meta Archives - Tech Research Online Knowledge Base for IT Pros Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:29:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.5 https://techresearchonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/full-black-d_favicon-70-70.png meta Archives - Tech Research Online 32 32 Say Goodbye to Instagram and Facebook Ads With a $14 Monthly Ad-Free Plan https://techresearchonline.com/news/meta-monthly-ad-free-plan/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/meta-monthly-ad-free-plan/#respond Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:51:47 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=404577 Meta platforms are introducing a plan involving users in the European Union shell to pay as much as $14 to access ad-free versions of Instagram or Facebook. Additionally, the users can agree to personalized ads for the free versions, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Under the plan, Meta can charge roughly 10 euros a month on a desktop for a Facebook or Instagram account, and around 6 euros for each additional linked account, as per the report. For mobile devices, the price for a single account would go up to 13 euros roughly as Meta would cover commissions charged by Apple and Google’s app stores. The users only have the option to buy this ad-free plan or agree to the personalized ads. A Plan to Cover the 390 Million Euros Fine Earlier this year, the social media giant was imposed a fine of 390 million euros by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner. They also told Meta that it cannot utilize the so-called ‘contract’ legal basis to send users ads on the basis of their online activity. Meta indicated its intention to ask users for their consent in the EU before allowing businesses to target advertising. This was a step …

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Meta platforms are introducing a plan involving users in the European Union shell to pay as much as $14 to access ad-free versions of Instagram or Facebook. Additionally, the users can agree to personalized ads for the free versions, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Under the plan, Meta can charge roughly 10 euros a month on a desktop for a Facebook or Instagram account, and around 6 euros for each additional linked account, as per the report. For mobile devices, the price for a single account would go up to 13 euros roughly as Meta would cover commissions charged by Apple and Google’s app stores. The users only have the option to buy this ad-free plan or agree to the personalized ads.

A Plan to Cover the 390 Million Euros Fine

Earlier this year, the social media giant was imposed a fine of 390 million euros by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner. They also told Meta that it cannot utilize the so-called ‘contract’ legal basis to send users ads on the basis of their online activity.
Meta indicated its intention to ask users for their consent in the EU before allowing businesses to target advertising. This was a step to address multiple evolving regulatory requirements in the region.
Meta has now informed European Regulators that it is hoping to initiate an ad-free plan which is named subscription no ads (SNA), for European users in the coming months. A Meta spokesman told the Journal that the company believes in ‘free services which are supported by personalized ads’ but is experimenting with ‘options to ensure we comply with evolving regulatory requirements’.
One thing that is not clear is if the regulators in Ireland or Brusells will find the Meta’s new SNA plan in compliance with the European Union regulation. Moreover, as per the Meta estimates, the company has around 258 million Facebook users and 257 million Instagram users in the first six months of 2023. If the company charges $14 to all the Instagram and Facebook users the returns they will receive through this plan are daunting.
With rising compliances and the resulting paid plans, we will need to see if the users are intimidated by the new strategy. Will they be buying the SNA plan or agree to personalized ads?
What are you planning to do let us know in the comments.

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Meta Working on a New WhatsApp Cross-Platform Messaging Feature to Comply with DMA Regulations https://techresearchonline.com/news/new-whatsapp-cross-platform-messaging-feature/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/new-whatsapp-cross-platform-messaging-feature/#respond Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:02:15 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=403917 Meta is reportedly working on a new WhatsApp cross-platform messaging feature that will enable users to chat using different apps. This new feature is a direct step towards implementing the new Digital Markets Act regulations for the European Union. What’s it about? What will be the significance of this update? When should you expect it? Read along to know more. WhatsApp’s Cross-Platform Feature Explained According to the latest reports by WABetaInfo, Meta is working out a solution to comply with DMA’s EU regulations for WhatsApp to support chat interoperability. In simpler words, users will be able to chat with others on different platforms, directly from WhatsApp. As per DMA’s regulation, gatekeepers (which includes WhatsApp) have to enable interoperability, while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Since WhatsApp needs to figure out a way to support incoming and outgoing messages from other apps, maintaining security standards will be a challenge. Furthermore, they will also need to enable an opt-out feature for users who don’t want the feature. There is no official statement by WhatsApp. So, we don’t know specifics like accessible platforms or how they’re planning to execute this feature. All we know is that a feature named ‘Third-party chats’ is currently being tested …

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Meta is reportedly working on a new WhatsApp cross-platform messaging feature that will enable users to chat using different apps. This new feature is a direct step towards implementing the new Digital Markets Act regulations for the European Union.

