Threads has 150 million monthly users
Meta’s Threads app now has more than 150 million monthly users, an increase of about 20 million new users since February. Mark Zuckerberg shared the latest user numbers during Meta’’s first-quarter earnings call, saying that the app “continues to be on the trajectory that I hope to see.” The update…
Senate passes bill that could ban TikTok
A bill that could ban TikTok is now all but certain to become law. The Senate approved a measure that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, in a vote of 79 – 18. The “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” will next head to President…
Meta’s Oversight Board will rule on AI-generated sexual images
Meta’s Oversight Board is once again taking on the social network’s rules for AI-generated content. The board has accepted two cases that deal with AI-made explicit images of public figures. While Meta’s rules already prohibit nudity on Facebook and Instagram, the board said in a statement that it wants to…
Threads is testing real-time search results
Meta’s Threads app is often described as the company’s competitor to X. But Threads users, especially those once active on Twitter, are often quick to point out that Meta’s app is not yet a great source for real-time information. The app’s “for you” algorithm often surfaces days-old posts alongside fresh…
Meta is testing messaging capabilities for Threads, but don’t call them DMs
As Threads has grown to more than 130 million users, one of the major remaining “missing” features users often complain about is the lack of direct messaging abilities. But those missing out on DMs may soon have a new option to message other Threads users. Meta is starting to test…
X names its third head of safety in less than two years
X has named a new head of safety nearly a year after the last executive in the position resigned. The company said Tuesday that it had promoted Kylie McRoberts to Head of Safety and hired Yale Cohen as Head of Brand Safety and Advertiser Solutions. The two will have the…
LinkedIn is testing a TikTok-like feed for vertical video
LinkedIn is testing a new feed of TikTok-like vertical videos. The feature hasn’t been publicly announced but it’s been spotted by users in recent days and the company confirmed the tests to TechCrunch. According to a screenshot shared by Instagram employee Jenny Eishingdrelo and a video posted to LinkedIn by…
Snapchat’s latest paid perk is an AI Bitmoji of your pet
Snapchat has a new AI-powered perk for subscribers: Bitmoji versions of your pet. The feature, which is unfortunately not called “petmoji,” allows users to snap a photo of their four-legged friend to create a cartoon-like avatar to accompany their Bitmoji in the Snap Map. Based on screenshots shared by the…
The FTC might sue TikTok over its handling of users’ privacy and security
TikTok, already fighting a proposed law that could lead to a ban of the app in the United States, may soon also find itself in the crosshairs of the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is close to wrapping up a multiyear investigation into the company, which could result in a…
The Oversight Board weighs in on Meta’s most-moderated word
The Oversight Board is urging Meta to change the way it moderates the word “shaheed,” an Arabic term that has led to more takedowns than any other word or phrase on the company’s platforms. Meta asked the group for help crafting new rules last year after attempts to revamp it…