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Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban Glasses Are Coming to India: Here’s What They Can Do

April 24, 2025, 10:03 am

Meta is set to launch its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses in India
This was announced in a recent blog post
These glasses let users interact with Meta AI, capture photos and videos hands-free, and more

You are walking down the street, wearing a pair of Ray-Bans that don’t just block sunlight — but talk to you. Not in a creepy way, but more like Tony Stark’s J.A.R.V.I.S.- whispering useful bits of information into your ear. That’s the promise of Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, which are finally making their way to India. Sleek, stylish, and surprisingly smart, these next-gen wearables promise to blend fashion with futuristic tech, offering hands-free photo capture, live translation, and real-time AI conversations — all without you having to pull out your phone.

Meta’s AI-powered glasses coming to India soon

Meta announced the arrival of Meta Ray-Ban to India in a recent blog post.

“Coming soon, we’re launching Ray-Ban Meta glasses in Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates. We can’t wait for more people across the globe to get in on the action,” the blog post read.

Meta hasn’t revealed an exact launch date or price for the Indian market just yet, but based on international pricing (starting at $299 in the US), they won’t come cheap. Still, for early adopters and tech enthusiasts, the blend of AI, AR and wearable design could make them worth every rupee.

Ray-Ban Meta coming to India: Top features

At first glance, Meta’s smart glasses look like a stylish pair of Ray-Bans. But hidden inside the frames is a tiny camera and speakers, plus microphones that let you interact with Meta AI using just your voice. Want to snap a picture? Say “Hey Meta, take a photo.” Need to identify a landmark or translate a sign? Just ask the glasses. The newest update adds even more intelligence — now, Meta AI can see what you’re looking at and give answers based on that visual input.

“And coming soon to general availability in the US and Canada, you’ll be able to hold a conversation with Meta AI on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses where our smart assistant can see what you see continuously and converse with you more naturally. In the middle of cooking dinner and you don’t have as much butter as you thought? Ask Meta AI to see if there’s a substitute based on what it sees in your pantry or refrigerator. And follow it up by asking which wine in your rack pairs best with the meal. You can speak as you normally would without needing to say “Hey, Meta” each time, and Meta AI will respond in kind for a smooth, natural experience. Just say, “Hey Meta, start live AI” to begin,” Meta revealed in its blog post.

Here are some features of the smart glasses that are worth noticing:

Talk to Meta AI

Think of it as having a digital assistant built into your glasses. You can say “Hey Meta” and ask questions, get directions, summarise texts, or even ask what you’re looking at — all through voice.

Capture Moments, Hands-Free

They come with a built-in 12MP camera and microphones, so you can take photos and videos without touching your phone. Just say a command or press a button on the frame.

Listen to Music & Take Calls

The glasses have open-ear speakers, meaning you can play music or answer calls while still hearing the world around you — no earbuds needed.

Translate on the Go

One of the coolest features rolling out is live translation. Look at a menu or a sign in a foreign language and ask the glasses what it says — they’ll translate it in real time.

Identify Objects

Point your glasses at a landmark, a flower, or even a meal, and ask, “What am I looking at?” The AI will try to tell you — like a real-time Wikipedia for the world in front of you.

Meta Faces $2.4B Lawsuit Over Alleged Role in Ethiopia Violence

April 4, 2025, 11:51 am

Meta is being sued for $2.4bn (£1.8bn) by the owner of Facebook, alleging that it stoked violence in Ethiopia following a ruling by the Kenyan high court that a court case against the US tech company could proceed.

Allegations Against Facebook’s Algorithm

The case filed by two Ethiopian citizens challenges Facebook to change its algorithm to prevent promoting of hateful content and violence inciting, and recruit additional content moderators in Africa. It is also asking for a $2.4bn “restitution fund” for the victims of hate and violence stirred on Facebook.

Victims and Their Stories

One of the applicants is Prof Meareg Amare Abrha’s son, who was killed in his house in Ethiopia after his address and threatening messages were posted on Facebook in 2021 when there was a civil war in the nation. Another applicant is Fisseha Tekle, a former researcher with Amnesty International who released reports on violence perpetrated during the conflict in Tigray in northern Ethiopia and was sent death threats on Facebook.

Jurisdiction Ruling by Kenyan High Court

Meta had claimed that Kenyan courts, where Facebook’s Ethiopia moderators operated at the time, lacked jurisdiction over the case. The Kenyan high court in Nairobi decided on Thursday that the case fell within the jurisdiction of the country’s courts.

Plaintiffs Speak Out

Abrham Meareg, son of Meareg, stated: “I appreciate the court’s ruling today. It is shameful that Meta would make the argument that they shouldn’t be held accountable to the rule of law in Kenya. African lives matter.”

Tekle explained he cannot go back home to Ethiopia due to Meta’s inability to make Facebook secure. “Meta can’t turn back the harm it’s caused, but it can fundamentally alter how it moderates harmful content on all its platforms to ensure that no one else has to endure what I have endured,” he stated. “I’m glad this issue is now going to be heard by the court in its entirety.”

Support from Human Rights Organizations

The case, backed by non-profit groups such as Foxglove and Amnesty International, also calls for a formal apology from Meta for Meareg’s murder. The Katiba Institute, an NGO based in Kenya that specializes in the Kenyan constitution, is the third party to the case.

Investigation into Facebook’s Role

In 2022 an investigation by the Observer and Bureau of Investigative Journalism discovered that Facebook was allowing users to put up content fueling violence via hate and disinformation, though it knew this was inflaming tensions in Tigray.

Response to the Accusations by Meta

Meta denied the accusations then, stating it had “invested in safety and security measures” to address hate and inflammatory content as well as “aggressive measures to prevent the spread of misinformation” in Ethiopia.

Recent Policy Changes by Meta

The business announced in January that it was deleting factcheckers and “dramatically” decreasing the level of censorship on the platform, although it would still address unlawful and high-severity violations.

Meta said it did not comment on ongoing legal matters.

Papua New Guinea Blocks Facebook, Citing Concerns Over Hate Speech

March 26, 2025, 9:34 am

Papua New Guinea has blocked Facebook, claiming it is a “test” to reduce hate speech, misinformation, and pornography. According to Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, the government is not restricting free speech but rather protecting citizens from harmful content.

Critics Call It a Human Rights Violation

However, opposition leaders and activists strongly oppose the ban. Neville Choi, president of the media council, warned that the move “borders on political autocracy and an abuse of human rights.” Likewise, opposition MP Allan Bird condemned the decision, stating, “We are now heading into dangerous territory, and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny.”

