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Twitter promises a fix for its age-limit account lockouts
Those who recently got locked out of their Twitter accounts for being younger than 13-years-old when they're actually much older may want to keep an eye out for a follow-up email. In a series of tweets, the social network has explained that its system "became aware of accounts that were set up by people when they were younger than 13" after it implemented product changes to comply with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Those accounts were automatically locked, even if it has been years ago since they were created, and Twitter says it didn't expect that to happen at all. Now, the social network has promised to help people affected by the issue get their accounts back.
Facebook provides 452-page answer to Congressional questions
Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before Congress was frustrating if you were expecting plenty of immediate answers about Facebook's policies -- he frequently promised follow-ups, and there were questions that went unasked. Facebook is now filling in some of those holes, however. The company has posted responses to questions its CEO didn't answer during the hearings themselves. There's a lot of material to comb through (452 pages' worth without introductions), and not all of it is useful -- some of it is little more than grandstanding. Still, there's already a highlight.
Facebook's Memories is a dedicated spot for nostalgia
Facebook's On This Day and other nostalgia-driven posts are helpful for reminding you of moments from years past, but they eventually drift out of your News Feed. What if you want to revisit them at any time? You can now. The social site has launched a dedicated Memories section that collects all those souvenirs and anniversaries in a single place. It also includes previous "Memories You May Have Missed" and "Recaps" features that respectively help you catch up on milestones and summarize a busy season.
A DC-themed Snapchat Lens could get you into Comic-Con
You're not completely hosed if you missed your chance to attend San Diego Comic-Con... if you're willing to dabble in some augmented reality art. Snap and DC Comics have launched a DC Super Heroes Challenge that asks you to create a DC-themed Lens championing Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman for the chance to win an expenses-paid trip to San Diego Comic-Con in July. You don't have to start completely from scratch, thankfully, as there's a load of DC assets to bring into Lens Studio.
Facebook makes it easier to find and support game streamers
Facebook hasn't been shy about its plans to challenge game streaming services like Twitch, Mixer and YouTube Gaming, and it's taking that effort to its next logical step. The social site recently started testing a dedicated gaming video portal (appropriately shortened to fb.gg) that highlights both live and pre-recorded footage based on the games, creators, pages and groups you follow. It'll also put the spotlight on eSports competitions and game-related events, and mobile gamers will see a section for Instant Games. The experience will no doubt seem familiar if you've used rival services, but it's hard to complain when you can find a Fortnite stream that much faster.
NBA referees will answer your Game 3 questions on Twitter
The next time an NBA referee makes a call you hate, you can do more about it than screaming at your TV. Some of the basketball league's refs are live-tweeting Game 3 of the finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors once it starts at 9PM Eastern. They're promising to both react to calls during the game and answer viewers' questions. You're not about to influence the outcome, of course, but this could help explain the rationale behind a reversed charge call instead of leaving the decision a mystery.
Senators want to know how Facebook shares data with device makers
If you're concerned that Facebook may have shared more of your data with device makers than you were comfortable with, you're not alone. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey have sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg asking him to answer questions on Facebook's approach to sharing data with device partners like Apple, BlackBerry and Samsung. They want to know how it distinguishes between hardware companies and app developers, which companies have had access so far (including through exemptions), and what safeguards it has in place to both prevent abuse and give users a chance to opt out.
Sixers president accused of leaking info with burner Twitter accounts
More than a few people have burner Twitter accounts to track news, comment anonymously or even make in-jokes between friends. For Philadelphia 76ers basketball operations president Bryan Colangelo, however, those disposable accounts may land him in serious trouble. The Ringer claimed that Colangelo has been quietly running five Twitter accounts, four of which were used to not only criticize players and staff (including his own coaching team), but to leak private information about the acquisition of Markelle Fultz and Jahlil Okafor's medicals.
Facebook's political ad disclosures go into effect
Facebook is acting on its promise to show who paid for political ads. Starting today, election- and issue-related ads on Facebook and Instagram must carry a "paid for by" label at the top of the ad. Click on those labels and you'll visit an archive that will show you details about the ad, including its budget and audience demographics like age, gender and location. The archive will only cover US political and issue ads for "up to" seven years at launch, but that should be enough to review recent elections.
Facebook expands controversial revenge porn prevention to more countries
Facebook's experimental tool for fighting revenge porn is now available beyond Australian borders. The social network is now testing its "proactive reporting"system in the US, UK and Canada, giving people a way to prevent harassment and humiliation before it starts. As before, though, it requires placing a significant amount of trust in Facebook.
