2025-05-24 AI Summary: This week's XR update covers several significant developments across virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality. Key announcements include a delay in Valve’s next-generation VR headset, tentatively named "Deckard," now slated for release in 2026, according to Lynx founder Stan Larroque. Meta Quest users will receive a major UI overhaul called "Navigator," featuring a redesigned app library and new features like an AI tool for turning Instagram photos into 3D images, “following” windows, and Bluetooth LE audio support. Xreal has upgraded its Eye camera module for the Xreal One and One Pro glasses, adding true spatial 6DoF tracking and enabling photo/video capture at up to 12MP, with delayed One Pro pre-orders shipping by the end of May.
Several companies are making strides in the smart glasses market. Apple is targeting a late 2026 release for its smart glasses, with prototype production planned for this year and chip manufacturing in 2025. Google is progressing with its smart glasses, partnering with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for stylish variants and Samsung developing a software and hardware reference platform. Google’s futuristic video chat platform, “Beam” (formerly Project Starline), is scheduled for a 2025 launch, utilizing a light field display and six cameras to create 3D holograms. Xreal also teased “Project Aura,” a new Android XR-based display headset. Into The Radius 2 is now available in Early Access for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, offering roughly 15 hours of gameplay.
Other notable developments include a partnership between Tobii and Prophesee to develop event-based eye tracking for VR/AR headsets, promising high efficiency and low latency. Tier One: Direct Action, a VR shooter for Meta Quest, is struggling due to low community engagement, leading to its removal from the Horizon Store. Sci-fi shooter Into The Darkness VR is launching in Early Access on PC VR on May 29. Maestro is coming to Playstation VR 2 on June 20, supporting hand tracking. The Creature Feature VR Showcase highlighted several new titles, and Syberia is getting a full remaster for various platforms, including a standalone VR adaptation for Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
Finally, Google I/O showcased new details on its smart glasses, and HP will produce the first units of Beam, with a debut planned at InfoComm in June. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple's smart glasses will feature cameras, mics, and speakers.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-24 AI Summary: Meta intends to utilize publicly available data from Facebook and Instagram users, specifically adults, to train its artificial intelligence models, beginning May 27, 2025. A court has permitted this practice, provided users actively object by Monday. This data includes information provided on user profiles, posts, photos, videos, comments, and reactions like likes. Meta aims to improve AI models such as the Meta AI chatbot integrated into WhatsApp and the Llama language model, accessible via Microsoft's Azure AI platform. The Llama model is an open-source model, presenting challenges for data removal once incorporated.
Several organizations and individuals have raised concerns regarding this data usage. The Austrian data protection organization None of Your Business (Noyb) believes Meta is violating EU law by not explicitly obtaining user consent. The Consumer Association of North Rhine-Westphalia attempted to prevent the AI training with an urgent application to the Cologne Higher Regional Court, but the court rejected it, citing an assessment by the Irish data protection authority. Data protection activist Marcel Schrems from Noyb also points to a violation of the right to be forgotten under EU law, as experts believe data removal from AI is currently technologically impossible. Meta claims users can object at any point, but data will already be removed from Facebook or Instagram by then.
The article highlights the difficulties users face in objecting to Meta’s data usage. Meta provides an objection form accessible through Facebook and Instagram apps, though it's well-hidden within the Privacy Center (Instagram) or Privacy Policy (Facebook). Using the same email address for both platforms allows for a single objection form submission. Little is known about the precise use of the data, and there are concerns about Meta’s ability to protect personal data once it’s integrated into AI models.
The article also notes the challenges associated with removing data from AI models once they are published, particularly with open-source models like Llama. This raises questions about Meta’s ability to comply with the right to be forgotten and the potential for long-term privacy implications. Key entities mentioned include Meta, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Microsoft, Azure AI, None of Your Business (Noyb), and the Irish data protection authority.
-5
2025-05-24 AI Summary: A German higher regional court has ruled in favor of Meta, allowing the company to utilize public data from Facebook and Instagram users to train its AI systems. This decision dismisses an emergency lawsuit filed by a consumer protection group. Meta announced in April 2025 that it would begin using publicly available information, including names, profile photos, comments, and likes from adult users, to train its Llama language models and power "Meta AI," its chatbot integrated into WhatsApp. Private content, such as messages and chats, will not be used. German users have until May 26, 2025, to object or set their profiles to private; instructions are available in German.
The court’s decision, while provisional and subject to a full trial, found that Meta’s approach aligns with European privacy law (GDPR). Despite stripping out user names and identifiers, the court considers this data as personal. The court weighed Meta’s business interests in AI development against user privacy concerns, concluding that the former outweigh the latter in this instance. The court acknowledged the difficulty of fully anonymizing data and the necessity of processing de-identified, yet still partly personal, information. The ruling references a December 2024 opinion from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), which states that companies can use publicly available adult data under data protection rules. Meta swore under oath that sensitive details like account information, home addresses, or license plate numbers will not be included in the training data.
The consumer protection group warns that once data is used for AI training, it is "nearly impossible to retrieve." The court's decision did not find a violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European law limiting the combination of personal data across platforms, unlike an EU Commission ruling from April 2025. The ruling is limited to the emergency proceedings and a full trial may reach a different conclusion.
Key individuals and organizations mentioned include: Matthias (co-founder and publisher of THE DECODER), Christine Steffen (from the consumer protection group), and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). Significant dates include April 2025 (Meta's announcement) and May 26, 2025 (deadline for German users to object).
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-24 AI Summary: Meta has blocked the social media accounts of Razones de Cuba, an official digital outlet used by the Cuban regime to criminalize opponents and disseminate propaganda. The blocking occurred on Instagram and Facebook, preventing users from accessing content. Razones de Cuba reported the action as occurring "without prior notifications" and attributed it to alleged "violations of community standards," which the outlet deemed arbitrary and ideologically biased. The site itself responded by claiming the action demonstrated the "ideological bias of these platforms and their role as a reflection of the interests of the United States government."
Razones de Cuba was created in 2010 with the stated purpose of delegitimizing citizen claims against the Cuban regime and discrediting opposition within the country. Its content frequently insists on speaking out against "propaganda campaigns" and "media manipulation by the United States," while simultaneously repeating arguments from the Castro leadership and attributing internal crises to external factors, particularly U.S. sanctions, framing these actions as part of an "imperialist plan." The outlet belongs to the Ideas Multimedios group, which also manages Cubadebate, The Round Table, With an Edge, Balancing the Box, and Fidel, Soldier of Ideas. Recently, Razones de Cuba used the case of Damir, a Cuban boy who died in the U.S. after obtaining a visa for medical treatment, to highlight the Cuban healthcare system, claiming he received specialized care and high-tech resources – statements disputed by the child's mother.
The Cuban regime has denounced the blockade as a violation of Meta's regulations, arguing that while Razones de Cuba is silenced, others inciting violence against Cuba face no censorship. They further characterize the measure as evidence of the ideological bias of digital platforms reflecting U.S. interests. The blocking of Razones de Cuba highlights the tension between censorship and freedom of expression in Cuba. While the regime accuses platforms like Meta of censoring its voice, freedom of the press on the island is severely restricted, with independent media facing persecution and journalists imprisoned.
Key facts extracted from the article include:
Outlet Blocked: Razones de Cuba
Platforms Affected: Instagram and Facebook
Creation Date of Razones de Cuba: 2010
Parent Group: Ideas Multimedios (also responsible for Cubadebate, The Round Table, With an Edge, Balancing the Box, and Fidel, Soldier of Ideas)
Case Highlighted: Death of Damir, a Cuban boy receiving medical treatment in the U.S.