Lack of Coordination Sparks Concern

Surprisingly, at least two government agencies responsible for communication and technology said they were unaware of the ban. This contradicts police claims that they coordinated with these agencies. As a result, many critics believe the government acted without proper consultation.

Small Businesses Face Challenges

Furthermore, the ban has disrupted businesses. With over 1.3 million users in Papua New Guinea, Facebook is a crucial platform for small businesses. John Pora, chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation, expressed concern, saying, “We have a couple of hundred thousand people in the informal sector, and they’ll be feeling uncertain.”

Government Has Targeted Facebook Before

Notably, this is not the first time Papua New Guinea has restricted Facebook. In 2018, the government banned the platform for a month to investigate fake accounts. Later, in 2023, officials launched an inquiry into “fake news and social media platforms.”

New Laws Expand Online Restrictions

Meanwhile, the recent counter-terrorism laws have raised further concerns. These laws give the government broad powers to monitor and limit online communication. Bird criticized the measures, calling them “draconian” and warning, “Blocking Facebook is just step one.”

Users Find Ways to Bypass the Ban

Despite the government’s efforts, many users are still accessing Facebook through virtual private networks (VPNs). Consequently, the ban has not entirely stopped people from using the platform.

Facebook And Instagram To Get AI Makeover: Meta’s Plan To Tackle Shrinking User Base

January 2, 2025, 1:17 pm

Meta, the tech company behind Facebook and Instagram, is facing strong criticism after revealing plans to introduce millions of AI-driven bots on its platforms. According to a report from the Financial Times, these bots are designed to mimic real user accounts, potentially inflating the platforms’ user activity. Meta’s vice president of product for generative AI, Connor Hayes, confirmed that the bots will feature bios, profile pictures, and the ability to create and share AI-generated content.

Despite no official timeline for a full rollout, Hayes disclosed that hundreds of thousands of these AI characters already exist in a private testing phase. This move comes in response to the company’s ongoing struggle to retain active user engagement, especially as Meta faces increasing competition from other platforms.

Mixed Reactions: Concerns Over Authenticity and Advertiser Trust

The announcement has stirred strong reactions on social media, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Users have expressed concerns that the introduction of AI bots may be an attempt to mask Meta’s declining user base. Critics argue that these bots will compromise the authenticity of user interactions and create misleading engagement metrics. Such concerns are particularly troubling for advertisers, who rely on accurate data to target real customers.

On the r/futurology subreddit, users raised the ethical implications of the move. Some questioned whether advertisers would be unknowingly paying for fake engagement, while others feared the bots could clog feeds already overwhelmed by algorithms. For many, the addition of AI bots only adds to frustrations with a platform increasingly dominated by irrelevant content.

Advertising Implications: A Threat to Trust and Transparency

Meta’s reliance on advertising revenue has drawn scrutiny over the legality and transparency of its new strategy. Critics argue that promoting inflated engagement figures through AI bots could lead to misleading advertising practices. If advertisers are unknowingly paying for interactions generated by bots rather than real users, the trust that brands place in Meta’s advertising system could be severely damaged.

The ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI bots are also mounting. While some view the bots as a potential short-term solution to boost activity on Meta’s platforms, many worry that it could further alienate users who are already dissatisfied with the platform’s increasingly impersonal nature.

Meta’s Struggle to Stay Relevant Amid Declining Popularity

With a particularly noticeable dip in popularity among younger audiences, Meta’s decision to implement AI bots is seen as a desperate measure to boost engagement and maintain relevance in the social media landscape. While the company positions the bots as a tool to enhance user interaction, many believe they are merely a way to inflate activity and sustain ad revenue, even at the risk of diminishing the user experience.

This bold move may succeed in temporarily boosting numbers, but for many, it signals a troubling direction towards a more artificial and impersonal social media experience. Whether the move will ultimately help Meta maintain its place in the competitive social media sphere or drive users away is still uncertain.

The Future of Meta’s AI Strategy

As Meta moves forward with this strategy, it will likely face continued scrutiny from users, advertisers, and critics alike. While the plan to flood feeds with AI bots might deliver temporary increases in activity, the long-term impact on user loyalty and platform authenticity remains a critical question. For now, Meta’s gamble could mark a significant shift in how we experience social media, blurring the lines between genuine human interactions and artificially generated content.

Georgian Woman Discovers Her Facebook Friend of 3 Years is Actually Her…

December 4, 2024, 2:40 pm

An astonishing twist of fate, a Georgia woman recently discovered that her Facebook friend for three years was indeed her biological father. The discovery came in the course of an extended search for birth parents which started in 2016 after the death of the woman who raised her.

The Discovery and Ahead

Tamuna Museridze’s quest to find her biological family began when she found her birth certificate among the items she was cleaning up in her late mother’s house. She found an inconsistency between her birth date and what it had on the document, making her suspect that she might be adopted. With this knowledge, Museridze started a Facebook group called Vedzeb, or “I’m Searching”, to help her with her quest to find her birth parents.

A step forward in Museridze’s journey was made a couple of months ago when she got an email from a woman who said that she lived in rural Georgia. The woman revealed that her aunt had hidden a pregnancy in Tbilisi in September of 1984, as when Museridze was born. After several conversations, she agreed to undergo a DNA test to confirm the connection.

During the period of waiting for the results, Museridze asked her adoptive mother for answers. But her conversation took an unexpected turn.

Museridze remembered the emotional telephone call with her mother: “She started screaming, shouting—she said she hadn’t given birth to a child. She didn’t want anything to do with me.” Museridze was left emotionally shaken by the intensity of her mother’s reaction. “I was ready for anything, but her reaction was beyond anything I could imagine,” Museridze said.

DNA Test Confirms the Connection

One week later, the DNA test confirmed that Museridze was actually cousins with the lady on Facebook. Museridze armed with the new information, then confronted her mother for a third time and eventually managed to make her tell the name of the birth father as Gurgen Khorava.

Museridze then found Khorava on Facebook and, to her surprise, he had been following her story online for years. “He had been in my friend list for three years,” Museridze shared. “He didn’t even know my birth mother had been pregnant. It was a huge surprise for him.”

Museridze, with Khorava’s name in hand, traveled to his hometown and met him, and on meeting him, she got to know her half-siblings and cousins. She was shocked at how much she looked like her father compared to the rest of his children.

The Hidden Truth

Museridze learned that her mother had kept her pregnancy a secret because of the shame of having a child out of wedlock. She traveled to another city to give birth in secret, hiding the pregnancy from everyone, including her family.

Reflecting on the unexpected twists that have brought her to this remarkable reunion, Museridze said with astonishment at how things changed so that she could meet her real father and family at last.

