Social News for September 2023

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed about the latest developments in the tech world is crucial. Welcome to our “September Digital Buzz” blog, where we bring you a curated collection of the most noteworthy news and updates from the digital realm. From the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by tech giants like X and Meta to the exciting new features in apps like Instagram and Clubhouse, we’ve got you covered. 

Twitter Buzz

X remains tangled in ongoing regulatory scrutiny and legal disputes that may impede its forward momentum. This intensified examination comes on the heels of a new report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which asserts that X has inadequately addressed hate speech, including racism and antisemitism, within its posts. Similar findings were also reported by the Anti-Defamation League. However, it’s worth noting that X has vehemently contested these allegations and has, in each case so far, issued threats of legal action in response.

Meta Buzz

Meta is offering users explicit controls to remove their data from generative AI training sets, addressing the growing utilization of generative AI tools. This involves the introduction of a new feature within its Privacy Center hub, which empowers users to opt out of the inclusion of their personal data in the training of AI models.

Meta is actively exploring the possibility of introducing a subscription service designed to allow European Union users to eliminate advertisements. As reported by The New York Times, this potential development is under consideration, with Meta contemplating the introduction of paid versions for both Facebook and Instagram. These paid versions would grant E.U. users the option to completely avoid ads and the utilization of their personal data within both applications.

Meta continues to distance itself from news content by announcing the discontinuation of Facebook News in additional regions. Starting from December of this year, Facebook News will no longer be available in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, marking another move by Meta away from news and political content.

Facebook Will Now Allow Users to Create Multiple Profiles to Explore Different Interests – 

After experimenting with the option for more than a year, Meta has now launched its new multi-profile option, which will enable users to create multiple Facebook profiles to explore different interests, share different content with different audiences, etc.

Instagram Buzz

Meta appears poised to introduce its new AI chatbots, which will be accessible in various personas. Instagram is on track to become the latest app to incorporate this AI chatbot feature, offering a unique twist where users can personalize their artificial interactions by choosing from different personas.

Instagram is currently experimenting with a fresh privacy feature, allowing users to hide their like activity from others on the platform, should they opt to do so.

Threads Buzz

Meta’s Threads app, which shares similarities with Twitter, is introducing an important new feature. The Threads team is commencing initial testing of keyword search, and this functionality will be available to users in Australia and New Zealand starting this week.

AI Buzz

Prominent figures in the tech industry, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, gathered alongside other influential leaders like Sundar Pichai from Google and Satya Nadella from Microsoft, to engage in discussions with U.S. Senators about the regulation of artificial intelligence. The conversations centered around evaluating existing laws, identifying potential gaps, and considering necessary adjustments for the future to minimize economic risks. Additionally, they delved into the potential scenarios involving superintelligent robots with adverse intentions, akin to the concept of using humans as batteries.

Clubhouse Buzz

Clubhouse is making efforts to recapture its former allure with a new update that aims, in the platform’s own words, to transform Clubhouse into something resembling a messaging app.

Digital Buzz Summary

It’s clear that the tech world continues to be a hotbed of innovation, controversy, and transformation. From the legal battles challenging the status quo to the emergence of AI chatbots and privacy enhancements, this month has seen a diverse array of developments. As technology leaders grapple with regulation and users gain more control over their digital experiences, the digital landscape remains dynamic and full of potential. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest insights and updates from the ever-evolving world of technology.