Overall Sentiment: -3
2025-05-24 AI Summary: The Meta Quest charts for week 21 of 2025 show continued stability at the top, with a handful of established titles dominating. These include budget-friendly early access games, free-to-play hits, and a classic VR title. Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Bonelab maintain a comfortable position in the mid-tier. However, the lower ranks of the top 20 charts are more dynamic. The most significant development is the debut of Into the Radius 2 at #15, a sequel to the cult survival horror game, marking its first appearance on the Meta Quest charts. The game, currently in Early Access for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, promises approximately 15 hours of gameplay and is nearly feature-complete compared to the PC VR version, holding a 4.8-star rating from 160 reviews. Interestingly, a Meta Quest sale has revitalized Resident Evil 4, pushing it back into the charts at #20.
Several games consistently rank high, demonstrating enduring popularity. Animal Company, a free multiplayer hide-and-seek sandbox, holds the top spot with a 4.9-star rating from over 140,116 reviews. Gorilla Tag, a viral movement-based multiplayer game, maintains a 4.6-star rating from over 151,234 ratings. Beat Saber remains a popular rhythm game with a 4.5-star rating from 52,878 reviews. Other consistently high-ranking titles include Blade & Sorcery (4.3 stars, 57,103 reviews), Bonelab (4.6 stars, 30,726 ratings), VRChat (3.7 stars, 31,043 ratings), I Am Cat (4.9 stars, 63,682 ratings), Golf+ (4.8 stars, 77,964 ratings), Basketball (4.9 stars, 73,759 ratings), Ghosts of Tabor (4.3 stars, 24,271 reviews), Job Simulator (4.6 stars, 20,353 reviews), and Gorn 2 (4.6 stars, 593 ratings). Rec Room (4.2 stars, 34,400 reviews) and A VR Casino (3.9 stars, 30,087 reviews) also maintain a presence.
The article highlights the diverse range of VR experiences attracting players, from social games like Animal Company and VRChat to action-oriented titles like Beat Saber and Bonelab, and the resurgence of classic horror games like Resident Evil 4. The inclusion of titles like I Am Cat and Golf+ demonstrates the breadth of appeal within the VR gaming landscape. The continued success of Early Access games, such as Into the Radius 2, suggests a vibrant development community and a willingness among players to engage with evolving experiences. The article also mentions a free multiplayer horror game featuring monkeys (4.7 stars, 41,052 users) and a motocross sim (4.9 stars, 17,589 ratings).
The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on the chart shakeups and provides contact information for feedback or topic suggestions. It also includes a disclaimer regarding affiliate links. The article's tone is primarily factual, reporting on the current state of the Meta Quest charts and highlighting the performance of various VR games.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-24 AI Summary: Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) stock experienced a 1.2% decrease during mid-day trading on Friday, May 24, 2025, following insider selling activity. The stock traded as low as $622.65 and closed at $628.64, with 3,273,581 shares changing hands, a 77% decrease from the average session volume of 14,454,722 shares.
Three company insiders executed stock sales. Jennifer Newstead sold 519 shares at an average price of $635.50, totaling $329,824.50, reducing her ownership by 1.66%. Robert M. Kimmitt sold 475 shares at an average price of $628.25, for $298,418.75, a 4.42% decrease in his ownership. COO Javier Olivan sold 517 shares at an average price of $628.25, for $324,805.25, representing a 4.51% decrease in his ownership. Following these sales, Newstead directly owns 30,740 shares valued at $19,535,270; Kimmitt owns 10,272 shares valued at $6,453,384; and Olivan owns 10,955 shares valued at $6,882,478.75.
Analysts have issued varied ratings on META shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an “outperform” rating with a $740.00 price target, while Needham & Company LLC maintained an “underperform” rating. Raymond James decreased the price objective from $800.00 to $750.00 with a “strong-buy” rating. Piper Sandler increased the price objective from $610.00 to $650.00 with an “overweight” rating. Scotiabank decreased the price objective from $627.00 to $525.00 with a “sector perform” rating. The consensus rating is “Moderate Buy” with a target price of $701.05. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $574.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $608.90, a market cap of $1.58 trillion, a PE ratio of 26.21, a PEG ratio of 1.42, and a beta of 1.24. Meta Platforms reported Q4 earnings of $6.43 per share, exceeding the $5.33 estimate by $1.10, and revenue of $42.31 billion, surpassing the $41.45 billion expectation. Hedge funds have recently increased their positions in Meta Platforms, including Ballentine Partners LLC, Suvretta Capital Management LLC, Skye Global Management LP, Brueske Advisory Services LLC, and Apollon Financial LLC. Institutional investors own 79.91% of the company’s stock. Meta Platforms engages in developing products for connecting and sharing through various devices and operates in two segments: Family of Apps and Reality Labs.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-24 AI Summary: A German higher regional court in Cologne dismissed an injunction request from consumer protection groups aiming to prevent Meta from utilizing user data from Facebook and Instagram to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The court concluded that Meta had not violated European Union law in its plans. Meta intends to begin training AI models with this data starting Tuesday. The court’s decision was based on the balance of interests favoring Meta’s ability to process user data for AI development, stating that this training "cannot be achieved by other equally effective, less intrusive means."
Key factors influencing the court’s ruling included Facebook’s intention to use only publicly available data accessible through search and Meta’s implementation of measures to mitigate the impact on users, such as communicating the plans via its mobile apps. The court specifically noted that Meta was pursuing a "legitimate end" by using the data for AI training. The case was brought by the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Centre. The Vienna-based privacy campaign group Noyb had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Meta regarding these plans, signaling a potential for future legal action, including an injunction request or class-action lawsuit.
The Consumer Advice Centre expressed continued concerns, stating they still found the use of user data "highly problematic" and harboring "considerable doubts about the legality." Noyb’s letter represented the initial step in a potential legal challenge. The court’s decision allows Meta to proceed with its AI training initiatives, leveraging publicly accessible user data and mitigating user impact through communication and other measures.
The ruling signifies a legal endorsement of Meta’s approach to AI development, permitting the use of user data for training purposes even without explicit consent, provided it is publicly available and measures are taken to lessen the impact on users. The ongoing concerns of consumer groups and privacy advocates suggest potential future legal challenges and scrutiny of Meta’s data practices.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Xreal, a Chinese startup backed by Alibaba, has announced Project Aura, its new extended reality (XR) glasses that operate on Google’s Android XR operating system. The announcement was made at the recent Google I/O conference, marking a significant step for Google’s ambition to become a major player in the virtual and augmented reality device market. Project Aura is the first glasses-style device to utilize Android XR, an operating system launched by Google last year and incorporating the Gemini AI assistant.
The XR market is seeing increased competition, with Samsung previously unveiling Project Moohan, also powered by Android XR and designed to rival Apple’s Vision Pro. Xreal’s Project Aura utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR chips, specifically engineered for XR devices. A key characteristic of the glasses is that they are "tethered," requiring a connection to another device to function; however, details regarding this connection method have not yet been disclosed. The company plans a phased release, beginning with a developer version to encourage app development, followed by a consumer version. The launch adds to existing competition from Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses and Snap’s Spectacles, positioning Project Aura as a potentially lighter and more stylish alternative to bulkier headsets.