Can Australia’s Social Media Be Banned for Kids Under 16?

December 1, 2024, 3:26 pm

Australia has passed a law that prohibits children under 16 from using social media platforms. This law targets major tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. If companies fail to stop minors from logging in, they could face fines up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial phase will begin in January, with the full ban set to take effect in a year.

Public Reactions

The law has received mixed reactions from the public. Some people support it, believing it’s a great step toward protecting kids. Others, however, think it’s too harsh. For example, 11-year-old Emma Wakefield said, “I feel like I still will use it, just secretly get in.”

Tech companies, especially TikTok, have raised concerns. They argue the ban could push young users into more dangerous corners of the internet. A spokesperson for TikTok explained that the decision was rushed and could expose children to higher risks.

Enforcement Challenges

Experts are concerned about how practical the ban will be. They point out that children could easily lie about their age or use someone else’s device to bypass the restrictions. These concerns raise doubts about the effectiveness of the law.

Government Acknowledges Difficulties

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the challenges of enforcement. However, he insists the ban is still the right decision. He compared it to the alcohol ban for people under 18, stating, “We know that it’s the right thing to do.”

Unanswered Questions About Implementation

Experts, such as Lizzie O’Shea from Digital Rights Watch, believe the ban’s effectiveness remains unclear. She said, “There will be workarounds, and the type of age assurance that can be used is not mandated.” These challenges highlight the uncertainty surrounding the law’s practical application.

Tech-Savvy Kids Could Bypass Restrictions

Kalindhi Bhatia, a partner at BTG Advaya, explained that many children are tech-savvy enough to get around restrictions. “No system is completely foolproof,” she said. She suggested that platforms could use advanced methods like ID verification or AI to analyze user behavior, though even these measures might not be enough.

Responsibility Shifts to Social Media Companies

The law shifts responsibility for age verification onto the platforms. Aasish Somasi from SNG & Partners noted that companies like TikTok and Facebook must take “reasonable steps” to ensure underage users cannot create accounts. If they fail to do so, they risk losing immunity from user-generated content.

Privacy Concerns Over Age Verification

One potential solution for age verification is using government-issued IDs. However, this raises privacy concerns. O’Shea pointed out that such a system could lead to the collection of sensitive personal data. Bhatia emphasized that any system must comply with strict privacy and data protection laws to avoid privacy violations.

Key Measures for Effective Enforcement

To enforce the ban effectively, Somasi proposed five key measures:

Advanced Age Verification: Platforms could require IDs or biometric authentication for age checks.
Device Controls: Manufacturers could install age-restricted access controls on devices to prevent minors from accessing banned platforms.
AI Monitoring: Platforms could use AI tools to flag accounts that appear to belong to minors.
Parental Responsibility: Parents could be given tools and education to prevent their children from bypassing the ban.
Cross-Platform Cooperation: Platforms could collaborate to share flagged accounts and ensure age restrictions are upheld across multiple apps.

Will the Ban Work?

Australia’s social media ban for children under 16 sets a significant precedent for regulating Big Tech. While enforcement will be challenging, the success of the initiative will depend on how well platforms implement and enforce age verification measures.

8 Month Old Sold On Facebook: Mother Sells Baby Online,’ I Was..’

November 19, 2024, 12:23 pm

In a shocking incident from Mabopane, South Africa, a woman reportedly sold her eight-month-old son via Facebook Marketplace, citing severe financial hardship as her motivation. The mother, whose identity remains undisclosed, has since expressed deep remorse for her actions. The case has sparked widespread condemnation and discussions about societal pressures and child welfare.

The Facebook Marketplace Transaction

As reported, the incident occurred in October when the mother linked up with a potential buyer via the platform. They arranged to meet at Soshanguve Plaza near Pretoria, where the child was transferred to the buyer. The buyer allegedly departed with the baby in a taxi, promising to pay the mother 1,000 South African Rand (approximately ₹4,600) each month to support her until she regained financial stability. However, the payments were never fulfilled, and the buyer could not be located.

Mother’s Regret and Legal Trouble

Speaking to SNL 24, the mother revealed her regret, saying, “I was struggling financially to raise my child. I regret my actions and want my child back. I love him.” She admitted that her desperation led to a grave mistake and expressed remorse for not seeking help from social workers instead. “What I did was wrong, and I regret taking that path,” she said.

The woman was arrested on October 19 on charges of child trafficking and later produced in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate Court. She has since been granted bail, with the next hearing scheduled for February next year.

Partner Claims Paternity

Adding another layer to the case, the woman’s 25-year-old partner, a resident of Soshanguve, has stepped forward, claiming to be the father of the child. He stated that he was unaware of the sale, as the couple was not living together at the time. “I thought she had sent the child to her family,” he explained.

Legal and Social Implications

Captain Tintswalo, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Police, confirmed the registration of a child trafficking case. The North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that the woman had advertised the baby online, sparking concerns over how social platforms are used for such purposes.

This incident has ignited calls for stricter monitoring of online marketplaces and improved support systems for financially distressed parents. While the mother awaits her trial, her plea for the return of her child continues to draw mixed reactions.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable families and the need for accessible social support systems to prevent such desperate actions.

‘Children Under 16’: This Country To Ban On Social Media For Safety

November 7, 2024, 12:07 pm

The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has introduced a groundbreaking proposal to ban social media access for children under 16, as part of an expansive package of safety measures. The legislation, aimed at curbing the negative effects of social media on youth, is anticipated to become law late next year, marking one of the world’s most stringent online safety policies.

Age-Verification System and Strict Controls

Australia is testing a new age-verification system that includes biometric and government identification checks to prevent underage users from accessing popular social media platforms. This would make Australia the first country to enforce a social media age restriction using such advanced verification methods. Unlike other countries’ policies, Australia’s proposal does not provide exemptions for parental consent or pre-existing accounts. Once passed, platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, Elon Musk’s X, and potentially YouTube will be required to implement age barriers and demonstrate compliance.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland described the initiative as “world-leading,” emphasizing that the responsibility for age enforcement will fall on social media companies, not parents or young users.

Aiming to Protect Youth from Harmful Content

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the urgent need for intervention, citing mental and physical health risks linked to social media usage among young.

Meta: Employee With Rs 3 Crore Salary Fired for Using Meal Credits To Buy Toothpaste

October 18, 2024, 10:25 am

Meta has dismissed 24 employees in Los Angeles after discovering they had been using company-issued meal credits for personal purchases, including household items like toothpaste, acne pads, and wine glasses, according to a report by Financial Times. The meal credits, intended for food deliveries to the office, were misused, prompting Meta to take disciplinary action.

