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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.
Facebook Marketplace adds section for home service professionals
A lot of home service pros already advertise their services on Facebook's Marketplace, but now the social network wants to make their presence on its Craigslist rival official. Facebook will roll out a dedicated Services section within Marketplace in the US starting today, and you can visit it whenever you're looking for home service pros like plumbers, cleaners and renovators. The social network is populating the category with providers from Handy, HomeAdvisor and Porch, which presumably means they're all background-checked and vetted by those companies.
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.
Facebook launches 'Youth Portal' with privacy tips for teens
Facebook and other social networks can be a pretty toxic place for kids and teens, with at least one study coming to the conclusion that they deepen young people's feelings of inadequacy. Today, the social network has launched a Youth Portal, which it says provides a "guide to all things" teens need "to have a great experience on Facebook." It covers the basics all Facebook users (not just young people) need to know, including privacy measures such as activating two-factor and using strong passwords, as well as tips on how to spot scams. However, it also doles out advice for teens and contains information on how the website uses their data.
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.
Cambridge Analytica's Facebook data models survived until 2017
Facebook may have succeeded in getting Cambridge Analytica to delete millions of users' data in January 2016, but the information based on that data appears to have survived for much longer. The Guardian has obtained leaked emails suggesting that Cambridge Analytica avoided explicitly agreeing to delete the derivatives of that data, such as predictive personality models. Former employees claimed the company kept that data modelling in a "hidden corner" of a server until an audit in March 2017 (prompted by an Observer journalist's investigation), and it only certified that it had scrubbed the data models in April 2017 -- half a year after the US presidential election.
Facebook's friend suggestions helped connect extremists
When you think of internet giants fighting terrorism online, there's a good chance you think of them banning accounts and deleting posts. However, their friend suggestions may prove to be just as problematic. Researchers have shared a report to the Telegraph revealing that Facebook's "suggested friends" feature has been connecting Islamic extremists on a routine basis. While some instances are almost expected (contacting one extremist brings up connections to others), some of the suggestions surface purely by accident: reading an article about an extremist uprising in the Philippines led to recommendations for "dozens" of local extremists.
Facebook's 'Sauron alert' protects staff against privacy breaches
The news that Facebook fired an engineer who abused his power to stalk women has raised a question: can the social network raise alarm bells if one of its workers accesses private data? The answer appears to be yes -- though you'll currently have to work at Facebook to get a warning. The Wall Street Journal has learned that Facebook has a "Sauron alert" (yes, like Lord of the Rings' oppressive eye) that notifies employees when other staffers access their personal profiles. Everyday users only get notices of unusual login behavior, which could prove worrying if there is a case of abuse. However, Facebook may have a solution in the long run.
Facebook will conduct civil rights audit following bias allegations
Facebook has come under fire lately for accusations of racial and political bias, and it's determined to address both of those claims head-on. The social media giant has committed to independent investigations that will scrutinize both its civil rights record and its alleged anti-conservative political bias. Civil liberties leader Laura Murphy will lead a civil rights audit with input from groups like the Leadership Conference. Meanwhile, former Republican Senator Jon Kyl will run a conservative bias advisory partnership that will also see Facebook executives meeting with the right-wing think tank Heritage Foundation.
Facebook's Instant Games now offer in-app purchases
Facebook's Instant Games are about to add a cornerstone of the modern gaming experience, although it's not necessarily the one you'd hope for. The social site is adding support for in-app purchases to Instant Games on both Android and the web, letting you buy extra goodies (no doubt including a ton of in-game currency) in titles that don't require lengthy load times. The tools are available now, although game creators can only start submitting apps on May 7th.
WhatsApp will finally offer group video calls
WhatsApp may be a cornerstone of the chat world, but it's missing a feature rivals like Skype have had for years: group video chat. Or rather it was. Facebook has revealed that WhatsApp is adding a group video calling feature in the months ahead. There aren't many details at this stage, but it's clear the feature will allow four particpants and work with smartphones.
Facebook provides more ways to help in a crisis
Facebook is offering two new ways to contribute when lives are on the line. For starters, it's launching a Blood Donations on Facebook feature that moves beyond signing up for donations to a full-fledged hub where you can find people and facilities looking for donations. You'll not only see nearby requests, but the urgency and specific details (say, the eligible blood types). From there, you can get in touch if they don't accept walk-ins.
