia, allowing only post authors to see the exact number of reactions. The social network hopes this change reduces social pressure and encourages more authentic sharing.
facebook Facebook Unveils Independent Oversight Board to Handle Content Disputes Facebook introduces a new independent Oversight Board to act as a supreme court for difficult content moderation decisions. Critics question how a small group of members can adequately represent the diverse views of billions of global users.
youtube YouTube Reverses Controversial Verification Policy After Creator Backlash YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki apologizes and promises changes after a new verification system strips badges from established creators. The company now says channels with existing checkmarks will keep them and the updated policy rolls out next year.
youtube YouTube Backtracks on Verification Policy After Creator Backlash YouTube reverses its controversial plan to strip verification badges from certain channels. The platform now promises that current verified creators keep their status without needing to appeal.
twitter Twitter Launches Hide Replies Feature to Curb Unwanted Conversations Twitter introduces its controversial "Hide Replies" feature in the U.S. and Japan, allowing users to hide unwanted responses without deleting them. The tool aims to reduce abuse and give original posters more control over their public conversations.
facebook Facebook Establishes Binding Oversight Board to Review Content Decisions Facebook creates an independent Oversight Board whose content moderation decisions are binding, even if CEO Mark Zuckerberg disagrees. The board serves as a new check on executive power but also raises concerns about potential corporate shielding.
disinformation Finnish Broadcaster Launches Troll Simulation Game to Fight Disinformation Finland's public broadcasting company Yle releases an English version of Troll Factory, a game that puts players in the shoes of an internet troll to teach critical thinking. The interactive experience exposes real disinformation tactics to help users recognize and resist online manipulation.
facebook State Attorneys General Launch Antitrust Investigation Into Facebook's Size A coalition of state attorneys general opens a bipartisan probe to determine if Facebook holds a monopolistic grip on the social media market. The investigation explores whether the tech giant stifles competition and harms consumers.
facebook Facebook Considers Hiding Like Counts to Improve User Mental Health Facebook is prototyping a feature that hides public Like counts on News Feed posts, following similar ongoing tests on Instagram. The goal is to reduce unhealthy social comparison and encourage users to share more freely without fear of judgment.