The article highlights the growing importance of XR technology, noting the focus of companies like Apple, Meta, and others. Google’s move with Android XR and partnerships like the one with Xreal underscores the anticipated significance of this technology in the future. The article does not mention any dissenting opinions or criticisms of the technology or the companies involved.
Key facts and entities mentioned:
Xreal: Chinese startup supported by Alibaba.
Project Aura: Xreal’s new XR glasses.
Google: Developing Android XR operating system and hosting Google I/O conference.
Android XR: Google’s operating system with Gemini AI assistant.
Samsung: Developing Project Moohan, an Android XR-powered headset.
Apple: Target of Samsung's Project Moohan.
Meta: Maker of Ray-Ban glasses.
Snap: Maker of Spectacles.
Qualcomm: Provider of Snapdragon XR chips.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: The article analyzes the Disney+ series WandaVision as a revolutionary project that redefines the superhero genre and explores themes of grief, control, and the nature of television itself. The series deviates from a typical Marvel spin-off by immersing viewers in a shifting televised reality constructed by Wanda Maximoff. Rather than a simple narrative of love or loss, WandaVision uses the medium’s language to examine how identity can fracture under the weight of sorrow, grief, and memory. The show’s retro sitcom homages, spanning various decades, aren't merely aesthetic choices but represent Wanda's learned language, a coping mechanism stemming from childhood trauma and the destruction of Sokovia.
The constructed town of Westview becomes a looped, artificial space where Wanda attempts to deny trauma through a specific sitcom format. This carefully controlled world, however, masks a spiraling grief that resists containment. The series shifts from nostalgia to meta-narrative as the audience becomes part of the show, with surveillance by S.W.O.R.D, Monica Rambeau, Jimmy Woo, Darcy Lewis, Agatha Harkness (‘Agnes’), and Vision himself becoming intrusive. The boundary between viewer and subject dissolves as the show’s structure collapses, and Wanda attempts to control her world through television, weaponizing the genre against its creator. This control, however, leads to consequences for the citizens of Westview, who suffer under her manipulations. Key figures include Wanda Maximoff, Vision, Monica Rambeau, Jimmy Woo, Darcy Lewis, Agatha Harkness, and S.W.O.R.D.
The article highlights the instability of Wanda’s curated reality, evidenced by glitches like the beekeeper, malfunctioning characters, and intrusions by outsiders. Vision’s questioning of his own reality and the breakdown of the sitcom’s structure further underscore this instability. The series critiques the use of stories to cope and avoid reality, ultimately revealing the collapse of Wanda’s curated self. The article notes that even Agnes’ manipulations serve to reflect Wanda back to herself, and the fourth-wall breaking moments reveal the unraveling of her constructed identity. The show ultimately demands that Wanda confront her pain and gives up control to begin healing.
WandaVision transforms the superhero narrative into a self-examining study of grief and media, demonstrating that no fantasy can hold reality on the sidelines forever. The series' exploration of television tropes critiques how we use stories to cope, and the failure of Wanda’s attempt to direct her own rerun offers a profound truth to the fans: no matter how expertly curated, fantasy cannot escape reality.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Singapore stocks edged upward on Friday, with the Straits Times Index rising 0.06% to 3,882.42, recovering from a previous decline linked to US bond yields. Core inflation in Singapore crept up 0.7% in April compared to the previous year, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), with the service and food sectors identified as contributing factors. This persistent inflationary pressure presents an ongoing challenge.
Several corporate events also influenced the market. Meta Health's issuance of 20 million shares to its chief medical officer at SG$0.008 each resulted in a 20% increase in its share price, indicating investor confidence in the company's strategic leadership. Conversely, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding experienced a share price drop of over 5%, despite securing $290 million in new orders for 2025. This suggests investor concerns regarding execution or broader market conditions. Key figures and data points include:
Straits Times Index: 3,882.42 (up 0.06%)
Core Inflation: 0.7% increase in April (year-over-year)
Meta Health shares issued: 20 million
Price per share for Meta Health: SG$0.008
Meta Health share price increase: 20%
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding new orders: $290 million
* Yangzijiang Shipbuilding share price drop: over 5%
The article highlights a balancing act between Singapore's local economic strength and external challenges. Investors are closely monitoring economic signals for clues regarding future monetary policy decisions by the MAS. The contrasting reactions to Meta Health and Yangzijiang demonstrate broader market skepticism concerning order fulfillment and profitability in uncertain times, emphasizing the importance of strategic leadership and execution.
Overall Sentiment: 2
2025-05-23 AI Summary: NVIDIA has announced a record-breaking large language model (LLM) inference speed achieved with an NVIDIA DGX B200 node equipped with eight NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs. This configuration processed more than 1,000 tokens per second (TPS) per user on Meta’s 400-billion-parameter Llama 4 Maverick model. The Llama 4 Maverick model is described as the largest and most powerful within the Llama 4 collection. Independently measured by the AI benchmarking service Artificial Analysis, the Blackwell system also achieves 72,000 TPS/server at its highest throughput configuration.
The speed increase was attributed to software optimizations utilizing TensorRT-LLM and a speculative decoding draft model trained using EAGLE-3 techniques, resulting in a 4x speed-up compared to a prior Blackwell baseline. NVIDIA leveraged FP8 data types for GEMMs, Mixture of Experts (MoE), and Attention operations to reduce model size and capitalize on the high FP8 throughput offered by Blackwell Tensor Core technology. According to NVIDIA, accuracy when using FP8 data types matches that of Artificial Analysis BF16 across many metrics. The company emphasized the need for a balance between throughput and latency in generative AI applications, noting that Blackwell hardware is suitable for maximizing throughput, balancing throughput and latency, or minimizing latency for a single user.
The article details specific kernel optimizations and fusions implemented to achieve low-latency performance. These include low-latency GEMM kernels and various kernel fusions such as FC13 + SwiGLU, FC_QKV + attn_scaling, and AllReduce + RMSnorm. These optimizations ensure Blackwell excels in scenarios requiring minimal latency. The company’s blog post, referenced in the article, provides further details on these techniques.
The article highlights NVIDIA’s focus on optimizing both speed and accuracy in LLM inference, showcasing the capabilities of the Blackwell architecture and its software tools. The combination of hardware and software advancements allows for significant improvements in processing speed while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Overall Sentiment: +8
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta’s Reality Labs is introducing a new feature for Instagram that transforms the platform’s traditional 2D photo experience into an immersive 3D format for Meta Quest users. This limited test, announced this week, utilizes AI view synthesis algorithms to add depth to existing Instagram feed photos “pixel by pixel” without requiring specialized 3D photography equipment from content creators. The result, according to Meta, creates a subtle sense of movement and a more lifelike appearance when viewed through a Quest headset. Examples provided by Meta include perceiving the arc of a soccer ball or experiencing an “Eskimo kiss,” illustrating the potential for subtle depth cues to enhance engagement.
This development is noteworthy as Meta appears to be ahead of Android XR in implementing spatial content viewing capabilities. The update also includes a revamped user interface called “Navigator,” representing what Meta describes as “the beginning of our reimagined OS.” This new interface aims to better integrate social and spatial experiences, positioning Meta’s VR platform beyond a gaming device and towards an extension of the company’s social media ecosystem. The feature rollout aligns with Meta’s long-term vision of building an immersive metaverse, attempting to create natural bridges between traditional social platforms and its VR ecosystem. The 3D Instagram feature is currently available to a limited group of testers, with no immediate timeline for broader availability. A YouTube video released on May 23, 2025, demonstrates the new features.
