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Meta is testing clickable links in Instagram captions for verified subscribers
Meta is testing a new feature that allows verified subscribers to include clickable links directly within Instagram post captions. This long-requested update for creators is currently in a limited test phase, with users able to add up to 10 links per month. The move could significantly alter creator-follower interactions on the platform and follows Meta's previous experiments with making link-sharing a paid feature.
Evening Legal Briefs
Meta is collaborating with law enforcement to combat scams using AI technology. Separately, the studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has dropped legal action against L'Académie Clair-Obscur comic.
Meta will let kids under 13 use WhatsApp with parent-managed accounts
Meta is introducing parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp, allowing children under 13 to use the messaging platform with enhanced safety controls. Parents can manage who messages their child and restrict access to certain features like Channels and Meta AI. This initiative is part of Meta's broader effort to expand parental controls across its platforms, following similar features introduced for Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.
Meta bought Moltbook, an almost entirely AI-populated social media platform, for we don't know how much—and we're not completely sure why yet, either
Meta has acquired Moltbook, a social media platform primarily populated by AI agents, for an undisclosed sum. The Moltbook team will join Meta's Superintelligence Labs to develop new ways for AI agents to assist people and businesses. The acquisition raises questions about the purpose and security of such platforms, especially given past vulnerabilities and the inherent risks of agentic AI.
Most AI chatbots will help users plan violent attacks, study finds
A study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that eight out of ten popular AI chatbots were willing to assist in planning violent attacks. Only Anthropic's Claude reliably discouraged such hypothetical scenarios, while Meta AI and Perplexity were found to be the least safe. Several companies, including Meta, Google, and OpenAI, stated they have implemented measures to address these safety concerns since the study was conducted.
AI Yi-Yi!
Meta, the owner of Instagram, has acquired a social media network focused on AI, signaling a significant investment in artificial intelligence. The company has also developed four new chips to power its AI and recommendation systems, underscoring its commitment to advancing AI technology.
Google unveils new AI cloud tools to support game development
Google has detailed its 'Living Games' concept, leveraging autonomous AI agents and its improved Cloud platform to support game development. Services like Gemini 3 Pro and Vertex AI will assist developers with tasks such as testing and code writing, aiming to create responsive environments while protecting intellectual property. The announcement highlighted collaborations with 10Six Games, Atlas, and Sony Interactive Entertainment, showcasing AI's role in game creation and infrastructure.
Meta rolls out new features for scam protection
Meta is introducing new features across its platforms to combat scams, including AI tools for detecting impersonators and deceptive links, and new user alerts for suspicious accounts. The company is also increasing advertiser verification, aiming for 90 percent of ad revenue to come from verified advertisers by year-end, up from 70 percent.
Meta is buying Moltbook, the ridiculous social network populated by AI bots
Meta is acquiring Moltbook, a social network for AI agents, for an undisclosed sum. Moltbook's creators, Matt Schlicht and Ben Parr, will join Meta Superintelligence Labs. The platform, built using OpenClaw, allows AI agents to interact with various applications and was noted for its absurdity and ease of impersonation by humans.
The Resident Evil 2 Remake's fanmade VR mode with a full-body sim rig is sick—but I doubt I'll ever have…
A fan-made VR mod for the Resident Evil 2 Remake, combined with a full-body simulation rig like the Virtuix Omni One, offers an intensely immersive horror experience. While impressive, the high cost of peripherals and the need for significant space highlight the current accessibility challenges of high-end VR gaming.
The Oversight Board says Meta needs new rules for AI-generated content
The Oversight Board is urging Meta to establish new, separate rules for AI-generated content, distinct from its misinformation policy. The board recommends investing in better detection tools, utilizing digital watermarks, and creating clearer guidelines for labeling AI content, especially in light of a viral AI-generated video that spread misinformation during a conflict.
Bluesky's CEO is stepping down after nearly 5 years
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber is stepping down after nearly five years to become Chief Innovation Officer, with Toni Schneider taking over as interim CEO. Graber, who led the social platform since its inception as a Twitter side project, will focus on building new initiatives while Schneider, formerly of Automattic, will oversee scaling and execution as the company searches for a permanent CEO.
Meta's latest legal wheeze is to insist that pirating books is fair use, actually
Meta is arguing that using pirated books to train its AI models, specifically the Llama LLM, constitutes fair use, a defense that a Californian court previously accepted. The company faces a class-action lawsuit from authors who also allege copyright infringement through the downloading and sharing of these books via BitTorrent. Meta claims BitTorrent was essential for bulk data acquisition and that any uploading was incidental to the download process for its transformative purpose.
OpenAI's robotics hardware lead resigns following deal with the Department of Defense
Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI's robotics hardware lead, has resigned, citing concerns over the company's partnership with the Department of Defense and the lack of proper guardrails for AI applications. Kalinowski, who previously worked at Meta, expressed worries about domestic surveillance and lethal autonomous weapons. OpenAI stated it understands strong views on these issues and aims for responsible national security uses of AI while prohibiting domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
OpenAI's head of robotics resigns following deal with the Department of Defense
Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI's former head of robotics, has resigned, criticizing the company's partnership with the Department of Defense for lacking sufficient deliberation on guardrails. Kalinowski expressed concerns about surveillance and autonomous weapons, stating the announcement was rushed. OpenAI confirmed her departure and stated they do not support the issues Kalinowski raised, emphasizing their deal prohibits domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Indonesia announces a social media ban for anyone under 16
Indonesia's communication and digital affairs minister, Meutya Hafid, announced a new government regulation that will require high-risk social media platforms to delete accounts belonging to users under 16 starting March 28. The phased implementation will begin with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live. This move follows similar social media bans for minors in countries such as Australia, Spain, and Malaysia.
'We see everything': Report says Meta's AI smart glasses footage is reviewed by human contractors who see far more than they bargained for, which has led to a new lawsuit against the company
A report indicates that human contractors reviewing footage from Meta's Ray-Ban AI smart glasses are exposed to highly personal content, leading to a new class-action lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges Meta violated privacy laws and engaged in false advertising regarding the privacy features of its smart glasses.
Morning Legal Briefs
Meta is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding privacy concerns associated with its AI glasses. Separately, Proton Mail has reportedly handed over protester data to the police, raising further privacy issues.
COPPA 2.0 passes the Senate again, unanimously this time
The US Senate has unanimously passed the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which aims to enhance online protections for minors by preventing platforms from collecting their personal data without consent. This bipartisan bill, a modernized version of the 1998 act, seeks to address current online activities like targeted advertising. While it has passed the Senate multiple times, it has yet to clear the House of Representatives, facing opposition from industry groups like NetChoice.
Meta hit with a class action lawsuit over smart glasses' privacy claims
Meta is facing a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising regarding the privacy features of its AI-powered smart glasses. The suit claims that Meta misled users about how footage captured by the glasses is handled, including reports of human contractors reviewing sensitive user data. Meta confirmed that data can be shared with contractors for AI improvement but stated steps are taken to protect privacy.