What’s it about? What will be the significance of this update? When should you expect it? Read along to know more.

WhatsApp’s Cross-Platform Feature Explained

According to the latest reports by WABetaInfo, Meta is working out a solution to comply with DMA’s EU regulations for WhatsApp to support chat interoperability. In simpler words, users will be able to chat with others on different platforms, directly from WhatsApp. As per DMA’s regulation, gatekeepers (which includes WhatsApp) have to enable interoperability, while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Since WhatsApp needs to figure out a way to support incoming and outgoing messages from other apps, maintaining security standards will be a challenge. Furthermore, they will also need to enable an opt-out feature for users who don’t want the feature.

There is no official statement by WhatsApp. So, we don’t know specifics like accessible platforms or how they’re planning to execute this feature. All we know is that a feature named ‘Third-party chats’ is currently being tested with the latest beta for the Android 2.23.19.8 update.

Benefits of the Third-Party Chat Feature

Apart from making WhatsApp and messaging in general more accessible, this new feature can do wonders for smaller platforms. The main purpose of the DMA was to dismantle the monopoly that gatekeeper companies and platforms have over the internet. Smaller companies that have a competing solution just get buried and don’t survive. Features like third-party chat will force gatekeepers to allow smaller, competing platforms to grow their user base. Also ensuring security and privacy features like end-to-end encryption and opt-outs help these platforms become more user-friendly.

When Should You Expect the Release?

The EU has given a 6-month buffer for all gatekeepers to implement the regulation. The WhatsApp cross-platform feature will most likely come to the EU countries before that official deadline. Depending on the success of this feature in that region, WhatsApp may choose to expand it to other countries later on.

While this step by Meta indicates a swift compliance of the DMA, there is an underlying conflict for its personal gain. The hold it has on the messaging industry is unprecedented with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. Now, it has to accommodate other platforms that may also include some of its rivals. This frustration may not have come out directly, but Instagram Threads’ new update shows subtle signs of distress at the Meta HQ.

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New Threads Update Expands Keyword Search to Most English and Spanish-Speaking Countries https://techresearchonline.com/news/threads-new-update-expands-keyword-search/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/threads-new-update-expands-keyword-search/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:07:54 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=403813 According to a Threads post by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg, the search feature is growing in most English and Spanish-speaking countries a week after they began testing it in Australia and New Zealand. The expansion will bump into countries where people post in English and Spanish, including Argentina, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The launch of a full-text search will allow users to seek out keywords and topics being discussed on the platform. Earlier the search was strictly restricted to searching for other users. Fading Victory for Threads Since its outstanding debut, Threads has become the fastest social media app to reach 100 million users to date. The reason for this is its ties to Instagram as users had both followers and a following. However, Mobile intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported in August that Threads’ daily active users fell 82% since its launch. Now, the number has come down to just 8 million users accessing the app daily. The new search feature is an effort to increase engagement on its app. Other new features include a fully functional web app, desktop access, a chronological feed where you can see your likes, a repost tab, and other …

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According to a Threads post by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg, the search feature is growing in most English and Spanish-speaking countries a week after they began testing it in Australia and New Zealand.

The expansion will bump into countries where people post in English and Spanish, including Argentina, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The launch of a full-text search will allow users to seek out keywords and topics being discussed on the platform. Earlier the search was strictly restricted to searching for other users.

Fading Victory for Threads

Since its outstanding debut, Threads has become the fastest social media app to reach 100 million users to date. The reason for this is its ties to Instagram as users had both followers and a following. However, Mobile intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported in August that Threads’ daily active users fell 82% since its launch. Now, the number has come down to just 8 million users accessing the app daily. The new search feature is an effort to increase engagement on its app.

Other new features include a fully functional web app, desktop access, a chronological feed where you can see your likes, a repost tab, and other minor changes. With this Threads may get an extra jolt with the expansion of search.

Zuckerberg’s Timing With the Latest Update on the Digital Markets Act

Zuckerberg suggested the rollout of the search will continue as he noted that after the English and Spanish-speaking markets, there would be ‘more to come’. This list isn’t confirmed, but it supposedly doesn’t include any countries of the European Union (EU). Since the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta is trying to avoid any trouble as the new regulation is focused on user data protection from online services.