Meta, like other major tech companies, offers food perks to its employees, with those in larger offices, such as its Silicon Valley headquarters, enjoying free on-campus meals. However, employees in smaller offices are provided with credits through platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub. These daily credits—$20 for breakfast and $25 each for lunch and dinner—are meant to cover work-related meals.

Abuse of meal credits leads to firings

The employees in question reportedly used the meal credits for non-food items, violating company policy. Some were ordering personal food deliveries to their homes, while others pooled their credits together. Meta fired only those who had been misusing the system over an extended period. Employees who occasionally made improper purchases were issued warnings rather than being terminated.

One former employee, who earned $400,000 annually at Meta, shared their experience anonymously on Blind, a platform where professionals discuss workplace matters. They admitted to using their $25 meal credit to purchase toothpaste from Rite Aid and other non-food items when they didn’t need food. Despite admitting their mistake to HR, they were later unexpectedly fired.

“It was almost surreal that this was happening,” the ex-employee wrote.

Meal credit misuse separate from layoffs

These firings were unrelated to the broader layoffs happening at Meta-owned companies, such as WhatsApp and Threads, but highlight the tech giant’s strict enforcement of its internal policies.

How One Indian Woman’s Tweet Helped A Driver Launch His Startup

September 30, 2024, 3:11 pm

An Indian woman employed at Meta in San Francisco recently found herself involved in an inspiring entrepreneurial journey during an ordinary Uber ride. While traveling with a friend who had arranged the ride, she was taken aback to find a poster in the car requesting support for a startup.

Uber Driver’s Unique Plea for Help

The poster, placed on one of the car’s seats, was a heartfelt appeal from the driver, Frederico Coutrim. He was looking to gain 1,000 downloads for his app to attract potential investors. Intrigued by this initiative, the Meta employee, Resham Khanna, initiated a conversation with Coutrim. He shared that he was developing an innovative app designed to translate messages in real-time.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Chatting with our Uber driver who is building startup and looking for feedback. If anyone works in adjacent fields please hit him up pic.twitter.com/PS4NMSJSBY

— resham khanna ☻ (@Reshusaur) September 28, 2024

Introducing TransChatMe

The app, named TransChatMe, aims to revolutionize the way people communicate across language barriers by eliminating the need to copy and paste text into translation tools. Instead, users can simply type their messages, and the app automatically translates them. The poster boldly declared: “Please, help me build my startup. It is called TransChatMe – the revolutionary free mobile app that translates your messages automatically! No more copying and pasting – just write your message, and TransChatMe handles the rest. I need 1,000 users so I can share it with investors.” Coutrim even included QR codes for both Android and iOS users to facilitate downloads.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

in the arena fr fr

— Frank ☼ Bach (@zendadddy) September 30, 2024

Going Viral and Gaining Support

Moved by the driver’s determination, Khanna took to social media, sharing a picture of the poster on X (formerly Twitter) to rally support for his endeavor. In her post, she wrote: “Chatting with our Uber driver who is building a startup and looking for feedback. If anyone works in adjacent fields, please hit him up.” The post quickly gained traction, leading to significant attention and support for Coutrim’s app.

Remarkable Growth After Publicity

Shortly after her post went viral, Khanna received an email from Coutrim expressing his gratitude for her support. He shared that his app had attracted over 200 new users in just 24 hours, highlighting the impact of her outreach. “Your help has given us strength to keep moving forward,” he wrote, adding that her post had come at a crucial time for him.

Coutrim expressed hope that he would one day have the opportunity to meet Khanna in person, reflecting the bond formed through this unexpected encounter. The story serves as a testament to the power of community and social media in helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

Meta AI Launches New Voice Mode, Image Editing, And Reel Dubbing Features

September 26, 2024, 6:36 pm

Meta AI, the chatbot integrated into platforms like Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, has unveiled a host of new features aimed at enhancing user experience and engagement. The announcement was made at Meta Connect 2024, where the company revealed that the AI assistant boasts over 400 million users globally and is projected to become the most-utilized AI assistant by year-end.

Enhanced Conversational Experience with New Voice Mode

One of the standout updates is the introduction of a new voice mode powered by the recently launched Llama 3.2 model. This feature allows users to interact with Meta AI in a more natural and conversational manner, making communication feel more intuitive and engaging.

To further enrich the user experience, Meta AI will also feature the voices of well-known celebrities, including Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, John Cena, Keegan Michael Key, and Kristen Bell. This addition is set to make conversations with the AI even more entertaining and relatable.

Advanced Photo Editing Capabilities

In addition to voice interactions, Meta AI is introducing photo editing functionalities. Users can upload photos and request edits, such as changing outfits or altering the background. For example, when posting a Story on Instagram, Meta AI can analyze the photo’s background and suggest or generate a more dynamic backdrop to enhance the visual appeal.

AI-Powered Translation and Content Creation Tools

Meta is also focusing on content creators with a new AI-powered translation tool. This feature can automatically translate the audio of Instagram Reels, allowing creators to reach a broader audience regardless of language barriers. The tool can even sync lip movements to match the translated audio, enhancing viewer engagement.

Moreover, Meta AI will offer imaginative features that allow users to visualize themselves in various contexts and share those images with friends. Additionally, it will assist in generating creative captions for Instagram and Facebook Stories, making content creation more seamless.

Personalized Messaging Experience

Finally, the messaging experience on Instagram and Messenger is set to become more personalized with AI-generated themes. Users can select themes that resonate with their style, making DMs more visually appealing and unique.

These enhancements position Meta AI as a versatile and user-friendly tool, further solidifying its place in the realm of AI assistants. With these new features, Meta aims to improve how users connect, create, and communicate across its platforms.

Mark Zuckerberg Shares Email ID Used For His First Facebook Account

August 20, 2024, 1:03 pm

Mark Zuckerberg recently stirred excitement on Threads, Instagram’s rival social media platform, by sharing a nostalgic detail from his early days with Facebook. The Meta CEO, known for his active engagement on Threads, responded to a humorous post that sparked curiosity about the email address he used to create his first Facebook account.

Zuckerberg’s First Email Address Revealed

The conversation started when an artist posted, “I’m you had to have a .edu email address to join Facebook years old.” This prompted Zuckerberg to reply, revealing, “Real ones know. First account was mzuckerb@fas.harvard.edu.” This revelation brought back memories of Facebook’s early days when it was exclusively available to those with a university email address, particularly those ending in .edu.

Who Created the First Facebook Accounts?