The introduction of this technology occurs amidst increasing scrutiny of social media companies’ data mining practices. While Meta emphasizes the user experience benefits, the AI processing of user-generated content raises privacy concerns. The feature is part of a broader update to the Meta Quest platform, and the company has not provided specific timelines for when this feature might roll out more broadly. Key facts include: the technology converts photos "pixel by pixel," the test is limited to select users, the new interface is called "Navigator," and the video demonstration was released on May 23, 2025. Android XR is also planning to deliver similar immersive capabilities, but has not yet fully implemented them.
The potential shift in how social media content is consumed could set new expectations for immersion across the industry and accelerate the convergence of traditional social platforms with extended reality experiences. The technology’s success could fundamentally change how users interact with Instagram and other social media platforms, moving towards a more immersive and spatial experience. The article suggests that this is a strategic move to blend Meta’s various properties into a cohesive extended reality environment.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: On May 23, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne dismissed an injunction application by the Consumer Protection Organization of North Rhine-Westphalia seeking to halt Meta’s use of EU user posts for AI training. This follows a positive assessment by the Irish Data Protection Authority, with the Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner (HmbBfDI) maintaining a critical stance. Meta, operating Facebook and Instagram, announced in mid-2024 its intention to utilize public posts for AI training, informing users of an opt-out option by May 27, 2025. The case raises fundamental questions regarding European data law, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), impacting all companies using AI.
The core of the dispute revolves around the legal basis for processing personal data. Meta relies on “legitimate interest,” allowing data processing unless users object, while consumer protection associations advocate for user consent ("opt-in"). They argue that processing special categories of data, such as health data, requires consent and that opt-in would significantly limit data usage. Meta’s status as a designated gatekeeper under the DMA is also a factor. The Irish Data Protection Authority, after a year-long review involving changes to Meta’s concept, allowed AI training to proceed but reserves the right to re-evaluate in October 2025. The European Data Protection Board was involved to achieve harmonization. The HmbBfDI initiated urgent proceedings against Meta, intending to prohibit AI training for German data subjects for at least three months, requiring a response by May 26, 2025.
The Higher Regional Court of Cologne rejected the injunction application, finding that Meta’s interests outweighed those of data subjects, and that there was no unlawful combination of personal data under the DMA. The court noted Meta had taken measures to mitigate interference with user rights. However, the HmbBfDI questioned the necessity of processing such large amounts of data, particularly highlighting Meta’s de-identification process. The HmbBfDI also argued that public posts requiring login are not truly public and that data processing for AI training was not foreseeable for users with "historical" data. Furthermore, the right to object is irrelevant for some data subjects, such as those depicted in posted images without a Facebook account.
The proceedings underscore uncertainty surrounding European data law, especially in AI training. While the Irish Data Protection Authority and the Cologne court demonstrated that AI training with existing data isn't inherently inadmissible, proper data preparation and measures to protect affected individuals are crucial. Developers and lawyers should collaborate closely to avoid conflicts with data protection authorities. The case highlights the lack of uniform interpretation of emerging legal issues within the EU.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta Platforms has been cleared to begin training its AI model using user data in Germany, following a rejection of an urgent injunction request by a German consumer organization concerned about data protection. The ruling came from the Cologne Higher Regional Court after a hearing yesterday where Meta argued it possesses a clear legal basis for the model training. The social media giant is scheduled to commence this AI training next week.
The consumer organization’s request for an injunction was based on data protection fears. However, the court rejected this request, allowing Meta to proceed with its plans. While this ruling permits the training to begin, a potential urgency procedure initiated by Hamburg's privacy regulator could still lead to a freeze of Meta’s AI training.
Key facts and details from the article include:
Company: Meta Platforms
Location: Germany, Cologne Higher Regional Court, Hamburg
Date: May 23, 2025 (publication date), next week (start of AI training)
Organizations: German consumer organization, Hamburg's privacy regulator
The article highlights a legal challenge to Meta’s AI training activities and the court’s decision to allow the training to proceed, albeit with the possibility of further regulatory intervention. The focus is on the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding data privacy and AI development in Germany.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta Platforms has been cleared to begin training its AI model using user data in Germany, following a rejection of an urgent injunction request by a German consumer organization concerned about data protection. The ruling came from the Cologne Higher Regional Court after a hearing yesterday where Meta argued it possesses a clear legal basis for the model training. The consumer organization’s concerns prompted the injunction request.
The AI training is scheduled to commence next week. However, a potential urgency procedure initiated by Hamburg's privacy regulator could still lead to a freeze on Meta’s AI training activities. Key details include:
Company: Meta Platforms
Location: Germany
Court: Cologne Higher Regional Court
Date of Hearing: Yesterday (May 22, 2025)
Scheduled Start Date: Next week (May 23, 2025)
Potential Regulatory Action: Urgency procedure by Hamburg's privacy regulator.
The article highlights a developing situation where Meta’s AI training is proceeding despite regulatory scrutiny. The possibility of intervention by Hamburg’s privacy regulator introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of the training program. MLex, the source of the article, positions itself as a provider of risk identification and analysis for legal and regulatory matters.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta has received clearance from a local court in Cologne, Germany, allowing it to train its AI models using public data from Facebook and Instagram users. Despite this legal victory, Meta's stock fell nearly 2% in early trading on May 23, 2025. The court rejected an objection raised by consumer rights group Verbraucherzentrale NRW, which had sought an injunction to prevent Meta from utilizing this data. Meta intends to train its AI models across its platforms—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—with public posts from adult users and interactions with its AI, believing this will improve the effectiveness of its Meta AI service by enabling it to better understand European culture and language. Users will be notified of the project and given the option to opt out.
However, Meta faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its AI training practices. The Irish Data Protection Authority (DPA) recently mandated that Meta implement measures including updated transparency notices, easier objection forms, enhanced user protections, and updated risk assessments. Meta is required to submit a report on this issue by October 2025. Furthermore, users in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the German state of Hamburg already have until May 2027 to object to the use of their public data for Meta’s AI tool. NRW had initially argued that Meta’s opt-out strategy violated EU privacy laws, advocating for user consent instead.
On TipRanks, META currently has a “Strong Buy” consensus rating based on 41 Buy ratings, 3 Hold ratings, and 1 Sell rating. The highest price target is $918, while the consensus price target is $696.12, implying a potential 10.53% upside. TipRanks also suggests exploring its “Best Online Brokers” for trading platforms.
Key facts and figures include:
Date of Stock Drop: May 23, 2025
Location of Court Ruling: Cologne, Germany
Objecting Group: Verbraucherzentrale NRW
Platforms Involved: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger
Deadline for Objections (Belgium, Netherlands, Hamburg): May 2027
Report Submission Deadline (DPA): October 2025
* Consensus Price Target: $696.12
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta's stock (META) experienced a slight dip, falling just over 1%, following a German court's decision to reject a preliminary injunction sought by Verbraucherzentrale NRW. This injunction aimed to prevent Meta from utilizing EU user posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company announced in April its intention to begin this data-use practice, tapping into interactions and public adult content on both platforms for AI model training, a plan that had been postponed last year due to regulatory uncertainty.