When it comes to other challenges, Threads still has X to worry about. Elon Musk has much bigger plans for the social media platform in the near future. Meta’s Threads has to figure out how to stand apart from X. As for who comes out on top in the Twitter vs Threads battle, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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European Union (EU) Imposes Digital Markets Act (DMA) on 6 Tech Giants https://techresearchonline.com/news/european-union-imposes-digital-markets-act/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/european-union-imposes-digital-markets-act/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:56:55 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=403693 The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday, designated six tech giants under its Digital Markets Act (DMA). This is one of its most diligent efforts to balance the market power in big tech. The EC is applying a new set of active and competitive rules on how these gatekeepers can operate designated core platform services. The six tech giants are Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft. The European Union (EU) is known for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for over half a century. The EU has ensured that businesses stay secure from the setbacks of globalization through their support and has created rules to make sure big companies pay their taxes fairly. This new act will ensure that no unfair conditions are imposed on businesses or users by the gatekeepers which will open doors for competitive digital services and safer user experience. Here is the complete list of platforms that the DMA will affect: Social networks – TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Six intermediation services – Google Maps, Google Play, Google Shopping, Amazon Marketplace, iOS App Store, and Meta Marketplace Three ads delivery systems (ADS) – Google, Amazon, and Meta Two browsers – Chrome and Safari Three operating systems – …

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The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday, designated six tech giants under its Digital Markets Act (DMA). This is one of its most diligent efforts to balance the market power in big tech. The EC is applying a new set of active and competitive rules on how these gatekeepers can operate designated core platform services. The six tech giants are Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft.

The European Union (EU) is known for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for over half a century. The EU has ensured that businesses stay secure from the setbacks of globalization through their support and has created rules to make sure big companies pay their taxes fairly.

This new act will ensure that no unfair conditions are imposed on businesses or users by the gatekeepers which will open doors for competitive digital services and safer user experience.

Here is the complete list of platforms that the DMA will affect:

  • Social networks – TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
  • Six intermediation services – Google Maps, Google Play, Google Shopping, Amazon Marketplace, iOS App Store, and Meta Marketplace
  • Three ads delivery systems (ADS) – Google, Amazon, and Meta
  • Two browsers – Chrome and Safari
  • Three operating systems – Android, iOS, and Windows
  • Two messaging platforms – WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger
  • The Google search engine and the video-sharing platform YouTube

Platforms Missing from the Official Big Tech List

Tech giants such as Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, TikTok, Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung said that they already expected to be subject to the regime. However, Samsung is not on today’s official list. Core platform services like Google’s web-based email service, Gmail, and Microsoft’s rival webmail offering, Outlook are also omitted. There are no cloud storage platforms listed. It is fascinating to see no webmail services on the Digital Markets Act platform list.

Substantial Provisions of the DMA

The rules and provisions of DMA apply to the gatekeepers; But what exactly is the definition of gatekeepers? EC defines gatekeepers as online firms with a dominance in the market and economic impact that serve as intermediaries linking a huge user base to a large number of businesses and platforms, and function in multiple EU countries.

Key provisions of the Digital Markets Act include a ban on self-preferencing or gatekeepers requiring business users to make use of their services and a ban on gatekeeping app stores preventing the installation of competing stores. They cannot ban business users from offering and promoting competing services and they must share platform usage information.

There are also data portability and service interoperability provisions, including specific interoperability obligations for messaging giants and choice-screen-style obligations for operating systems, browsers, search engines, and virtual assistants.

Moreover, there’s a ban on gatekeepers tracking and profiling users for ad targeting unless they obtain their consent. The Digital Markets Act also bans restrictions on uninstalling gatekeeper preloads. Furthermore, the gatekeepers will need to meet a requirement to apply Fair, Reasonable, and Non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms for general access (and avoid discriminatory T&Cs) for fair dealing with business users.

Compliance failure or breaching the regime can lead to fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover or even 20% for severe repeat offenses. The Commission has further power to apply additional remedies like requiring a gatekeeper to sell a business or parts of it or stopping gatekeepers from acquiring additional services related to systemic non-compliance.

Thierry Breton, the EU’s Internal Market Commissioner’s Words

In his speech at a digital conference in Estonia, Breton outlined the bloc’s object for the regulation. “We know that some tech giants have used their market power to give their products and services an unfair advantage and hold back competitors from doing business and creating added value and jobs. These practices distort competition, undermine free consumer choice, and hold back SMEs’ innovation potential notably arising from Web 4.0 and virtual worlds,” he said.

Breton further said, “It was high time that Europe sets its rules of the game upfront, providing a clear enforceable legal framework to foster innovation, competitiveness and the resilience of the Single Market, rather than having to rely on lengthy and not always effective antitrust investigations. The DMA does just that.”