While Zuckerberg was the first person to use the platform, his wasn’t the first account created. According to reports, the first three accounts were created for testing purposes and later deleted. Zuckerberg’s account ended up being the fourth on the platform, with his fellow Facebook co-founders Chris Hughes and Dustin Moskovitz holding the fifth and sixth spots, respectively.

Reactions to Zuckerberg’s Revelation

Zuckerberg’s post triggered a wave of nostalgia and shared experiences among users. One individual commented, “Pretty sure I took an adult education class at the local university so I could get a .edu account at least partially so I could meet this requirement. (Still the only college credit I have today).” Another shared, “I remember being a senior in high school and the thing I was most excited about was graduating so I could finally apply for a Facebook account with my college email. It was all I cared about at the time.”

Some users speculated about the fate of Zuckerberg’s old email address, with one noting, “So many people will now test that email.” Another user reminisced about the early days of Facebook, recalling, “I entered college in fall 2004. I remember when we had to switch Facebook from our .edu addresses to the accounts we had now! I think late 2005 or 2006 or so?”

The Origins of Facebook

Facebook, launched on February 4, 2004, was initially known as “thefacebook.com.” It began as a directory for Harvard students, offering a way to connect and share information. The platform quickly evolved, and over the years, it became one of the world’s most popular social networking sites. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg alongside his Harvard classmates Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum, and Chris Hughes, Facebook has since grown into a global phenomenon, connecting billions of people around the world.

UK Couple Dines & Dashes Out £120 Bill After Facebook Meal Post

August 11, 2024, 10:50 am

A couple is accused of dining and dashing, leaving behind a £120 bill (approximately ₹12,000) after sharing photos of their meal on Facebook. The incident occurred on August 5 at the Lazy Fox restaurant in Dorset, United Kingdom. According to reports, the pair indulged in six espresso martinis, gourmet burgers, halloumi and sweet potato fries, and Biscoff cheesecake.

The couple, captured on the restaurant’s surveillance footage, spent an hour enjoying their meal before stepping outside “for a cigarette.” However, they never returned. The Independent reported that the man had posted images of the food and drinks on Facebook shortly before they left.

Mauricio Spinola, co-owner of the Lazy Fox, expressed the impact of the incident on the restaurant. “It was probably about 10 minutes after they went outside that we realized they had gone. I couldn’t just head out and look for him, I still had a bar to run,” she said. Spinola also noted the financial strain this loss places on the small business, especially in the current economic climate. “It’s a big hit for a small business like ours. We just can’t afford to lose over £100 right now. We can’t ask people to give us their phone or wallet when they go out for a cigarette. The vast majority of our customers are great and would think that is weird,” she added.

Dorset Police confirmed that they received a report on Monday regarding customers who had left the restaurant without paying for their meal. A waitress at the Lazy Fox described the duo, mentioning that the woman, who was slightly intoxicated, wore red lipstick and a white top under a white dress. “We were keeping a close eye on them, especially when it came to serving them drinks. After they finished, she said she wanted a dessert and ordered the cheesecake. The woman then stepped outside for a cigarette, and the man followed her out. They never came back. We were rather busy at the time, but we trusted that they weren’t going to do that,” she said.

Enoely Fernandez, another co-owner of the Lazy Fox, criticized the couple for their behavior, especially after boasting about their lunch on Facebook. Following the restaurant’s social media post about the incident, several other establishments came forward, claiming they had been deceived by the same couple in the past.

“The hard thing is the guy didn’t look suspicious. He wasn’t drunk. He wasn’t shouting. He wasn’t disruptive. He asked to go out for a cigarette, and of course, we said that was fine. It was difficult for our bar staff as we just had to reassure them that they had done nothing wrong. It’s just really annoying for everyone,” Fernandez remarked.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, especially during tough economic times. The Lazy Fox has since shared the story on social media, hoping to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Meta Threatens To Block News In Australia: Why Is This Option Being Considered?

June 28, 2024, 11:25 pm

In a parliamentary hearing, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has warned that it may block news content from its platform in Australia if the government proceeds with enforcing a law that requires tech giants to pay licensing fees to media outlets for linking to their content. Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director, emphasized that “all options are on the table,” including blocking Australians from sharing news, should the law be applied.

The contentious legislation, passed in 2021, allows the Australian government to set fees for tech giants like Meta, aimed at compensating media organizations for their content appearing on digital platforms. Garlick pointed out that Meta had previously negotiated deals with Australian media companies but has decided not to renew those agreements beyond 2024.

The decision on whether Meta will be compelled to pay for news content now rests with Australia’s assistant treasurer, who is reviewing the situation. Critics have accused Meta of selectively adhering to laws, a charge Garlick defended by stating that compliance with the law would require adjustments in how they operate, similar to other regulatory frameworks they follow globally.

Garlick’s comments come amid recent announcements of job cuts at Australia’s major free-to-air broadcasters, Nine Entertainment and Seven West Media, who anticipate revenue losses once their agreements with Meta expire. These developments echo Meta’s previous actions in Canada, where it blocked news content following the introduction of similar legislation in 2023.

Despite concerns about Meta’s handling of misinformation and scams, especially with content moderation centers located outside Australia, Garlick assured that the company remains committed to addressing such issues within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.

The outcome of Australia’s deliberation on the matter could have significant implications for how digital platforms and traditional media interact globally, influencing future legislative approaches to regulating tech giants’ roles in the dissemination of news content.

Nagpur Man’s Rs 87 Lakhs Loss To Fake Trading Portal: All About The Scam And How You Can Stay Safe?

June 11, 2024, 6:09 pm

A 41-year-old businessman from Nagpur has become the latest victim of online trading fraud, losing a staggering Rs 87 lakhs to fake trading portal. The incident underscores the rising trend of online trading scams plaguing the country, with fraudsters enticing unsuspecting individuals with the allure of high profits.

How He Was Trapped Into The Scam?

The victim, identified as Mishra, was lured into the scam after receiving a friend request on Facebook from an individual named Jesleen Prasad, who later approached him with an offer to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Prasad introduced Mishra to a dubious online platform, purportedly linked to the stock exchange, where he was shown fabricated screenshots of successful trades to gain his trust.

Trusting Prasad’s assurances, Mishra proceeded to invest small amounts of money, witnessing seemingly impressive returns within minutes from the fake trading portal. However, the situation took a dire turn when he was persuaded to invest larger sums, promised substantial profits in return. Despite initial gains, Mishra soon found himself facing significant losses, with his entire investment wiped out in a matter of minutes.

As Mishra attempted to recover his losses, he was coerced into making further payments under the guise of unlocking his profits. Realizing he had fallen victim to a scam, Mishra promptly filed a complaint with the Lakadganj police station.