The court's decision follows a similar situation in March, when Meta rolled out its AI chatbot service in Europe after a year-long delay. An Austrian group, noyb, also filed for an injunction earlier this month concerning the same data-use plans. Meta acknowledged that navigating the EU's regulatory landscape proved more complex and time-consuming than initially anticipated, but expressed satisfaction at finally being able to proceed with its AI initiatives on the continent.
The article highlights potential implications of continued legal challenges in Europe. These challenges could potentially slow Meta's AI roadmap and negatively impact its growth if enforcement around user data usage tightens. Key entities and dates mentioned include: Verbraucherzentrale NRW (the group seeking the injunction), Meta (the company), Facebook and Instagram (platforms involved), noyb (Austrian group), and April and March 2025 (dates related to announcements and rollout).
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta is shifting away from relying on professional fact-checkers and exploring crowdsourced approaches like Community Notes, a trend mirrored by X and YouTube. The article's author, who has experience as a fact-checker for Facebook and TikTok and is the founder of News Detective, argues that the most promising future involves a hybrid model combining the scale of community-based fact-checking with the accuracy and oversight of professional fact-checking.
The author details the struggles of Meta’s previous fact-checking program, noting that teams often faced queues of thousands of flagged posts, with only a small fraction reviewed daily (approximately 14 Facebook checks per day across all US fact-checking partners). Reports indicated that most checks were too slow to curb virality, with less than half completed within a week. Furthermore, professional fact-checkers faced perceptions of bias, particularly among conservatives, undermining the model's credibility. In contrast, crowdsourced systems like Community Notes offer scale but risk devolving into popularity contests and may struggle to surface corrections in polarizing cases.
News Detective, founded in 2020, offers a hybrid approach. It partners with university classes to train students to assess claims circulating on social media. Students submit fact-checks reviewed by a professional moderator, and approved fact-checks appear directly on the posts where misinformation originated. Approximately 2,000 students have been trained, and the system is currently being piloted on Bluesky (having received a microgrant). Results show a 1200% increase in efficiency compared to traditional workflows: a professional fact-checker working five hours can approve approximately 250 student-submitted fact-checks. Post-assignment surveys indicate 92% of students feel better at spotting misinformation. The News Detective website currently receives around 20,000 views per month.
The article concludes by advocating for tech companies to treat fact-checking as civic infrastructure and build hybrid systems. It highlights the potential for expansion beyond pilot campuses, emphasizing the availability of infrastructure and the need for better habits and transparent, participatory systems to ensure the crowd understands how news is made. Key facts include: Meta, X, YouTube; PolitiFact; News Detective; MIT; Columbia Journalism Review; University of Illinois, University of Oregon, Howard University; Bluesky; 2,000 trained students; 20,000 monthly website views.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has committed to purchasing 650 megawatts (MW) of solar power from AES, an American energy company, to power its growing data centers in Texas and Kansas. This agreement supports Meta’s expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) services and its increasing energy demands. The deal includes two solar-only projects: one supplying 400 MW from Texas and another 250 MW from Kansas, with AES expecting operations to begin in the next 2 to 3 years. These contracts will last 15 to 20 years, providing long-term clean energy.
Meta has been aggressively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, already claiming over 12 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity, including solar and wind projects across the United States. The company aims to help add 9.8 GW of renewable energy to U.S. power grids by the end of 2025, enough to power over 2 million homes. Texas has become a prominent location for solar power, leading the U.S. in new solar capacity added in 2023 and 2024 due to its sunny climate, permitting process, and grid connectivity. The company’s net emissions equaled 7.4 million metric tons of CO2 in 2023, and Meta is committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2031 (compared to a 2021 baseline) and keeping Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels by 2031. Meta reached 100% renewable energy for its operations in 2020.
The broader trend within the tech industry, particularly among companies operating large data centers ("hyperscalers"), is to invest in clean energy. This is driven by AI growth, climate goals, and the cost savings associated with solar and wind power. Corporate renewable energy purchases hit a record 46 GW globally in 2023, with tech companies leading the way. The ability to phase in power delivery—meaning parts of the solar farm can start delivering energy before the full project is finished—is particularly attractive to companies like Meta needing power quickly. AES highlighted "fast time-to-power" as a key reason hyperscalers are turning to solar.
The agreement with AES is significant for both companies and the energy sector. It provides financial security for energy developers, encourages the construction of more clean energy projects, and supports Meta’s goal of net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2030. The deals also send a message to the market, demonstrating a serious commitment from big tech to clean energy and encouraging further investment in renewable sources. This trend is deeply intertwined with the future of technology, with Meta’s future increasingly powered by the sun.
Overall Sentiment: +8
2025-05-23 AI Summary: The article details ongoing legal challenges to Meta's AI training practices, primarily focusing on a recent German court decision and a parallel action by the Hamburg Data Protection Authority. VZ NRW brought an "interim" case attempting to prevent Meta from initiating AI training before a full court case could be held. The German Higher Regional Court of Cologne heard the case yesterday, but did not grant the interim injunction. Max Schrems expressed surprise at the outcome, citing Meta’s “massive and obvious” breach, but acknowledged that proving a breach for an interim injunction requires a higher standard than in a standard court procedure.
Several organizations are considering legal action against Meta, and noyb is planning a case for the entire EU. If Meta's approach is found unlawful, it could lead to damages claims from up to 400 million European users. Simultaneously, the Hamburg Data Protection Authority (DPA) has issued a so-called "urgency procedure" under Article 66 GDPR against the Irish DPC (the lead regulator of Meta) and Meta itself. This would require the DPC to halt Meta AI training, contradicting its current position. The Hamburg DPA was asked to join the German Court Case and disclosed this latest move in open court.
The article highlights a divergence in perspectives. The German Court viewed Meta as following guidelines from EU Data Protection Authorities, while the Hamburg DPA is pursuing an "urgency procedure" against both Meta and its lead regulator, the Irish DPC. This situation is described as the “overall battle just got bigger,” with an EU regulator challenging Meta and its “friendly” Irish regulator. Key individuals and organizations mentioned include: Max Schrems, VZ NRW, noyb, Meta, Irish DPC, Hamburg DPA, and the German Higher Regional Court of Cologne. The timeframe mentioned is 2025, and the potential user base affected is up to 400 million European users.
Overall Sentiment: -3
2025-05-23 AI Summary: A recently discovered public database contained login credentials for over 184 million accounts across numerous services, including email providers, Microsoft products, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Roblox. Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler identified the database, noting it included emails, usernames, passwords, and URL login links. Credentials for bank and financial accounts, health platforms, and government portals from “numerous countries” were also present. Fowler confirmed the authenticity of at least some of the data by contacting email addresses found within the database.
The database's origin remains unclear. The IP address indicated connections to two domain names – one parked and unavailable, and the other unregistered and available for purchase. The Whois registration was set to private, preventing identification of the owner. While the hosting provider was contacted and subsequently restricted public access, they did not disclose ownership information. Fowler suspects malicious activity, citing “multiple signs” suggesting the data was harvested using infostealers, typically distributed through phishing, malicious websites, or tainted updates. Infostealers can steal sensitive information from compromised devices, including passwords and cryptocurrency wallet information.
The article highlights concerns about the practices of many users who "treat their email accounts like free storage" and store years' worth of sensitive documents within them. Fowler suggests that compromised email accounts can be leveraged for phishing attacks and further data theft. The discovery underscores the potential risks associated with weak password hygiene and the importance of utilizing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. The researcher’s findings emphasize the need for vigilance and proactive security measures to protect online accounts.