An Opportunity for Fair Competition

The new set of rules can pave the road for different opportunities for competition on major platforms such as independent app stores, alternative payment services, and upstart search engines. And, simultaneously breaking the aggressive behavior of gatekeepers such as arbitrary enforcement of T&Cs.

The new law can also encourage the development of less exploitative business models, as consumers should have more space to break the loop of platform giants’ lock-ins. Breaking the pattern of their powerful network and opting for other competing businesses can still take some time as consumers trust the big enterprises.

There is still time to comply with the Digital Markets Act deadlines come into the picture. These tech giants have six months to ensure they meet all the legal requirements and submit a compliance report in which they summarize their compliance with each of the obligations of the DMA. So March 2024 will be the time when we can see the true effect of DMA and its influence on the competition and the big tech.

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Threads is Rolling Out a Feature to See the Profiles That Liked Your Posts https://techresearchonline.com/news/meta-threads-app-gets-an-update/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:08:21 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=402782 You will now be able to see who liked your post as Meta’s threads app is rolling out a new feature. As per the news, the company was testing the new feature on Android a week ago, and over the weekend made it available for all the users. Meta launched Threads on July 6. It is Instagram’s answer to X (formerly Twitter’s). Threads was quick to get 100 million users, in just 5 days. Since then, there have been many incidents of Threads losing their users to X. Process of Enabling the New Feature To view or to find the liked post you have to go to Settings > Your likes, which is easily accessible through the profile page. Besides the ability to view liked posts, Meta has included a new media upload quality option. As it allows you to upload higher-quality photos and videos. You can find this option under Settings > Account > Media quality. Threads now also enables users to arrange their following list using the ‘Latest first’ and ‘Earlier first’ criteria. To view it, go to your profile, tap the follower’s face pile under your bio, and then select the “Following” tab. Mark Zuckerberg hinted shortly …

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You will now be able to see who liked your post as Meta’s threads app is rolling out a new feature. As per the news, the company was testing the new feature on Android a week ago, and over the weekend made it available for all the users.

Meta launched Threads on July 6. It is Instagram’s answer to X (formerly Twitter’s). Threads was quick to get 100 million users, in just 5 days. Since then, there have been many incidents of Threads losing their users to X.

Process of Enabling the New Feature

To view or to find the liked post you have to go to Settings > Your likes, which is easily accessible through the profile page.

Meta Threads App gets an Update which allows you to view liked posts

Besides the ability to view liked posts, Meta has included a new media upload quality option. As it allows you to upload higher-quality photos and videos. You can find this option under Settings > Account > Media quality.

Threads now also enables users to arrange their following list using the ‘Latest first’ and ‘Earlier first’ criteria. To view it, go to your profile, tap the follower’s face pile under your bio, and then select the “Following” tab.

Mark Zuckerberg hinted shortly that the platform is set to receive major updates. The updates such as post searches and Web Versions in the coming weeks.

What Does Threads’ Future Hold?

For becoming the undisputed leader in the social media platform, Threads has a long way to go. Because it lacks many of the commonly used features that provide ease of use for the users. The sooner it learns what it can add to keep the users intact on the platform, the usage time of the app will rise significantly. Hence, making it advertisers’ favorite place to run ads, helping in generating revenue from the app.

X formerly Twitter had its set of problems but is a better option than threads. The usability features, and its long-standing history of being a most-used platform, by celebs and politicians around the world make it a go-to app. Unless Threads gives users some unique feature that can keep them stuck to the platform, it would be a tough road for growth.

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AI Regulation Meet: Top AI Firms to Visit the White House https://techresearchonline.com/news/ai-regulation-meet-at-white-house/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:15:26 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=402175 A new evolution is taking place in today’s era i.e. AI evolution. The only reason everybody is betting on the AI industry after the Open AI game-changing tool ChatGPT. Evolution is good in every aspect, but it also brings some other destructive things with it. Hence, AI regulation is important for the masses. For the same, the Biden administration will hold a meeting to collect “voluntary Commitments” from 7 of the top AI firm developers to attain shared security and transparency goals ahead of a planned Executive Order. Since Open AI’s tool ChatGPT, the AI Industry has been moving at lightning speed. Everybody including journalists and the White House has been worried that it should not get carried away. The Top AI Companies will be taking part in the non-binding agreement and send their representatives to the White House to meet with President Biden today. The Names of the companies are OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. To be clear, no rule or enforcement is being suggested here. The agreed-upon procedures are entirely optional. However, if a business avoids a few, no government agency will hold it accountable, and it will probably be public knowledge. Following is a …

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A new evolution is taking place in today’s era i.e. AI evolution. The only reason everybody is betting on the AI industry after the Open AI game-changing tool ChatGPT. Evolution is good in every aspect, but it also brings some other destructive things with it. Hence, AI regulation is important for the masses.

