Twitter to root out misinformation with ‘Birdwatch’
Twitter users will soon be able to warn one another about misinformation propagating on the platform through a new feature called ‘Birdwatch’. In the grips of a global pandemic, the last thing people need is a bunch of loosely based conspiracy theories spreading online. That’s how anti-lockdown rallies ignite and...
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Facebook promises to cut emissions by 2030
The social media giant has also launched a ‘Climate Science Information Centre’ for some users alongside ambitions carbon reduction plans. Facebook joins many larger tech firms in promising to heavily reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decade. It has said it will be purchasing renewable energy and offsets...
Oracle wins bidding war for TikTok’s US operations
A month of uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US has reportedly ended, with tech consortium Oracle winning the race to head up all Western operations. Trump has made no secret of his disdain for TikTok since ByteDance’s acquisition of Musical.ly in 2017, but a deal has been reportedly been...
This beautiful TikTok challenge honours cultural heritage
POC creators unite in a global celebration that highlights traditional dress, challenging the app's algorithm in the process. Gen Z’s app du jour, TikTok is a hotbed of challenges, dances, and trends. Forever growing in popularity, in recent months the video-sharing platform has gone trans-national and trans-generational, the latest hype...
Snapchat launches face masks for 2020 March on Washington
Six black artists were enlisted to create digital face mask filters and Bitmoji accessories for Snapchat. Real, physical versions are also available to purchase. Snapchat has released a set of new selfie filters that allow users to wear digital face masks to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the March...
TikTok enlists Teespring to oversee new merch feature
TikTok creators will soon be able to sell original merchandise within the app. Having always had the potential to become an eCommerce powerhouse, TikTok is finally rolling out integration for in-app merch purchases this September. Teaming up with custom apparel platform Teespring, TikTok users across the globe will now be able...
Twitter calls out disturbing new TikTok Holocaust trend
TikTok users have been dressing up as Holocaust victims as part of a semi-viral trend. Unsurprisingly, The Auschwitz Memorial Museum has asked for it to stop. TikTok has been through the ringer recently. In recent months it’s faced accusations of Chinese spyware, criticisms of deep fake investment, and Trump has promised to eventually ban it across the US, though Microsoft and Wal-Mart are now reportedly in a bidding war for...
Instagram introduces QR codes to individual profiles
The social media giant is launching QR codes globally, allowing consumers to engage with retailers and other physical businesses contactlessly. Instagram has rolled out yet another update to its mobile app, this time offering a universal QR code that can be used to quickly access individual profiles. Any supporting third-party camera app can be used to scan a code that then allows users to easily share and gain access to...
Triller: the app well placed to become TikTok’s main rival
Yet another app has joined the race to becoming Gen Z's new favourite video-sharing platform as the White House moves to ban TikTok. Facing a potential ban in the US due to various security and privacy concerns, TikTok is fighting for its life and, as a result, millions of its users may well be looking for a new home in the weeks to come. Following months of controversy, a number...
Is Instagram ‘Reels’ a genuine threat to TikTok?
With TikTok edging closer to possible elimination in the US market, Instagram has decided to launch its own short-bite video platform ‘Reels’. But is it good enough to rival TikTok? Last week Instagram rolled out its newest feature ‘Reels’ across 50 countries, with the intention of gaining a lucrative slice of the short-form content space. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Vine in 2016, TikTok recognised – and...