Tips For Safeguarding Against Scams

This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online trading frauds and the importance of exercising caution when engaging in such activities. To safeguard against falling prey to similar scams, individuals are advised to conduct thorough research on trading platforms, scrutinize promises of unrealistic returns, and remain vigilant for any red flags indicating potential fraud.

Explained: Why Is The EU Probing Facebook And Instagram?

May 18, 2024, 4:05 pm

Due to concerns that Meta is not adequately safeguarding children on its platform, the European Union has launched a new investigation into the company’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. If found guilty, Meta could face fines of up to 6% of its global yearly turnover.

The recommendation engines on Facebook and Instagram have raised concerns from the 27-nation bloc that they may “exploit the weaknesses and inexperience” of young people and encourage “addictive behavior.” The executive branch of the bloc added that these technologies might amplify the phenomenon known as the “rabbit hole” effect, which drives users to consume progressively unsettling material.

The commission will investigate Meta’s use of age verification technologies to bar users under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram as part of its investigation. Additionally, ascertain whether the business is upholding the strictest standards of child safety, security, and privacy in accordance with the bloc’s Digital Service Act (DSA).

What Led To The Investigation?

The DSA of the bloc went into force in February. It requires very big online platforms, with over 45 million users in the EU, to share their data with the Commission and state authorities to evaluate compliance with the law, and to offer an option in their recommender systems that is not based on user profiling.

Additionally, the platforms must take precautions against content that could harm minors’ moral, mental, or physical development. Platforms must also implement specific policies to safeguard the rights of minors, such as age verification and parental control features designed to assist minors in reporting abuse or obtaining assistance.

Facebook and Instagram have more than the stipulated number of users, and so are designated as very large platforms, bringing them under the law’s purview.

The European Union has opened fresh investigation into Meta’s Facebook and Instagram over suspicions that they are failing to protect children on their platform, a violation that could result in fines of up to 6% of the company’s annual worldwide revenue.

The 27-nation bloc has said it is concerned that the Facebook and Instagram’s recommendation engine could “exploit the weaknesses and inexperience’” of children and stimulate “addictive behavior”. The bloc’s executive arm further said that these systems could reinforce the so-called “rabbit hole” effect that leads users to watch increasingly disturbing content.

As part of the probe, the commission will look into Meta’s use of age verification tools to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. And also find out whether the company is complying with the bloc’s Digital Service Act (DSA) and enforcing a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors.

What Is The Investigation’s Trajectory?

As a “matter of priority,” the EU regulator will now launch a thorough investigation and compile evidence through more information requests, interviews, and inspections.

The panel may also accept pledges from Meta to address the problems brought up during the inquiry.

What Has Meta Done To Protect Children On Its Platforms?

Earlier this year, Meta announced it was testing an AI-driven “nudity protection” tool that would find and blur images containing nudity that were sent to minors on the app’s messaging system.

Additionally, the company said it would roll out measures to protect users under 18 years of age by tightening content restrictions and boosting parental supervision tools.

Is This The Only Investigation Against Meta In The EU?

The EU is looking into Meta’s platforms in other ways besides this one. The regulatory body launched an inquiry in April, alleging that Meta had neglected to address misleading advertising and misinformation prior to the elections for the European Parliament.

The antitrust commission took action against Meta because it was thought that Iran, China, and Russia could have exploited the platform as a source of misinformation to sway EU voters.

What About Outside The EU?

Prior to the EU’s implementation of the Digital Sex Act, Wall Street Journal reported in June 2023 that Meta’s Instagram account “helps connect and promote a vast network of accounts openly devoted to the commission and purchase of under age sex content,” which sparked backlash in the United States.

At the time, the firm claimed to be working on “improving internal controls” and to have removed 490,000 accounts that had violated its child safety policies in just one month, along with 27 pedophile networks.

What Are The General Practices Of Protecting Minors Online?

With children growing up in an increasingly digital world, it has become increasingly difficult for parents and caregivers to ensure their online safety.

It is urged that parents make sure they have put up precautions to protect their child’s digital experience and are aware of the risks associated with using the internet. These can involve creating kid-friendly profiles, selecting age-appropriate games and applications, setting up kid-friendly websites and search engines, and making sure that age-restricted content is blocked from accessing on the platforms and devices they use. To make sure their kids don’t participate in risky activities or become victims of online predators, parents are also encouraged to monitor and spend time with their kids on the internet.

Furthermore, minors who use social media platforms need to make sure they know how to report and “block” accounts that include objectionable content. They should also encourage open dialogue to make sure an adult is present in case something doesn’t feel right.

EU Investigates Meta Platforms for Child Safety on Facebook, Instagram

May 16, 2024, 4:22 pm

EU regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of Meta Platforms’ social media giants Facebook and Instagram over potential breaches of EU online content rules regarding child safety. The move comes as part of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), aimed at holding tech companies accountable for tackling illegal and harmful content on their platforms.

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it has initiated an in-depth investigation into Meta Platforms, citing concerns that the company has not adequately addressed risks to children on its platforms. The Commission specifically highlighted worries about the systems and algorithms of Facebook and Instagram potentially encouraging addictive behaviors in children and leading to what’s termed as ‘rabbit-hole effects,’ where users are drawn into harmful content loops.

One of the core concerns raised by the EU executive is related to age-verification methods and ensuring that children cannot easily access inappropriate content. Meta had previously submitted a risk assessment report in September, but regulators remain unsatisfied with the measures taken by the company.

This investigation adds to Meta’s existing challenges in the EU, including scrutiny over election disinformation, especially concerning the upcoming European Parliament elections. The DSA violations could result in substantial fines, potentially reaching up to 6% of Meta’s annual global turnover.

Why is WhatsApp threatening to leave India: Explained

April 26, 2024, 2:20 pm

WhatsApp, the globally popular messaging service, has issued a stern warning to quit India if it is forced to compromise on its encryption policies. The warning comes amidst a legal battle over India’s newly amended IT rules, with WhatsApp and parent company Facebook challenging the regulations in court.

Background of the Dispute

WhatsApp, known for its end-to-end encryption feature that ensures private conversations between users, has been at odds with the Indian government over the implementation of new IT rules. These rules, introduced in 2021, require messaging platforms to trace the origin of specific messages, a move WhatsApp claims would compromise user privacy and security.

WhatsApp’s Stand

In a submission made before the Delhi High Court, WhatsApp’s legal representatives emphasized that if the company is mandated to break its encryption protocols, it would rather exit the Indian market altogether. The platform argues that such a demand is tantamount to violating users’ right to privacy, a fundamental aspect of digital communication.

