Lawmakers in Turkey pass teen social media ban

Parliament approved a bill that would restrict access for children under 15, mirroring similar legislation elsewhere.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

Meta launches Instagram spinoff Instants as a standalone app

The new app allows users to share disappearing photos, similar to competitor app Snapchat, with which Meta has a long-standing rivalry.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

YouTube reduces push notifications for unengaged subscribers

The change is designed to prevent inactive audience members from getting overwhelmed and unsubscribing altogether.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026

Meta breaks ground on 28th US data center

The new artificial intelligence-optimized project in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be the company’s first in the state and its 32nd globally.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 22, 2026

Threads launches Live Chats for the NBA playoffs

The feature will allow select creators and fans to engage in real-time discussions during live events, and is similar to Instagram’s Broadcast Channels.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 22, 2026

Social media usage can impact kids’ reading skills

A recent study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence found that teens who use apps regularly can struggle with word recognition and pronunciation.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 21, 2026

Meta sued by Consumer Federation of America

A new lawsuit alleges that the company profited from scam advertising and intentionally allowed fake promotions to continue despite promises to crack down.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 21, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 21, 2026

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.  

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 20, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 20, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 20, 2026

Meta tests new add-on package with WhatsApp Plus subscription

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

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 20, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 19, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 19, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 19, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 16, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 16, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 15, 2026

Meta simplifies ad performance elements

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

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 15, 2026

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.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 14, 2026

Meta announces date for 2026 Conversations event

The annual messaging conference will be held June 3 and showcase artificial intelligence innovations and upgrades to WhatsApp, Messenger and IG Direct.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 14, 2026

YouTube expands C-SPAN partnership

The move is part of a larger celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. that will also include a new America 250 hub.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 14, 2026

Meta updates Threads API with more third-party app integrations

Changes include new ways to schedule and publish content and manage engagement.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 14, 2026

Advocacy groups warn against adding facial recognition to Meta AI glasses

A coalition of civil liberties, domestic violence, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+, labor and immigrant advocacy groups has expressed concerns, according to Wired.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 13, 2026

4 new engagement options for YouTube creators

The platform announced updated gift access, ad-free windows and the ability to customize streams for multiple screens.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 13, 2026