Apple expands Qwen AI integration for Mac users in China

  Meta Platforms is facing a major legal battle in a California federal court, where a group of state attorneys general is accusing the company of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that can make children and teenagers addicted to social media. The trial, beginning Wednesday in Oakland, could result in huge financial penalties and force Meta to make major changes to how its platforms operate. The seven-week trial will examine allegations from Colorado, Kentucky, California and New Jersey that Meta designed its platforms to keep young users engaged for extended periods while misleading the public about their safety. The case also involves claims from 29 states that Meta illegally collected and used children’s personal information, allegedly violating federal law. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with opening statements expected on August 18. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify during the proceedings, along with Instagram chief Adam Mosseri. The case is considered one of the biggest legal challenges yet faced by Meta over the effects of social media on young people. The company has estimated that potential damages could reach $1.4 trillion, a figure close to its market value of around $1.5 trillion. However, the states involved have not publicly revealed how much compensation they intend to seek. The attorneys general are also asking the court to order Meta to introduce stronger age restrictions and remove features such as infinite scrolling. They want the company to make additional changes aimed at reducing the potential negative effects of social media on children. Meta has strongly rejected the allegations and said it expects evidence presented during the trial to demonstrate its efforts to protect young users. The company said it has listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement agencies, and conducted extensive research into issues affecting children and teenagers. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, followed a multistate investigation into the impact of Facebook and Instagram on young users. The investigation gained momentum after former Meta employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before a US Senate committee in 2021. Haugen alleged that Meta was aware of potential harm to young users and had information about ways to make its platforms safer but chose not to make certain changes. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has accused Meta of continuing to prioritise user engagement and profits despite allegedly knowing that its platforms could negatively affect children. Public concern over social media use among young people is also growing. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 85% of Americans believe social media can be addictive for children, while 61% said social media companies need stronger government oversight. Meta and other technology companies are facing thousands of similar lawsuits from states, school districts, local governments and individuals. Two cases that have already reached juries resulted in verdicts against Meta. Last week, a New Mexico judge ordered the company to pay $567 million and make changes to its platforms after finding Meta responsible for contributing to a children’s mental health crisis in the state. Meta continues to deny wrongdoing and has argued that social media addiction is not officially recognised as a psychiatric condition. Legal experts believe the latest trial could become a crucial test for the company, particularly following recent courtroom losses. The case will be overseen by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who has taken the unusual step of using an advisory jury to provide findings on specific questions. Rogers will consider the jury’s conclusions but will have the final authority over the case. The states are seeking financial damages as well as nationwide changes to Meta’s platforms. Their demands include stronger age restrictions, deletion of systems created using children’s data, limits on notifications and infinite scrolling, and changes to algorithms so that the well-being of young users is given greater importance than simply maximising engagement.

Snapchat and LinkedIn have announced new measures to reduce the spread of low-quality artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, commonly known as “AI slop,” as major technology companies work to improve the quality of online content and strengthen user confidence in their platforms. The latest initiatives highlight the growing efforts by social media companies to encourage authentic content while limiting the visibility of mass-produced AI material that often offers little value to users. Snapchat has introduced a major update to its Spotlight recommendation system, changing how AI-generated videos are promoted. Under the new policy, videos created entirely using artificial intelligence will no longer be eligible for recommendations in Spotlight. While users can still upload AI-generated content, Snapchat said its recommendation algorithm will now give priority to videos created primarily by real people. The company added that content enhanced using Snapchat’s own advanced AI tools can still qualify for recommendations, provided creators clearly disclose the use of AI through appropriate labels. By requiring transparency, Snapchat aims to ensure users can easily identify AI-assisted content while continuing to reward originality and creativity. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said the changes are designed to keep Spotlight focused on genuine creativity rather than automated content. According to the company, the number of unique Spotlight contributors has increased by 120% over the past year, reflecting growing participation from creators producing original videos. Snapchat believes the latest update will further encourage authentic storytelling and meaningful engagement across the platform. Meanwhile, professional networking platform LinkedIn has introduced a new reporting option that allows users to flag posts they believe resemble “AI slop.” The feature enables members to report low-quality AI-generated posts directly, helping the platform identify content that may not meet its quality standards. LinkedIn said posts reported under this category will automatically be removed from the reporting user’s feed. The reports will also help train the platform’s detection systems to better identify repetitive, spam-like AI content in the future. In addition, posts that receive repeated reports from multiple users may experience reduced visibility beyond the creator’s immediate professional network, limiting their overall reach. The Microsoft-owned platform has also decided to retire its AI-powered “Enhance Your Post” writing tool. In its place, LinkedIn is introducing a proofreading feature designed to help users correct grammar and improve clarity without significantly altering their personal writing style. The company said the change reflects its commitment to supporting authentic communication rather than encouraging AI-written posts. These updates are part of a wider movement across the technology industry to address concerns surrounding the rapid growth of AI-generated content. Several major platforms, including YouTube and Substack, have recently introduced stricter moderation policies and AI-detection tools to reduce the spread of repetitive, misleading, or low-quality material. The latest actions come as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into digital platforms and everyday online experiences. While millions of people now rely on AI tools for writing, creativity, and productivity, concerns continue to grow about the overwhelming amount of AI-generated content appearing across the internet. By introducing stricter content policies and new moderation tools, Snapchat and LinkedIn hope to strike a balance between embracing AI innovation and protecting the authenticity, quality, and trust that users expect from their platforms.