Government’s Perspective

On the other side of the legal battle, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has defended the IT rules, highlighting the need for traceability to curb the spread of fake news and maintain public order. The government contends that platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook must be accountable for ensuring a safe digital environment while respecting users’ rights.

Clash of Principles

The clash between WhatsApp and the Indian government underscores broader principles regarding digital rights, privacy, and law enforcement. WhatsApp’s stance aligns with its global policy of preserving end-to-end encryption as a fundamental feature of user security, while the government emphasizes the importance of regulatory measures to prevent misuse of digital platforms.

Implications and Future Outlook

The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for digital services in India and beyond. It raises crucial questions about the balance between privacy rights, law enforcement needs, and the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding user data.

As the case unfolds in the Delhi High Court, stakeholders await a landmark decision that could shape the future landscape of digital communication and regulatory frameworks in India.

Meta Testing AI Chatbot ‘Meta AI’ Across Platforms in India

April 14, 2024, 7:01 pm

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is currently conducting trials for an AI chatbot, potentially named Meta AI. This chatbot is undergoing testing with a select group of users in India across Meta’s range of platforms, including Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Instagram Integration

Within Instagram, Meta AI is reachable through a direct messaging (DM) function. Users can initiate interaction with the chatbot by tapping on the Meta AI icon located in the search bar, enabling one-on-one communication.

Much like other prevalent AI assistants such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta AI serves as a versatile assistant, furnishing responses to various inquiries and offering real-time information.

How it works on Instagram?

The assistant is equipped with the capability to produce both text and images, enabling the summarization of lengthy pieces of text. This functionality will prove invaluable for writing tasks such as editing, proofreading, translating text across languages, and even crafting poems and stories.

Additionally, users will have the convenience of summoning the assistant directly within ongoing personal and group chats on Instagram. This feature allows users to seek advice, receive suggestions, or pose questions, enhancing the overall user experience.

WhatsApp testing

Reports indicate that Meta has expanded its testing of the chatbot to WhatsApp. This development came to light when certain users shared screenshots of interactions with the chatbot on the platform.

Meta’s statement

A Meta spokesperson has verified that the development of generative AI-powered experiences is progressing through different stages and is currently undergoing limited public testing.

What significance will this feature hold in the Indian market?

India stands as the largest market for Meta’s suite of apps, encompassing Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Collectively, these platforms boast a user base exceeding a billion monthly users.

Meta AI development

In September 2023, Meta unveiled Meta AI as a pivotal component of its extensive foray into generative AI. With ambitions to incorporate these capabilities into its suite of applications, which are utilized by over 3 billion people daily, the company has asserted its position as a key contender in the AI landscape, alongside tech giants such as Google and Microsoft.

Technical details

Meta AI harnesses the power of a bespoke AI model, enabling it to leverage technology derived from Meta’s open-source large language model (LLM), Llama 2.

Facebook secretly spies on users’ Snapchat and YouTube data for secret project, new documents reveal

March 27, 2024, 12:23 pm

Meta Platforms, led by Mark Zuckerberg, faces new allegations of spying on users of Snapchat, YouTube, and Amazon, according to documents released by a federal court in California. The documents reveal that Facebook initiated a secret project called ‘Project Ghostbusters’ in 2016 to intercept and decrypt network traffic between Snapchat users and servers.

The aim of the project was to understand user behavior and gain a competitive edge over Snapchat. Internal Facebook emails discussing the project were also included in the documents. In one email from June 9, 2016, Zuckerberg highlighted the need to obtain analytics on Snapchat despite its encrypted traffic, stating, ”Whenever someone asks a question about Snapchat, the answer is usually that because their traffic is encrypted we have no analytics about them. Given how quickly they’re growing, it seems important to figure out a new way to get reliable analytics about them. Perhaps we need to do panels or write custom software. You should figure out how to do this.”

Facebook engineers proposed using Onavo, a service similar to a Virtual Private Network acquired by Facebook in 2013, to intercept specific subdomains’ traffic. They presented proposal kits a month later that could be installed on iOS and Android platforms to intercept traffic for particular subdomains, enabling the team to analyze in-app usage by reading what would typically be encrypted traffic.

Project Ghostbusters was later expanded to include Amazon and YouTube. A team of senior executives and roughly 41 lawyers worked on the project, according to court filings. Some Facebook employees, including Jay Parikh, Facebook’s then-head of infrastructure engineering, and Pedro Canahuati, the then-head of security engineering, expressed concerns about the project.

”I can’t think of a good argument for why this is okay. No security person is ever comfortable with this, no matter what consent we get from the general public. The general public just doesn’t know how this stuff works,” Mr. Canahuati wrote in an email included in the court documents.

Facebook shut down Onavo in 2019 after an investigation revealed that the company had been secretly paying teenagers to use Onavo so Facebook could access all of their web activity.

Case filed against Kannada actor Upendra for casteist remarks

August 14, 2023, 10:35 am

An FIR has been filed against Kannada actor and Uttama Prajaakeeya Party leader Upendra under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint was filed after his controversial remarks about Dalits on his Facebook Live, according to the police.

Upendra indicated his remarks at some of his party members, who make irrelevant comments. Later, the actor deleted the video, which compared bad behaviour and comments with the presence of certain castes in the community.

Assistant director of the social welfare department, Madhusudan, in his complaint at the CK Achukattu police station, accused the actor of defaming a community.

The police are investigating the case by registering a first-instance report (FIR). An atrocity case has been registered against actor Upendra, the police said. His remarks have also led to wide-scale protests by pro-Dalit people in Ramanagara, Karnataka. The posters of the star have been burnt and destroyed during the protest.

Reacting to the protest, Upendra apologised for his statement. He took to his Facebook handle and wrote, “I used a proverb in Facebook and Instagram live broadcast today. As soon as I found that it hurt many people’s feelings, I deleted that live video from my social media. And sorry for my statement.”

In addition to this, one more FIR was filed against Upendra at Halasur Gate Police Station after a complaint was filed by the chief of a pro-Kannada organisation.

