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The EU thinks Meta isn't doing enough to protect children
The European Union has launched a preliminary investigation into Meta, finding the company is not doing enough to protect children on its platforms. The investigation specifically targets Instagram and Facebook, suggesting Meta is failing to adequately prevent minors from accessing these services.
Morning Audio Files
Hundreds of workers training Meta's AI models are reportedly facing layoffs, raising concerns about the ethical implications and the potential for AI agents to misuse financial information. The article highlights the precarious employment situation for those involved in AI development.
The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025
Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, an eightfold increase since 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Investment and shopping scams were prevalent, with Facebook being the primary platform, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram. The FBI also reported significant losses to internet-related crimes, including cryptocurrency and AI scams.
China attempts to block Meta's $2 billion acquisition of Manus AI company
China's state planner has blocked Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI company Manus AI, citing compliance with national laws and regulations. This decision halts Meta's expansion into new AI technologies through this significant investment.
Images of Samsung's rumored smart glasses have leaked
Images and details of Samsung's upcoming smart glasses, codenamed 'Jinju', have leaked, suggesting a price range of $380 to $500. These glasses will reportedly run on the Android XR platform with Google Gemini integration but will not feature a display in their initial release. A second model with a micro-LED display is planned for 2027.
AI Yi-Yi!
China has blocked Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, Intel has warned that CPU prices may increase due to rising costs associated with artificial intelligence development and implementation.
Evening Metaverse
Meta is centralizing access to its various applications including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and its AI glasses. Separately, the FCC has clarified that a router ban will include portable hotspots but not phone hotspot features.
MMO Business Roundup: Xbox’s resolutions, Microsoft’s employee buyouts, and Meta’s mass layoffs
This industry roundup covers several key business developments, including Xbox's strategic resolutions to expand its reach and Microsoft's offering of voluntary buyouts to a portion of its US workforce. Additionally, Behaviour Interactive has conducted layoffs affecting external development partnerships, and Meta has laid off 8,000 employees while closing 6,000 job postings.
Gas power projects for just 11 US data center 'campuses' could emit more greenhouse gases than entire…
New natural gas power projects linked to 11 US data center campuses could emit more greenhouse gases than Morocco in 2024. Microsoft, OpenAI, and Meta are among the companies whose projects face scrutiny over potential emissions, with some individual projects exceeding the yearly emissions of entire nations. While some companies argue these are theoretical maximums, even halved figures would still surpass Norway's 2024 emissions.
Engadget Podcast: Tim Cook’s Apple era and what lies ahead for John Ternus
Tim Cook will step down as CEO of Apple on September 1, with John Ternus, currently SVP of hardware engineering, set to take over. The podcast episode discusses Cook's legacy and speculates on how Ternus's product and engineering background might influence future Apple products. Other topics briefly touched upon include Palantir's recent manifesto, facial recognition for ICE, PC market trends, Meta's ad lawsuit and employee monitoring, and a price change for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Meta reportedly cuts 10% of workforce affecting 8,000 employees
Meta is reportedly cutting 10% of its workforce, impacting approximately 8,000 employees, as it shifts resources towards AI investments. Affected staff will be notified next month, and the company is also closing 6,000 open job postings. This follows previous workforce reductions earlier in the year, including within the Reality Labs VR unit.
Meta to reportedly lay off 8,000 employees
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly planning to lay off approximately 8,000 employees. In addition to the layoffs, the company is also canceling plans to hire for 6,000 open positions.
AI Yi-Yi!
Meta is reportedly planning to lay off 10% of its workforce as the company continues its focus on artificial intelligence development. This news comes amidst broader discussions about AI advancements and international accusations of AI technology theft.
Meta is downsizing by about 10 percent
Meta is implementing another significant workforce reduction, cutting approximately 10 percent of its staff, which amounts to about 8,000 employees. This move is part of an effort to increase efficiency and reallocate resources towards artificial intelligence investments. The company has also eliminated around 6,000 open job positions.
Meta will show parents the topics of their teens' AI conversations
Meta is introducing a new feature that will allow parents to see the topics their teenagers have discussed with Meta AI over the past seven days across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and safety for younger users on the platform, providing parents with insights into conversations related to school, entertainment, lifestyle, and health. The company is also enhancing its AI Wellbeing Expert Council with new members specializing in responsible AI.
Threads introduces 'live chats' for following live events
Meta's Threads platform has introduced a new 'live chats' feature, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations about live events within topic-specific communities. This feature, which supports text, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions, is being piloted in the NBAThreads Community during the Playoffs. Meta plans to gradually roll out additional features and expand the availability of live chats to more communities.
45+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Big Games Big Deals Sale
The PlayStation Store is currently hosting its Big Games Big Deals sale, featuring thousands of discounted PS5 and PS4 titles until May 6, 2026. The article highlights a curated selection of recommended games, many of which are at their lowest-ever prices.
Hey Meta workers, are you getting paid for those keystrokes?
Meta is reportedly capturing keystrokes, mouse movements, and clicks from its employees to train artificial intelligence models. A company spokesperson confirmed the internal tool's purpose is to gather real-world examples of computer usage. The report raises concerns about workplace surveillance, data privacy, and whether employees will be compensated for their data.
At least there's one tech company making me feel sane in an increasingly insane world
Framework founder Nirav Patel is praised for his company's commitment to personal computers and upgradable hardware, contrasting with the industry's focus on AI and cloud computing. The article highlights Framework's dedication to backwards compatibility and minimizing waste, even with new product releases like the Framework 13 Pro.
Would you quit? Meta will put keyloggers on employee PCs for AI training
Meta will reportedly track US-based employees' keystrokes, mouse movements, and screenshots on work-issued PCs for the purpose of training its AI models. This initiative, which may be limited to the US due to stricter European privacy laws, aims to gather data for AI development, including their new Muse Spark model.