The article concludes by implicitly advocating for the use of authenticator apps and password managers as protective measures against such breaches. The lack of definitive attribution to a specific actor or organization leaves the full scope and implications of the data breach uncertain, but the sheer volume of compromised credentials presents a significant security risk.
Overall Sentiment: -7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta’s defense concluded on May 21, 2025, in a federal antitrust trial accusing the company of stifling competition through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta’s legal strategy centered on arguing for a broad, dynamic competitive landscape including platforms like YouTube and TikTok, contrasting with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) narrower focus on Snapchat. Judge James E. Boasberg denied Meta’s motion for an early dismissal on May 20, 2025, finding insufficient grounds to prematurely end the FTC’s case. Key witnesses for Meta included WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, Meta engineering director Nick Shortway, economics professor Dennis Carlton (University of Chicago Booth School of Business), and economics professor John List (University of Chicago). Acton testified to WhatsApp’s benefits from Meta’s acquisition, while Shortway highlighted accelerated Instagram development. Professor Carlton explained Instagram’s gains from Facebook’s monetization capabilities, and Professor List presented experimental data suggesting user mobility across platforms. Meta vigorously contested the FTC’s market definition, asserting robust competition.
The FTC’s 2020 lawsuit alleges Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014) were strategic, aiming to create a “personal social networking” monopoly by eliminating potential competitors. The agency seeks divestiture of both platforms, arguing that an independent Instagram and WhatsApp would foster greater competition. Meta spokesman Chris Sgro asserted the trial demonstrated the tech industry’s “dynamic, hypercompetitive nature.” Legal expert Professor Anita Sharma (Stanford Law) noted that while highlighting post-acquisition improvements is common, the core legal challenge for Meta is to demonstrate these benefits weren’s incidental to a monopolization strategy. The trial also revealed that settlement talks between Meta and the FTC collapsed due to a disagreement over financial expectations. Kevin Systrom, Instagram’s co-founder, delivered a “blistering testimony” against Meta. Mark Zuckerberg testified that Facebook had evolved into a “broad discovery-entertainment space.”
The trial's proceedings have been marked by complexities, particularly concerning Brian Acton’s testimony. Reuters analysis highlighted Acton’s past public criticisms, including a “#deletefacebook” tweet, which the FTC could use to challenge his current narrative. Meta’s legal team has now rested, and the FTC is scheduled to begin closing arguments on May 27, 2025. Judge Boasberg has allocated three days for these final summations. The outcome of the trial has far-reaching implications for Meta, the social media landscape, and potentially how millions use these platforms.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Since March 2025, KnowBe4’s Threat Labs team has observed a significant surge in phishing attacks leveraging Google’s AppSheet platform to impersonate Meta. The campaign utilizes advanced techniques including polymorphic identifiers, man-in-the-middle proxy mechanisms, and multi-factor authentication bypasses to harvest credentials and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, enabling real-time access to social media accounts. A peak occurred on April 20th, 2025, when 10.88% of all phishing emails neutralized by KnowBe4 Defend originated from AppSheet, with 98.23% impersonating Meta and the remaining 1.77% impersonating PayPal.
The attackers exploit AppSheet’s workflow automation to distribute phishing emails at scale, originating from the legitimate noreply@appsheet.com domain, effectively bypassing Microsoft and Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) that rely on domain reputation checks. Phishing emails mimic Meta’s branding and utilize urgent language, such as warnings about account deletion, to pressure recipients into immediate action. The emails often feature subject lines like “Violating intellectual property rights has caused your account to be deleted.” The malicious link directs users to a sophisticated site hosted on Vercel, designed to resemble the legitimate Facebook interface. This site employs a double prompt for credentials, claiming the first attempt was incorrect, and operates as a man-in-the-middle proxy, immediately relaying login information to the legitimate service to hijack the session.
The campaign’s sophistication lies in its ability to bypass traditional detection technologies. The use of unique polymorphic identifiers in each email makes widespread filtering difficult, and the hosting on a reputable platform like Vercel enhances the site’s credibility. The exploitation of AppSheet is part of a broader trend of using legitimate services to bypass email security detections, observed in analyses of services like Microsoft, Google, QuickBooks, and Telegram. Organizations are increasingly turning to Integrated Cloud Email Security products and threat-based awareness training, including simulations of real phishing emails, to combat these advanced threats.
The article highlights the increasing complexity of phishing attacks and the need for layered security measures. The combination of exploiting trusted platforms, advanced technical tactics, and social engineering makes this campaign particularly effective at evading detection. KnowBe4’s Threat Labs team has identified this as a significant threat, emphasizing the importance of employee training and advanced security solutions to mitigate the risk of credential theft and account compromise.
Overall Sentiment: -5
2025-05-23 AI Summary: A German consumer rights group, Verbraucherzentrale NRW, failed to secure a court injunction that would have prevented Meta Platforms from utilizing Facebook and Instagram user posts to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The court in Cologne denied the injunction request. Meta announced last month that it intends to train its AI models within the European Union using public posts from adult users across its platforms, as well as data from user interactions with its AI.
The company stated that users in the EU will be notified of this project and provided with the opportunity to opt out of having their data used for AI training. This initiative involves leveraging both public posts and interaction data to enhance the AI models. Key details include:
Organization Seeking Injunction: Verbraucherzentrale NRW
Court Location: Cologne, Germany
Company Involved: Meta Platforms
Platforms Affected: Facebook and Instagram
Geographic Scope: European Union
The court's decision allows Meta to proceed with its plan to train AI models using user data, subject to the notification and opt-out provisions outlined by the company. The article does not elaborate on the reasoning behind the court’s decision or the specifics of the opt-out process.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: A German higher regional court in Cologne has dismissed an injunction request from consumer protection groups attempting to prevent Meta from using user data from Facebook and Instagram to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The court concluded that Meta’s actions did not violate European Union law, stating that the company pursues a “legitimate end” by utilizing the data for AI training. The ruling allows Meta to begin training AI models with user data starting Tuesday.
The court’s decision was based on a balance of interests, favoring Meta’s ability to process user data for AI development. Judges cited that the training of AI systems “cannot be achieved by other equally effective, less intrusive means.” Specifically, the court noted Facebook’s intention to use only publicly available data, accessible through search, and that Meta had implemented “effective measures to significantly mitigate the impact” on users, including communicating the plans through its mobile apps. Key entities involved include: Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center (which brought the injunction request), and the Vienna-based privacy campaign group Noyb.
Despite the court’s ruling, concerns remain. The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center deemed the use of user data “highly problematic” and expressed continued doubts about its legality. Noyb had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Meta, foreshadowing a possible injunction request or class-action lawsuit. The letter was sent last week.
The court's decision effectively permits Meta to proceed with its AI training plans, utilizing publicly accessible user data and mitigating potential user impact through communication and data usage limitations. However, consumer protection groups continue to challenge the legality and ethical implications of this practice.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, utilized Meta's Llama 2 AI model to analyze responses from US civil servants to a "Fork in the Road" letter suggesting voluntary resignation. This letter, sent in January, allowed employees to resign simply by replying "resign." DOGE operates within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and is focused on initiatives like government mail automation and redundancy reduction. The technical infrastructure for these mailings was developed by former Tesla engineer Riccardo Biasini.
