X
X business and news from across the web.
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We just got our first real look at how small X's ad business is
Advertisers are reportedly spending significantly less on X's advertising business. This analysis examines the current state and potential decline of the platform's ad revenue.
Morning Legal Briefs
X has raised concerns that Australia's ban on social media access for individuals under 16 could interfere with international legal frameworks. The company views this as a potential overreach of national law into foreign jurisdictions.
Evening Legal Briefs
Elon Musk's company xAI is reportedly attempting to sue its way out of a situation where advertising on X is not legally mandated. The article notes that Musk had previously sought jail time for companies boycotting advertising on X, but the case has concluded without significant legal repercussions.
X and an advertising trade group settle a legal dispute over an alleged 'boycott'
X and the World Federation of Advertisers have settled a legal dispute concerning an alleged boycott. The two organizations have stated they are working to reset their relationship.
X Rolls Out Nationwide Banking for US Premium Members, Dangling 6% APY
X has launched its banking service, X Money, nationwide in the US for Premium and Premium+ subscribers. The service integrates deposit accounts, a Visa debit card, and offers a 6 percent APY, aiming to increase user engagement within the X app. The banking infrastructure is provided by Cross River Bank, with regulatory scrutiny from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Evening Metaverse
X has begun a limited rollout in the US, while Spotify experienced another major outage. Verizon announced a $1 billion dark fiber deal with Google data centers, and BuzzFeed is implementing cuts.
X Money begins limited US rollout
X is beginning a limited rollout of its banking service, X Money, in the United States. Initially, only Premium and Premium X subscribers will have access to this new financial service offered by Elon Musk's company.
X's algorithm will finally prioritize replies from people you already follow
X has updated its algorithm to prioritize replies from users you already follow in your comment sections. This change aims to increase visibility for interactions within your established network.
Elon Musk says X will DM you about posts that receive a Community Note
X, formerly Twitter, will now send direct messages to users about posts that have received a Community Note. This new feature aims to make the platform's crowd-sourced corrections more noticeable and harder to ignore.
Morning Metaverse
Google is reportedly planning to delete certain Chrome extensions permanently, with no option for recovery. Additionally, a BBC report highlights concerns about disinformation on platforms like YouTube and X, with Matt Brittin discussing potential solutions.
The X app for iOS now has a built-in video editor
The X app for iOS has introduced a new built-in video editor. This feature allows users to edit videos directly within the application on their Apple mobile devices.
'Not once have we been asked to verify our age': Study suggests companies falling under Australia's under-16 social media ban are failing to verify accounts
A recent study suggests that social media companies are failing to enforce Australia's ban on users under 16, with many platforms not verifying account ages. Testers found that nine out of ten services, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, did not ask for proof of age. Only Kick reportedly implemented age verification measures.
Morning Safety Dance
Advocates are warning that Elon Musk's platform X poses a serious risk to Americans' privacy. Meanwhile, Google is reportedly testing a controversial new reCAPTCHA system that uses webcam-based hand scans to verify users are human.
X is making a fresh push for live video with new creator payouts
X has introduced a new live streaming command center and enhanced creator payout options. This initiative aims to bolster live video content on the platform by offering new incentives for creators.
Evening Metaverse
Google has shut down the Tenor GIF API, impacting services like X and Discord. Mozilla Thunderbird has released Desktop version 140.12.1esr.
Don't panic, Discord isn't losing GIFs as Google shuts down Tenor API
Google is shutting down the Tenor API on June 30, impacting applications that use it for GIF integration. While users expressed concern about losing GIF functionality on platforms like Discord and X, many apps have already transitioned to alternative providers like Klipy and Giphy. Discord, WhatsApp, and X have successfully moved away from Tenor, ensuring continued GIF support for their users.
At least one UK government department is reportedly done with X
The UK attorney general, Richard Hermer, has reportedly informed his staff that his office will cease using the social media platform X. This decision follows reports from The Guardian and The Observer.
UK to ban social media and streaming platforms for under 16-year-olds, but the full impact on games and the gaming industry remains unclear
The UK government plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, with legislation intended for spring 2027. Similar restrictions are being considered for undisclosed streaming platforms, potentially impacting gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube. The ban aims to protect children online, though its full implications for the gaming industry and advertising remain unclear.
The UK's dramatic under-16 social media ban will also apply to "gaming services", but at least they're not coming for multiplayer
The UK government has announced a ban on social media platforms for individuals under 16, which will also extend to certain gaming services, set to take effect in spring 2027. While multiplayer gaming will not be affected, the government is considering age-gating access to gaming sites. The ban aims to protect children from harmful online content and manipulative algorithms, drawing parallels to similar regulations in Australia.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
