TikTok US users impacted by another problem at Oracle

Issues at a local data center in Ashburn, Virginia, led to more timeouts, errors and latency issues — and user speculation about government interference.

TikTok rules out using end-to-end message encryption

The app told the BBC that using that level of security would impede police investigations and said its stance sets it apart from rivals.

xAI considers offering a free version of Grok Enterprise

The potential rollout would be available to companies with at least 50 employees, with the move suggesting that a paid business plan is on the horizon.  

YouTube updates Payment Activity overview, provides more detailed data

The platform’s new capabilities include more detailed earnings and payout data to help creators better manage their AdSense accounts.

Meta updates ad metrics to align with other platforms

The changes include simplified link-click attribution and new engagement metrics, which could impact how ad results are measured. 

Meta tests shopping AI chatbot in US

The feature would allow users to request product recommendations, per Bloomberg, and is similar to functions being tested by Google and OpenAI.

X usage declined in the EU in the second half of 2025

The platform’s latest reporting showed a decline of nearly 15% since the first half of last year, though the company claims overall record numbers. 

X to take action against AI deepfakes of the Iran war

Nikita Bier, the platform’s head of product, said users who don’t add AI disclosures will be suspended from Creator Revenue Sharing for at least 90 days.  

Meta updates Edits app with more creation tools

The company’s development team added video effects and improved the Ideas tab while also bringing in new text elements.

X invites users to beta test X Chat app

The separate tool will function similarly to Meta’s Messenger and will be linked to users’ main accounts. 

More teen social media bans are coming, but will they work?

While the world attempts to limit underage access to apps, teenagers continue to find new ways to bypass rules and undermine systems.

US Supreme Court declines to hear AI copyright case

The decision upheld a lower court ruling that artificial intelligence-generated content does not have the same legal protections as human-created work.  

X launches paid partnership labels for sponsored content

The new option is designed to provide additional transparency for brand partnerships and align the app with other social media platforms.

Almost half of US consumers use TikTok as a search engine

The app’s use as a discovery tool is rising as users turn to its short-form videos and personalized content to find information, according to research from Adobe.

Concerns with third-party partner could derail LinkedIn’s verification push

The company has continued to add more identification checks and balances, but questions remain regarding its verification partner Persona.

X tests experimental topic feed filter

The For You tab feature is designed to allow users to access a more focused version of their timelines, centered around chosen subject matter.

Instagram introduces thumbnail post editing for grids

The new feature allows users to choose how images and clips will be displayed, adding another element of profile customization.

Instagram opens up content scheduling to all users

The feature was previously only available to Professional Mode users, but this update will allow anyone on the app to access the expanded creator tool.

Pinterest releases best practices tip sheet for shopping templates

The tips are designed to help social media marketers and brands make product pins stand out on the app.

TikTok publishes latest EU usage, enforcement data

The update provided insight into how the app dealt with information requests and moderation rules in the second half of 2025.

Meta takes legal action against celeb-bait scammers

The new filings are part of a larger effort to protect users by taking stronger legal measures against scam activity.

Google introduces next iteration of AI image generation model

With Nano Banana 2, the company merged the capabilities of Nano Banana and Nano Banana Pro, combining all the tools into a single app.

X adds two aspect ratio options for in-stream ads

The new options are aligned with the more compact formatting style popularized across other apps.

Threads tests simplified DM connection in-stream

The new process is being tested in the U.S. and Canada, and allows users to activate direct messaging by typing in a post. 

Creators express frustration with Instagram’s latest AI experiment

A shopping test in the Meta-owned app is being criticized for displaying products influencers don’t endorse and tags that could compete with pre-existing brand deals.