For the same, the Biden administration will hold a meeting to collect “voluntary Commitments” from 7 of the top AI firm developers to attain shared security and transparency goals ahead of a planned Executive Order.

Since Open AI’s tool ChatGPT, the AI Industry has been moving at lightning speed. Everybody including journalists and the White House has been worried that it should not get carried away. The Top AI Companies will be taking part in the non-binding agreement and send their representatives to the White House to meet with President Biden today. The Names of the companies are OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.

To be clear, no rule or enforcement is being suggested here. The agreed-upon procedures are entirely optional. However, if a business avoids a few, no government agency will hold it accountable, and it will probably be public knowledge.

Following is a list of members to visit the White House:

  • Brad Smith, President, Microsoft
  • Kent Walker, President, Google
  • Dario Amodei, CEO, Anthropic
  • Mustafa Suleyman, CEO, Inflection AI
  • Nick Clegg, President, Meta
  • Greg Brockman, President, OpenAI
  • Adam Selipsky, CEO, Amazon Web Services

The Guidelines and Suggestions Made

The above seven firms and others who want to join have committed to the following:

    • Before release, AI systems undergo internal and external security checks, including aggressive “red teaming” by independent specialists outside the company.

 

    • Information on AI threats and mitigation strategies (such as preventing “jailbreaking”) should be shared between the government, academia, and “civil society”.

 

    • To safeguard private model data like weights, make investments in cybersecurity and “insider threat safeguards”. This is crucial not only to safeguard intellectual property but also because an opportunity for malicious actors could arise from an early widespread release.

 

    • Help third parties find and report vulnerabilities, for example, through a bug bounty program or a domain expert analysis.

 

    • Create reliable watermarking or another method of marking content produced by AI.

 

    • The “capabilities, limitations, and areas of appropriate and inappropriate use” of AI systems should be reported. You’ll have a hard time getting an honest response to this.

 

    • Prioritize research studies on societal dangers like systematic bias or privacy concerns as a top priority.

     

    • Create and implement AI “to help address society’s greatest challenges” like cancer prevention and climate change. (However, it was mentioned in a press call that the carbon impact of AI models was not being monitored.)

Even though the above-mentioned actions are optional, it is easy to conceive that the threat of an Executive Order, which they are currently developing, exists to encourage compliance. For instance, the E.O. may create language instructing the FTC to carefully examine AI products that claim robust security if some companies refuse to permit external security testing of their models before release. (One E.O. is already in effect and requests that agencies be vigilant against bias in the creation and application of AI.)

A Step Towards Responsible AI Development by Leading Companies

The White House wants to be ahead of the next AI revolution by monitoring and understanding the AI threats that may come along with the massive wave of technology. Both the President and the Vice President have met with business executives to seek their input on a national AI strategy and are allocating a sizeable amount of funds to new AI research facilities and initiatives.

Also, this is a good move to safeguard the beneficiaries along with a hope to control the AI revolution. If attained, it will be a fall well handled!

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Instagram Threads Now Has More Than 100 Million Users https://techresearchonline.com/news/instagram-threads-has-more-than-100-million-users/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/instagram-threads-has-more-than-100-million-users/#respond Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:03:51 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=401341 Instagram Threads has managed a stunning feat by surpassing 100 million sign-ups in just five days of its launch. The app’s quick growth was obvious from the start. On the first day, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that Threads had received an astonishing 2 million sign-ups within two hours of its launch. The figures kept rising, with 5 million sign-ups reported in four hours and a mind-boggling 10 million registered users in seven hours. The following morning, Zuckerberg claimed that over 30 million people had joined up to try out the new software.  Instagram Threads Broke ChatGPT’s Record  Threads has surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot, which was previously ranked as one of the fastest-growing consumer products. ChatGPT surpassed 10 million daily users in 40 days and 100 million monthly users in just over two months. Surprisingly, Threads has already achieved the 100 million monthly active user threshold in its first month. The true problem, however, is retaining these people and keeping them engaged with the site. Threads Lacking Features  While many users are anxious to test out Meta’s new text-focused social platform, some key features are now lacking. Support for Activity Pub, the protocol used for posts on decentralized networks, is one such …

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Instagram Threads has managed a stunning feat by surpassing 100 million sign-ups in just five days of its launch. The app’s quick growth was obvious from the start. On the first day, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that Threads had received an astonishing 2 million sign-ups within two hours of its launch. The figures kept rising, with 5 million sign-ups reported in four hours and a mind-boggling 10 million registered users in seven hours. The following morning, Zuckerberg claimed that over 30 million people had joined up to try out the new software. 

