This week saw the UK Government release their Online Harms White Paper, while a leaked document reveals plans to hold social media bosses to account for user health. Meanwhile, in an effort to increase their trust, Facebook have launched a new transparency site detailing key statistics around the volume and speed of content removal.
HEADLINES
- Snapchat has launched Story Kit, allowing other apps to embed Stories and extending their reach. Bonus: it adds a multi-player gaming platform.
- Twitter is testing new conversation labels to show who initiated the exchange and who is commenting.
- Amazon has developed its own Low Earth Orbit internet, potentially offering 4 billion new potential customers.
- WhatsApp’s Business app continues to roll out, now launching on the iPhone.
- TikTok’s brand safety has been called into question, despite the company hiring a lot of content moderators.
INSIGHTS
- What’s the hidden cost of cashless retail?
- Apple Music has just overtaken Spotify in the US based on subscriber numbers. In related music industry news, streaming now accounts for nearly 50% of total music revenue.
- How Facebook’s newsfeed changes have affected publishers and specific verticals.
- 60% of US consumers don’t trust Facebook with their personal information and Google also fails to live up to their privacy expectations.
COOL
- Here’s how Wind in the Willows was used to highlight the deterioration in the British environment.
- How Netflix uses ‘sass’ to make its social output as entertaining as its shows.
- IGTV is looking to influencers to fuel much needed growth.
DEEP READS
- The mystery of who launched 5G first – and some first thoughts from the US, where Verizon has launched 5G in two cities.
- How A.S.M.R. became a phenomenon.
- The Golden Age of YouTube is over, as the platform moves toward premium content.
And finally, on the lighter side of digital news, spare a thought for this football fan who had his Instagram handle ‘yoinked’ by Prince Harry and Meghan.