Facebook made a short film about its fight against fake news
Facebook is determined to show that it's serious about fighting fake news and other forms of misinformation, and it just took an unusual step to get there: it made a short film. The 11-minute Facing Facts video explains the social network's past and present thinking about intervening in the News Feed, the challenges involved (such as maintaining neutrality) and the various methods Facebook uses in response, such as downplaying questionable stories and using machine learning to inspect content for deceptive material.
Twitter brings modern features to its web and Windows apps
Twitter's other clients now have some of the features you take for granted using its main apps. Its mobile web version, Twitter Lite and Twitter for Windows now support night mode, real-time updates on replies, likes and retweets as well as a newer Tweet compose window. They're not the largest changes, but they'll make a big difference if you can't (or don't want to) use the "full" native apps on mobile devices.
Mark Zuckerberg will apologize to EU for not taking 'broad enough view'
You won't have to wonder much about what Mark Zuckerberg will say when he meets with the European Parliament later on May 22nd. Business Insider has obtained the Facebook chief's introductory speech, and contrition is clearly the order of the day. Zuckerberg is expect to apologize for his company not taking a "broad enough view of our responsibilities," including the need to curb fake news, fight election interference by countries like Russia and, of course, prevent developers from abusing data. He's also expected to reiterate the changes Facebook is making to mend its ways, such as "doubling" the number of safety and security staffers.
UK to introduce internet safety laws within 'next couple of years'
The UK government is acting on its vow to make the internet safer... whether or not companies like the idea. In the wake of the Internet Safety Green Paper, Digital Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled plans for online safety laws that will tackle cyberbullying, child exploitation, extremism and other "legal and illegal harms." Government ministries, charities and the public will work together on a white paper later in 2018 that will "set out" the legislation, with Hancock expecting the laws to be ready within the "next couple of years."
Instagram now lets you share posts in Stories
Instagram has spent months testing the ability to share posts as Stories, and now it's finally here. An update to the Android app (iOS will get it in the "coming days") lets you turn public posts from your social feed into stickers, with a tap bringing users directly to the post you're eager to celebrate. You can customize both the sticker and the background to add a little extra flair.
Tweetbot 3 carries the torch for Twitter users on Mac
Twitter hasn't exactly been kind to Mac users, dropping its main app and leaving TweetDeck to languish, but that doesn't mean you're without modern options. Tapbots has released Tweetbot 3 for Mac with several improvements that both keep up with Twitter's latest developments and providing a decided advantage over the web version. You now have advanced filters your timeline (say, including a vital topic or excluding an annoying trend), and videos will auto-play when previews are turned on, much as they are with Twitter itself.
Snapchat's revised redesign is rolling out on iOS
Snapchat's redesigned redesign is rolling out to users on iOS. If you'll remember, critics of last fall's visual makeover hated how the refresh moved friends' stories in with #brand posts. It even apparently affected how many new users the app was attracting, hence the revision. Well, The Verge confirmed that won't be the case for much longer. The new design reinstates chronological sorting and is slowly making its way to iOS. Android users will have to wait, because Snap hasn't said anything about when the update lands for Google fans.
Facebook creates group dedicated to studying blockchain
Just because Facebook isn't keen on cryptocurrency ads doesn't mean it's against some of the underlying technology. The social network is creating a group devoted to exploring ways it can use ultra-trendy blockchain across its products, "starting from scratch." The division will be run by David Marcus, who's leaving his role as the head of the Messenger team, and will include outgoing Instagram product VP Kevin Weil. Not much more is known beyond that, however, including what Facebook might do blockchain tech.
Facebook will block foreign ads on Ireland's abortion referendum
Facebook has been increasingly stringent about verifying the sources of political ads in its bid to prevent foreign interference, and that's evident in its approach to Ireland. The social network is now refusing any foreign ads about Ireland's Eighth Amendment referendum concerning abortion rights -- if the organization isn't based in the Emerald Isle, it won't get a say ahead of the May 25th vote. It's not a complete ban, as Facebook will allow Irish campaigns to use foreign service providers, but it should reduce the likelihood of conspicuous manipulation.
Democrats to release 3,000 Russia-bought Facebook ads
You're about to get more than a small sample of the Russia-connected Facebook ads purchased during the 2016 presidential election. Wall Street Journal sources have learned that Democrats from the House Intelligence Committee are planning to release 3,000 of the Russia-bought ads as soon as this week. The trove will show both the ad images, who they targeted, how much they cost and how many people saw those ads. There's a chance the release could be delayed over a debate with Facebook over the level of user info (such as likes and shares) that should be redacted, according to the tipsters.