Instagram Threads Broke ChatGPT’s Record 

Threads has surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot, which was previously ranked as one of the fastest-growing consumer products. ChatGPT surpassed 10 million daily users in 40 days and 100 million monthly users in just over two months. Surprisingly, Threads has already achieved the 100 million monthly active user threshold in its first month. The true problem, however, is retaining these people and keeping them engaged with the site.

Threads Lacking Features 

While many users are anxious to test out Meta’s new text-focused social platform, some key features are now lacking. Support for Activity Pub, the protocol used for posts on decentralized networks, is one such feature. Although Meta has noted this issue and is trying to integrate it into Threads. The app will not be fully integrated into the Fediverse until this integration is complete.

Furthermore, Threads presently lacks a read-only web interface, post-search functionality, direct message capabilities, hashtags, and a “Following” feed. Nudity is not permitted on Instagram due to the platform’s tight standards, unlike its Twitter counterpart, Bluesky, which has more permissive content policies.

Major Uses and the Reason Behind its Popularity 

Threads has reached 100 million users in a short period, demonstrating its rapid growth and focus on text-based interactions. The app offers an alternative platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, addressing the growing demand for text-based communication services. Threads cater to the growing demand for meaningful dialogues and text-based posts, allowing users to connect and engage in discussions on various themes. 

The simplicity and convenience of use of the app contribute to its popularity. Threads’ simple and easy interface allows users to easily produce and share text-based messages, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others.  

The rapid emergence of Threads also demonstrates the power of Meta’s large user base. Meta was able to swiftly draw millions of users to its new app by using Instagram’s large community. Threads’ integration with the existing Instagram ecosystem gives users a smooth transition, allowing them to leverage their existing connections and interact with familiar faces on the new platform. 

Will Instagram Threads Retain the Hype? 

Threads have the potential to become a serious rival in the social media environment as they continue to expand and address the missing features. The app’s rapid growth shows its capacity to captivate users’ attention and generate widespread interest. 

Threads is well-positioned to establish its presence and carve out a unique niche in the ever-changing world of social media, thanks to Meta’s commitment to improving the user experience and expanding the app’s features.

Finally, Threads’ success in achieving 100 million sign-ups in just five days demonstrates the app’s great popularity and potential. While the app lacks significant functionality and decentralized network interaction, its rapid growth implies it is here to stay. Users may expect an even more robust and interesting text-based social platform in the future as Meta refines and improves Threads. 

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Twitter Set to Sue Meta Over Threads for Stealing Trade Secrets https://techresearchonline.com/news/twitter-set-to-sue-meta/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/twitter-set-to-sue-meta/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:25:01 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=401152 A day after Instagram Threads’ launch, it is getting threats of being sued by its competitor Twitter, according to Semafor. In the letter obtained, addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter lawyer Alex Spiro claims that Meta utilized Twitter’s trade secrets and intellectual property to create the platform.   A day after its launch Threads has received 30 million users. A post stated that on the first day itself, the Threads app received over 95 million posts. Threads App was launched on 6th July in around 100 countries.   Why Is Twitter Suing Meta? Spiro, a partner at the Quinn Emanuel law firm, alleges that Meta employed dozens of ex-Twitter employees to build Threads. This is not surprising given how many people lost their jobs after Musk’s takeover.   According to Twitter, many of these former employees still have access to trade secrets and other sensitive information. Twitter claims Meta tasked these employees with creating a “copycat” software. Which happens to violate both state and federal law.    Source: Semafor Twitter plans to take legal action in the form of Civil remedies and injunctive relief. It also wants Meta to immediately stop using Twitter secrets and highly confidential information. Also, indicates …

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A day after Instagram Threads’ launch, it is getting threats of being sued by its competitor Twitter, according to Semafor. In the letter obtained, addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter lawyer Alex Spiro claims that Meta utilized Twitter’s trade secrets and intellectual property to create the platform. 

 A day after its launch Threads has received 30 million users. A post stated that on the first day itself, the Threads app received over 95 million posts. Threads App was launched on 6th July in around 100 countries.  

