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Snap CFO steps down

Derek Andersen’s departure comes as the company undergoes layoffs and faces stagnant user growth ahead of the launch of its AR glasses.

YouTube expands access to AI likeness detection tools

The platform will now allow actors, athletes, creators, musicians and others to detect and request removal of deepfake images and videos.

Google updates Ad Advisor with additional agentic safety features

The AI-powered tool will now include elements to help marketers troubleshoot elements and obtain instant certifications.

Meta tests new add-on package with WhatsApp Plus subscription

Additional features include premium stickers and ringtones, custom icons and new chat sorting options.

Meta plans large-scale job cuts beginning in May, says Reuters

The company is reportedly looking to reduce its global workforce by about 10%, or approximately 8,000 people, as it increases its reliance on artificial intelligence.

YouTube adds enhanced parental controls, offers tips to families

New features include time limits for Shorts and in-app account settings as the platform works to protect teens from overusing digital media.

Meta previews updates for its Edits app

At a webinar celebrating the video-editing platform’s one-year anniversary, the company announced improved captions and better effects customization.  

Pinterest CPG promotions outperform benchmark ROIs

New research commissioned by the platform analyzes how Pin ads drive shopping activity across multiple regions and products.

YouTube adds custom timestamp sharing for mobile

The change means the video platform is also moving away from Clips, leaving users to seek out third-party advanced clipping tools.

Threads will add Broadcast Channels-style feature called live chats

Threads Chief Connor Hayes announced the update at Coachella and said it would be available in the app over the next few weeks.

The latest xAI updates highlight major development push

New API enhancements are designed to make the company more profitable, but it’s hard to keep pace with the massive cost of artificial intelligence development. 

Judge sides with plaintiffs in case against online ICE trackers

A Facebook group and an app that used publicly available information to highlight immigration agent activity have been granted a preliminary injunction, per Engadget.

TikTok’s US joint venture gains security infrastructure certification

The latest milestone from the International Organization for Standardization verifies that the app’s data management structures meet global benchmarks.

Threads updates reply format and web UI

The platform will now feature indented responses below posts, as well as a web version that more closely aligns with the app experience.

Instagram expands Your Algorithm tool to Explore

The feature will now be available to all English-language users and will allow them greater capacity to control what the algorithm shows them.

X launches new Cashtags format on iOS in the US and Canada

The feature gives users embedded market information with real-time prices and is another step toward creating a fully functional banking experience in the app.

Facebook wants to scan users’ camera rolls for content

A new opt-in feature is designed to mine devices for images that can be turned into postable collages and recaps.

Meta raises the price of its Quest VR headsets

The company attributed the increases to rising hardware costs, but the move may also point to a larger strategy to step back from its metaverse plans.

Snap lays off 16% of its full-time staff

The cuts will impact about 1,000 people and will also include closing more than 300 open roles.

LinkedIn expands AI-powered conversational search

The feature launched to Premium members last year, and has been expanded sitewide so that all users can access improved query matching.

Meta simplifies ad performance elements

An artificial intelligence-enhanced setup will streamline Meta Pixel, while Conversions API will now offer a one-click option.

Social media has positive benefits for teens: report

Pew Research findings indicate that Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram play a critical role in keeping teens connected with friends, family and the world.

Grok faced potential removal from the App Store

A new report from NBC said Apple privately threatened to take the artificial intelligence app off its platform in January due to deepfake nudification concerns.

Pinterest’s latest ad campaign encourages people to get off social media

“The best thing you can find online is a reason to go offline,” according to new spots that will run across multiple media channels beginning in May.

EU officials explore plans for teen social media bans

Emmanuel Macron, president of France, is spearheading an initiative to prohibit teens under age 15 from accessing the apps.