This week brings two exciting updates from Facebook, and an update to DMs on Twitter. You’ll also want to hear about the latest update in TikTok’s row with the U.S. government. Hint: they’re fighting back.
Let’s jump in ⬇️.
Facebook Tests Feature Similar to TikTok
This week, Facebook began testing a short-form video function in India – a region where the popular app TikTok is currently banned. The new tool is called “Short Videos” and has a display similar to Facebook stories.
Videos can be up to 26 seconds in length, and there’s a variety of editing functions such as trimming, text additions, and music for layering. All videos are publicly available unless users choose to make them private.
It’s important to note that this new tool is independent from Reels, the new short-form video section on the Facebook-owned Instagram. Facebook is more widely used than Instagram in India, and this tool has potential to win over many Indian users who are currently looking for a TikTok replacement.
Twitter Adjusts DMs from Unknown Users
Twitter has recently updated the display of direct messages from unknown users, helping individuals learn more about the person they’re receiving a DM from. The release came last week and is available to all users.
Now, in addition to a message asking if you’d like to receive messages from the unknown user, you’ll get an abbreviated profile summary. You’ll also be able to see which accounts you both follow, and if you have any followers in common.
The update comes as no surprise to many. The process of searching for common followers or taking a quick look at an unknown user’s account is common practice on the app, and this new update expedites this process.
Facebook Releases Information about New Machine Learning Technology
This week, Facebook unveiled their new machine learning technology to the public. The new system, called CLARA (Confidence of Labels and Raters), will be used to regulate enforcement of community standards on the platform.
CLARA is just another step in Facebook’s constant effort to get better at making the platform safe and up to standards. In the past, they’ve faced difficulties doing so as a result of technicalities such as human error and a lack of staffing.
Human assessment of posts will still be Facebook’s main form of regulating behavior, but CLARA will serve as a double-check to the human process. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in less manpower turned toward community guideline enforcement, CLARA comes at a critical time.
TikTok Sues U.S. Government
On Monday, TikTok announced they would be suing the U.S. government for the potential ban of the app. They will be suing on the grounds that President Trump’s executive order was made without evidence or due process.
TikTok stated that the administration has ignored the company’s attempts to mitigate the issues and reach an agreement. While Trump and others claim that the app’s ties to China are a security risk, TikTok has stated multiple times that they store U.S. data on servers outside of China and take data security seriously.
Legally, TikTok will be arguing that Trump’s executive order does not meet the requirements of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act – which would determine whether or not the app could be banned. While the upcoming presidential election will determine how critical it is for TikTok to win this case, as of now they are proceeding with the lawsuit.
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