Civil servants began receiving weekly requests for five-point reports in February, raising concerns about data security and the potential use of AI for analysis. While Wired could not definitively confirm the use of Llama 2, many employees suspect it was used. Despite Elon Musk’s xAI company developing its own Grok model, DOGE did not initially use it, as it was only available in closed mode. Microsoft recently added support for Grok 3 on the Azure platform, and Palantir has integrated Grok into its solutions, opening up potential for public sector use.
DOGE’s activities are part of a broader trend of AI integration within government. Other related AI tools mentioned include AutoRIF for automated staff reduction, the GSAi chatbot based on Meta and Anthropic models, and CamoGPT, used by the Army to remove DEI references from training materials. The initial approach to analyzing resignation responses mirrored a strategy Musk previously employed after acquiring Twitter in 2022.
Key facts extracted from the article:
Department: Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Leader: Elon Musk
AI Model Used: Meta's Llama 2
Letter Title: "Fork in the Road"
Engineer: Riccardo Biasini (former Tesla)
Agency: Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Other AI Tools: AutoRIF, GSAi, CamoGPT
Date of Letter: January
Date of Reports: February
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: The DOGE team, led by Elon Musk, utilized Meta’s Llama 2 AI model to analyze responses from federal employees regarding a policy change, rather than their own Grok model. This analysis followed a letter, termed “Fork in the Road,” presented to employees, offering a choice between supporting a new policy requiring office return or resigning. The letter resembled one previously sent to X (Twitter) employees. The analysis was localized, but concerns about privacy persisted among employees, compounded by prior concerns about DOGE’s use of AI to identify hostile government officials against Trump. The analysis occurred in January 2025, a period when Grok was not yet publicly available. Microsoft is now hosting Grok 3 on Azure.
Over 40 U.S. congressmen wrote to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in April 2025, demanding an investigation into DOGE’s actions. Their concerns centered on potential conflicts of interest for Musk, risks of data leaks, and the lack of transparency surrounding the AI model's use. DOGE also experimented with other tools, including the GSAi chatbot (based on Anthropic and Meta models), AutoRIF, and Grok-2 as an internal assistant. Following the "Fork in the Road" letter, employees were asked to submit up to five points about their achievements weekly, raising fears that this data was also being fed into AI systems.
Llama 2 has previously been subject to scrutiny, notably when the Chinese military used it as the basis for their own AI model. Meta deemed this use unauthorized and subsequently opened access to its models for U.S. national security programs. The Administrative and Budgetary Office appears supportive of DOGE’s actions, while lawmakers view the use of AI in personnel analysis without transparency and security as potentially disastrous, citing the potential for errors and biases inherent in generative models.
Key facts:
Organizations: DOGE, Meta, X (Twitter), Administrative and Budgetary Office
Individuals: Elon Musk
AI Models: Grok, Llama 2, GSAi, AutoRIF, Grok-2
Dates: January 2025, April 2025
Letter: “Fork in the Road”
Overall Sentiment: -5
2025-05-23 AI Summary: The coroner investigating the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe is seeking a court order to compel Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to release private messages from the deceased teenager’s account. Noah Donohoe went missing in June 2020 and was found dead in a storm drain in North Belfast six days later, after cycling to meet friends. The inquest is being presided over by Mr Justice Rooney, and Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, hopes the inquest will provide answers to her questions regarding his death.
Counsel to the coroner, Peter Coll KC, reported correspondence with Meta, indicating two levels of access to Noah’s account data. While certain data could be provided to Noah’s next of kin with relevant documentation like a death certificate, private Instagram messages would require a court order. Meta has not confirmed the existence of any private messages. The process of obtaining these messages may be complex due to Meta’s location outside the court’s jurisdiction, but the company has indicated a willingness to engage positively and potentially comply with a draft court order. Brenda Campbell KC, representing Ms. Donohoe, concurred with the need for a court order to obtain the fullest information possible.
The article notes that obtaining a response from Meta has taken considerable time, but the recent response has been described as helpful and represents significant engagement. A draft court order will be prepared by Tuesday of next week for review by legal representatives. The next preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17. Key individuals mentioned include Noah Donohoe, Fiona Donohoe, Mr Justice Rooney, Peter Coll KC, and Brenda Campbell KC. The relevant organizations are Meta (Instagram), St Malachy’s College, and the Belfast court system.
The article highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover information related to Noah Donohoe’s death and the challenges involved in obtaining data from international social media companies. The focus is on securing private messages through a court order, despite potential complexities and delays. The article conveys a sense of cautious optimism regarding Meta’s willingness to cooperate, while acknowledging the procedural hurdles that remain.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Apple is reportedly developing smart glasses, slated for release in 2026, as a potential alternative to its Vision Pro. The article suggests these glasses will be significantly less bulky and more comfortable than the Vision Pro, addressing a key criticism of the latter. They will likely include cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling functionalities such as phone calls and real-time translation. The development is driven, in part, by the increasing importance of AI in technology, with Apple perceived as lagging behind Meta and Microsoft in this area. OpenAI is currently collaborating with Jony Ives, a former Apple designer.
The article highlights the potential for lower production costs and a more aggressive pricing strategy for the smart glasses compared to the Vision Pro, which currently has an MSRP of $3,499. This pricing has been a barrier to adoption for many potential customers. The new glasses are being positioned as a competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, with the hope of achieving mass adoption through a well-tuned Apple version. The article notes that Apple has been dabbling in the augmented reality space and that this new product represents a different direction within the wearables market.
The article frames the development of smart glasses as a potential "iPhone-level" product, representing a significant opportunity for Apple. However, it also acknowledges the risk that AI-infused products can "fizzle," and that Apple's complicated history with the Vision Pro may cause some early adopters to hesitate. The collaboration with Jony Ives, formerly a powerhouse designer at Apple, and the current work with OpenAI, are noted as significant developments.
The article suggests that Apple’s move into smart glasses is a response to perceived shortcomings in the Vision Pro, particularly its bulkiness, high cost, and limited usability. The focus on AI integration is presented as a critical factor, with Apple seeking to catch up to competitors like Meta and Microsoft. The success of the Ray-Ban smart glasses has created an opportunity for Apple to gain traction in the market with a more accessible and competitively priced product.
Overall Sentiment: 3
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Apple is planning to release AI-enhanced smart glasses by the end of 2026, positioning the device as a competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The company aims to produce significant prototypes by the end of 2025 for testing before mass production. The glasses will feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling real-world analysis and hands-free interaction through Siri. A source indicated the Apple offering will be "similar to the Meta product but better made." This initiative is part of Apple’s broader effort to develop “breakthrough AI products” and catch up with competitors in the AI space.
The smart glasses are expected to support features like live translation, turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, and voice-controlled phone calls. They will be powered by a dedicated in-house chip designed to enhance performance and AI responsiveness. The internal codename for the project has evolved from “N50” to “N401,” reflecting Apple’s growing commitment to the wearable AI market. Apple’s longer-term vision includes glasses with augmented reality capabilities, though this version is years away. The company has been working on adding cameras to Apple Watch smartwatches and AirPods earbuds, but reportedly shut down work on camera-equipped smartwatches this week while continuing development on the earbud project.
The smart glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Google, Amazon, Snap, Samsung, Baidu, and Xiaomi also developing similar products. PYMNTS reported in March that a new wave of next-generation smart glasses has emerged, driven by advances in artificial intelligence. Apple’s entry into this market aligns with its typical product development strategy of starting with a focused device before expanding to more ambitious implementations, and represents just one aspect of its expanding wearable ecosystem, which currently includes Apple Watch and AirPods.