Meta fined $1.3 bn, ordered to cease European User Data Transfer to US

May 23, 2023, 1:23 am

The European Union slapped Meta with a record USD 1.3 billion privacy fine on Monday and ordered it to stop transferring user data across the Atlantic by October, the latest salvo in a decade-long case sparked by US cybersnooping fears. The penalty of 1.2 billion euros is the biggest since the EU’s strict data privacy regime took effect five years ago, surpassing Amazon’s 746 million euro fine in 2021 for data protection violations.Meta, which had previously warned that services for its users in Europe could be cut off, vowed to appeal and ask courts to immediately put the decision on hold.
“There is no immediate disruption to Facebook in Europe,” the company said.
“This decision is flawed, unjustified and sets a dangerous precedent for the countless other companies transferring data between the EU and US,” Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global and affairs, and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead said in a statement.
It’s yet another twist in a legal battle that began in 2013 when Austrian lawyer and privacy activist Max Schrems filed a complaint about Facebook’s handling of his data following former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden’s revelations of electronic surveillance by US security agencies.
That included the disclosure that Facebook gave the agencies access to the personal data of Europeans.The saga has highlighted the clash between Washington and Brussels over the differences between Europe’s strict view on data privacy and the comparatively lax regime in the US, which lacks a federal privacy law.
The EU has been a global leader in reining in the power of Big Tech with a series of regulations forcing them police their platforms more strictly and protect users’ personal information.An agreement covering EU-US data transfers known as the Privacy Shield was struck down in 2020 by the EU’s top court, which said it didn’t do enough to protect residents from the US government’s electronic prying.Monday’s decision confirmed that another tool to govern data transfers — stock legal contracts — was also invalid.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is planning to launch a Twitter competitor

March 17, 2023, 4:30 pm

Elon Musk’s Twitter could face new competition from Facebook-owned Meta in the near future.
Meta Platforms Inc is considering launching a new social network similar to Twitter. “We’re looking into a standalone, decentralised social network for sharing text updates,” a Meta spokesperson told Variety.

The new Meta app would be built on – and interoperable with – the framework that powers Mastodon, a Twitter-like service that debuted in 2016 and has grown in popularity since Musk’s takeover of Twitter last October.
In the meantime, Meta recently borrowed another strategy from Musk’s Twitter playbook. Last month, the tech behemoth launched Meta Verified, a subscription service for Facebook and Instagram users that includes a verified blue check-mark badge, similar to Twitter Blue, as well as other benefits.
Meta Verified costs USD 11.99 per month on the web and USD 14.99 per month on Apple’s iOS. The service was initially launched in Australia and New Zealand, with more countries to follow “soon,” according to Meta’s chairman and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.

IBM to cut 3,900 jobs

January 26, 2023, 1:52 pm

Amid broader tech slowdown International Business Machines (IBM) would cut about 3,900 jobs. According to the media reports due to the slowdown in the economy, many tech companies have been affected. Earlier, Twitter, Facebook, Microsoft Corp, and many other companies announced their plan to eliminate jobs.

Facebook parent Meta will slash 11,000 jobs

November 9, 2022, 5:59 pm

As a part of the mass, layoffs to cut expenses and transform its business model Facebook parent Meta will slash 11,000 jobs.

Earlier on Wednesday Meta announced the slashing of jobs as many tech industries have already slashed jobs.

“We are also taking a number of additional steps to become a leaner and more efficient company by cutting discretionary spending and extending our hiring freeze through Q1, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a statement on Wednesday.

Meta CEO said, in Meta’s history this layoff is the most difficult change and further said soon everyone will get the email in the company, “letting you know what this layoff means for you.”

Meanwhile, this layoff will affect thousands of employees and as soon as possible the announcement will be made.

Moreover, at the end of September, more than 87,000 employees work in the Meta.

However, in the history of 18 years, this is the planned layoffs which will be the first broad head-count reductions.

Facebook parent Meta prepares for large-scale layoffs

November 7, 2022, 12:17 pm

Large-scale layoffs are being prepared by Facebook parent Meta this week which is expected to affect many households of its workforce.
According to persons familiar with the situation, Meta Platforms Inc. plans to start widespread layoffs this week as part of a recent wave of IT job cuts following the sector’s explosive expansion during the pandemic. According to the persons acquainted with the situation, thousands of employees are anticipated to be laid off, and an announcement might be made as soon as Wednesday.
At the end of September, Meta stated that it employed more than 87,000 people. According to the persons, company managers have already instructed employees to postpone any non-essential travel starting this week.

The upcoming layoffs would be the organization’s first significant headcount cutbacks in its 18-year history. According to reports, the number of Meta employees who are anticipated to lose their jobs could be the most to date at a significant technology business in a year that has seen a retrenchment in the tech sector.
In September, The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta intended to reduce costs by at least 10% in the upcoming months, including some personnel layoffs.
Following several months of more focused staffing reductions during which people were managed out of their positions or had their responsibilities abolished, the layoffs are anticipated to be disclosed this week.

“Realistically, there are probably a bunch of people at the company who shouldn’t be here,” Mark Zuckerberg told employees at a companywide meeting at the end of June.

As life and business migrated further online during the epidemic, Meta, like other tech behemoths, went on a hiring binge. In 2020 and 2021 combined, it hired more than 27,000 workers. In the first nine months of this year, it added a further 15,344 workers—roughly one-fourth of that during the most recent quarter.

Meta’s spokesperson declined the comment, referring to Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg’s recent statement that the company would “focus our investments on a small number of high-priority growth areas.”

“So that means some teams will grow meaningfully, but most other teams will stay flat or shrink over the next year,” he said on the company’s third-quarter earnings call on October 26.

“In aggregate, we expect to end 2023 as either roughly the same size or even a slightly smaller organization than we are today,” he added.

FB post claims Canada based gangster Landa behind Sudhir Suri’s killing

November 5, 2022, 2:03 pm

A day after Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri was shot dead in Amritsar, a Facebook post said that Canada based gangster Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa Harike, has taken the responsibility of the killing.

The Facebook post read that the muirder was committed by “our brothers”. The post further also threatened to kill those “who speak against the kaum or any religion”. “By increasing security, they should not think that they are safe. Those brothers who we stand with will be supported till our last breath. It is just the beginning, taking rights is still pending,” the post read.

The otherwise tight lipped police have although said that they are examining the authenticity of the Facebook post. “So far, we haven’t booked Landa in this case. We are verifying the Facebook post. It is not clear if it is fake or real,” said deputy commissioner of police (DCP-investigation) Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar.

In other major development to the case, a video clip has emerged which shows Sandeep Singh and his son meeting Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh and according to the police sources, the video was shot on 29 October when Amritpal was in Amritsar.

Sudhir Suri was protesting outside Gopal Mandir when he was shot five times by garment shop owner Sandeep Singh with a 32-bore licensed weapon in broad day light. In retaliation, Suri’s supporters also fired back at Sandeep, however he escaped unhurt and was later nabbed by the Police.

The killing took place in front of the Police team in the busy market. A medical board has been formed for deceased leader’s autopsy and heavy security has been deployed outside the post-mortem house.