Why Is Twitter Suing Meta?

Spiro, a partner at the Quinn Emanuel law firm, alleges that Meta employed dozens of ex-Twitter employees to build Threads. This is not surprising given how many people lost their jobs after Musk’s takeover.
 

According to Twitter, many of these former employees still have access to trade secrets and other sensitive information. Twitter claims Meta tasked these employees with creating a “copycat” software. Which happens to violate both state and federal law. 

 

Source: Semafor

Twitter plans to take legal action in the form of Civil remedies and injunctive relief. It also wants Meta to immediately stop using Twitter secrets and highly confidential information. Also, indicates that Twitter won’t allow Meta to crawl or scrape its data, either.

Twitter, according to Spiro, intends to “strictly enforce its intellectual property rights, and demands that Meta cease using any Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information immediately.” 

Will Twitter’s Claim Stand?

According to intellectual property law experts, such as Stanford law professor Mark Lemley, Twitter would require more substantial evidence to prosecute a trade secret theft action against Meta. He said, “The mere hiring of former Twitter employees (who Twitter itself laid off or drove away) and the fact that Facebook created a somewhat similar site is unlikely to support a trade secret claim“. According to Jeanne Fromer, a professor at New York University, organizations accused of trade secret theft must demonstrate that they took reasonable precautions to protect their intellectual information. 

Meta Communications Director Andy Stone strictly denied hiring any former Twitter employee team to develop the thread app. It would be interesting to see what happens shortly as Elon and Mark are already engaged in a fight. It would be interesting to see who wins the tech battle. 

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Instagram Threads, a Twitter Rival by Meta https://techresearchonline.com/news/instagram-threads-a-twitter-rival/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/instagram-threads-a-twitter-rival/#respond Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:08:33 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=400925 Twitter is set to receive a competitor from Meta’s Instagram Threads on the 6th of July. The Instagram app’s App Store listing displays an iPhone-optimized version.  META is famous for capitalizing on any chance it sees to capitalize on a fresh arrival in the market. It is not the first time that the company is launching a competitor to existing platforms. The perfect example of this was during the lockdown when Instagram introduced Reels. It became an instant hit as TikTok was getting banned in some countries due to privacy issues. Now, with Twitter’s unclear future, Instagram is set to launch Threads. A feature that will be like Twitter’s text-based threads.  Considering Twitter’s ongoing controversies, this seems like a brilliant move by Meta. The Reason for the Introduction of Instagram Threads Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, it has seen a drop in the user base due to various issues in the company. To capitalize on this situation Instagram is ready to launch Threads.  Last week, Twitter set temporary rate limits that block you after reading a set number of tweets in a day. It also blocked unregistered users from seeing tweets. Users were unable to browse the service throughout …

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Twitter is set to receive a competitor from Meta’s Instagram Threads on the 6th of July. The Instagram app’s App Store listing displays an iPhone-optimized version. 

META is famous for capitalizing on any chance it sees to capitalize on a fresh arrival in the market. It is not the first time that the company is launching a competitor to existing platforms. The perfect example of this was during the lockdown when Instagram introduced Reels. It became an instant hit as TikTok was getting banned in some countries due to privacy issues. Now, with Twitter’s unclear future, Instagram is set to launch Threads. A feature that will be like Twitter’s text-based threads.  Considering Twitter’s ongoing controversies, this seems like a brilliant move by Meta.

The Reason for the Introduction of Instagram Threads

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, it has seen a drop in the user base due to various issues in the company. To capitalize on this situation Instagram is ready to launch Threads. 

Last week, Twitter set temporary rate limits that block you after reading a set number of tweets in a day. It also blocked unregistered users from seeing tweets. Users were unable to browse the service throughout the weekend as a result of these adjustments. 

Apple App store showing Threads LaunchMeta posted a launch date teaser to the Instagram app. The search bar displays a ticket icon when you type “threads” (or any of a range of other phrases) into the search box. When you tap it, a spinning ticket with your Instagram username and a local launch time display the equivalent of 10 AM ET on the 6th. The spinning ticket also has a QR code that connects to threads.net, which appears to be the online homepage for the brand-new social media platform. 

How Does the Instagram Threads Feature Work?

Here is the app’s official, brief description as it appears on the App Store: 

“Say more with Threads – Instagram’s text-based conversation app. Threads are where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world.” 

 

Instagram Threads, Process to get started

Twitter Issues & Elon Musk’s Reaction to the Launch

In addition, Twitter is abruptly implementing significant modifications to TweetDeck. This is after the program started to malfunction. The true reason behind it is speculative. But, it is likely the pressure of scrapers mining for data to feed AI models. Additionally, TweetDeck will be a paid tool soon. 

Over the holiday weekend, many Twitter users attempted to switch to Bluesky. But, it suspended new user signups for more than a day to fix problems brought on by people rushing the app.

Elon Musk responded to several tweets following the announcement of Instagram’s announcement. Some of these referred to the quantity of customer data that Threads’ App Store description on Meta claims it may gather.

The shots fired by Elon are straight after he and META CEO Mark Zuckerberg agreed on a cage fight. While that may or may not come to fruition, the META vs Twitter battle has commenced.

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Fight of the Decade! Mark Zuckerberg vs Elon Musk “A Cage Fight” https://techresearchonline.com/news/fight-of-the-decade-mark-zuckerberg-vs-elon-musk/ https://techresearchonline.com/news/fight-of-the-decade-mark-zuckerberg-vs-elon-musk/#respond Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:06:56 +0000 https://techresearchonline.com/?p=400304 For two of the most influential billionaires in the tech sector, business rivalry appears to be insufficient. Now, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg claim that they want a cage battle to settle their differences.  After Elon Musk recently stated that he would be “up for a cage fight” with Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO responded by screenshotting Musk’s tweet and captioning it “send me location.“  It was established that Zuckerberg’s Instagram post was not a prank. Which means the ball is now in Musk’s court. “The story speaks for itself,” Iska Saric, a Meta representative, said.  Source: Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram Story Screenshot   Musk responded with two words after this story was published: “Vegas Octagon.” Then he tweeted, “I have this great move that I call ‘The Walrus,’ where I just lie on top of my opponent and do nothing.”  History Behind the Whole Controversy They got into a highly public argument in 2017 on the direction of artificial intelligence. Musk had already issued numerous cautionary statements about the risks posed by AI, calling it a potential existential threat to the human species. On the other hand, Zuckerberg adopted a considerably more upbeat attitude.  At the time, he was labeled as …

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For two of the most influential billionaires in the tech sector, business rivalry appears to be insufficient. Now, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg claim that they want a cage battle to settle their differences. 

After Elon Musk recently stated that he would be “up for a cage fight” with Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO responded by screenshotting Musk’s tweet and captioning it “send me location. 

It was established that Zuckerberg’s Instagram post was not a prank. Which means the ball is now in Musk’s court. “The story speaks for itself,” Iska Saric, a Meta representative, said. 

elon musk vs mark zuckerbergcage fightSource: Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram Story Screenshot

 

Musk responded with two words after this story was published: “Vegas Octagon.” Then he tweeted, “I have this great move that I call ‘The Walrus,’ where I just lie on top of my opponent and do nothing.” 

History Behind the Whole Controversy

They got into a highly public argument in 2017 on the direction of artificial intelligence. Musk had already issued numerous cautionary statements about the risks posed by AI, calling it a potential existential threat to the human species. On the other hand, Zuckerberg adopted a considerably more upbeat attitude. 

At the time, he was labeled as a “pretty irresponsible” “naysayer” who drew “doomsday scenarios” during a Facebook Live show. 

Shortly after, Musk tweeted in response, saying: “I’ve spoken with Mark about this. His knowledge of the topic is rather limited. 

Who Stands a Chance to Win?

Musk versus Zuckerberg would be the epitome of tech billionaire CEOs literally battling. Musk, 51, has the physical advantage over Zuckerberg, and he has spoken about becoming involved in “real hard-core street fights” while growing up in South Africa. 

However, 39-year-old wannabe MMA fighter, Mark Zuckerberg has already triumphed in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. He also claims to have just finished the grueling “Murph Challenge” workout in under 40 minutes. 

Elon Musk has received support from Andrew Tate in the war of the social media titans. Tate has offered to train the controversial owner of Twitter as he prepares for the Cage Match. 

Source: Andrew Tate Twitter Post’s Screenshot

Having said that, this “fight” between two of the richest men in the world is obviously not going to happen, as much as I would like to see either man get punched in the face for several of their well-documented unethical faults and troubles, they’ve brought to so many others. It’s all simply a clumsy technique for them to act petty online and get attention, which, given that everyone is talking about it and that I just finished typing this, must have worked. 

Regardless of who wins, I believe we can all agree that a Musk-vs-Zuckerberg fight would be one of the most exciting ever. It has to happen. Musk doesn’t back down now. 

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