Key facts and figures mentioned in the article:
Release Date: End of 2026 (projected)
Prototype Production: Targeting completion by the end of 2025
Internal Codenames: Evolved from “N50” to “N401”
Competitors: Meta, Google, Amazon, Snap, Samsung, Baidu, Xiaomi
Reported by: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, PYMNTS
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Apple is developing AI-powered smart glasses slated for release by the end of next year, positioning itself to compete with Meta and Google in a rapidly evolving market. The glasses are expected to function similarly to Meta's Ray-Bans, which have seen unexpected success, selling two million units since late 2023 and projected to reach 10 million annually by the end of 2026. Apple’s prototypes are expected to be ordered soon for testing, and the company is reportedly developing a powerful chip to differentiate its glasses from competitors. Key features will include cameras, microphones, speakers, and compatibility with Siri for voice commands, enabling music playback, directions, and phone calls.
The emergence of Apple’s glasses is occurring within a broader trend of increased competition in the AI devices market. OpenAI, collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive, is releasing AI gadgets beginning next year, having recently acquired Ive's AI hardware startup, io, for $6.5 billion. Google is also entering the space, committing $150 million to create AI glasses in partnership with Warby Parker, scheduled for launch next year. These glasses will feature AI capabilities like voice commands via Google's Gemini AI assistant, including text messaging, object recognition, and real-time language translation. Bloomberg reported that Apple has been conducting focus groups since last fall to gauge employee preferences regarding competitor smart glasses.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is reportedly prioritizing the development of augmented reality (AR) glasses, aiming to release them before Meta. The company’s ultimate goal is to create AR glasses that overlay data and images onto the real world. Meta is also pursuing AR technology, reportedly exploring smartphone-alternative AI glasses with an embedded screen, priced $1,000 higher than its current Ray-Bans. Apple’s move is a response to a market increasingly populated by AI-driven eyewear, with several major tech companies vying for dominance in this emerging sector.
The competitive landscape includes:
Meta: Ray-Bans smart glasses (2 million sold, 10 million projected annually by end of 2026)
OpenAI: Collaborating with Jony Ive, acquiring io for $6.5 billion, releasing AI gadgets next year.
Google: Partnering with Warby Parker, committing $150 million, launching AI glasses next year.
Apple: Developing AI smart glasses slated for release by end of next year, prioritizing AR glasses.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Meta AI, a new platform from Meta, has been released and is integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. The article positions Meta AI as more than just another AI chatbot like ChatGPT, emphasizing its unique ability to leverage Meta's extensive data about users to provide personalized interactions. A key differentiator is its speed and efficiency in generating images, reportedly delivering results in seconds, a contrast to other AI platforms that may be slower or require payment. Currently, users must upload images from their camera roll or library, as automatic importing from Instagram or Facebook is not yet supported.
Beyond image generation, Meta AI incorporates social interaction features. A "Discover" tab mimics Instagram's feed, showcasing creations from other users, and a voice option enables conversational interactions. A notable feature is the introduction of a "virtual doppelganger," which can automatically respond to comments on Instagram, allowing users to maintain engagement even when unavailable. The platform is accessible on iPhone, Android, the Meta AI website, and is compatible with Meta's apps and smart RayBan glasses.
The article highlights Meta’s ongoing development of the platform, stating that it is continually learning and receiving new features. It notes that Meta AI aims to deeply integrate AI into social media interactions and positions it as an extension of the user’s existing digital world, offering surprising functionality and creative potential. The article suggests that Meta AI may be an AI tool users didn't realize they needed.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-23 AI Summary: Seattle-based startup Tensor9 has secured a $4 million seed round to address the challenge of deploying enterprise software, particularly AI tools, within high-security environments. The company, founded in 2023 and led by Michael Ten-Pow, a former Amazon Web Services engineer with over a decade of cloud infrastructure experience at Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), has attracted investment from Wing VC, Level Up Ventures, Model Ventures' Devang Sachdev, and NVAngels, a group of ex-Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) professionals. The core problem Tensor9 aims to solve is enabling vendors to deliver advanced AI software to enterprise clients without requiring sensitive data to be transferred off-site.
Tensor9’s solution allows vendors to install their software directly into a client's existing infrastructure, whether it resides in the cloud, on-premise, or on bare metal servers. This circumvents the traditional software-as-a-service model, ensuring data sovereignty and reducing security risks. The company utilizes a digital twin architecture, creating a virtual replica of each customer environment. This allows vendors to monitor, support, and update deployed software without breaching privacy firewalls, receiving real-time feedback on logs, metrics, and hardware issues. According to Ten-Pow, “You can't just throw a piece of software over the wall, or it's very difficult to throw a piece of software over the wall, and know what's going on, be able to find issues, debug them, fix them.”
The impetus for Tensor9’s creation stemmed from Ten-Pow’s observation that System and Organization Controls 2 compliance wasn't the primary obstacle preventing startups from securing enterprise deals. Instead, companies desired software capable of running locally, under their own control, eliminating data sovereignty concerns. The company’s initial development was bootstrapped before the seed round funding. Investors include: Wing VC, Level Up Ventures, Model Ventures' Devang Sachdev, and NVAngels. Key individuals mentioned are Michael Ten-Pow (CEO), and Devang Sachdev. Companies mentioned as clients or partners include Hasbro, MGM, Skechers, Deloitte, Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
The seed funding will enable Tensor9 to further develop its platform and expand its reach within industries like finance, healthcare, and government, where data security is paramount. The company's approach directly addresses the growing need for secure and controlled AI deployment, offering a viable alternative to traditional SaaS models.
Overall Sentiment: +7
2025-05-22 AI Summary: Jennifer Newstead, an insider at Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), has been selling shares of the company's stock in recent weeks. On May 20th, she sold 519 shares at an average price of $635.50, totaling $329,824.50. This sale represents a 1.66% decrease in her ownership, leaving her with 30,740 shares valued at $19,535,270. Prior to this transaction, Newstead sold 519 shares on May 16th for $330,457.68, 907 shares on May 13th for $585,713.39, and 921 shares on May 6th for $545,710.92. Earlier sales occurred on April 29th (921 shares, $502,101.57), April 22nd (921 shares, $453,012.27), April 15th (921 shares, $489,253.62), April 8th (921 shares, $500,462.19), April 1st (921 shares, $525,577.86), March 25th (921 shares, $577,513.05), March 18th (921 shares, $552,830.25).
Meta Platforms stock traded up $1.07 on May 22nd, reaching $636.57, with 8,206,187 shares traded, below its average volume of 14,480,338. The company has a market capitalization of $1.60 trillion, a PE ratio of 26.61, a P/E/G ratio of 1.42, and a beta of 1.24. Key financial metrics include a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 2.98, and a quick ratio of 2.98. The 50-day moving average is $573.28, and the 200-day moving average is $608.00. The stock's 52-week low is $442.65, and its 52-week high is $740.91. Meta Platforms reported earnings per share of $6.43 for the quarter, exceeding analyst estimates of $5.33 by $1.10, with revenue of $42.31 billion, surpassing expectations of $41.45 billion. The company's return on equity was 38.17% and its net margin was 27.91%.
Several institutional investors have recently adjusted their holdings in Meta Platforms. Mattson Financial Services LLC raised its stake by 8.4%, now owning 11,663 shares valued at $6,722,000. BOS Asset Management LLC increased its holdings by 10.2%, owning 2,699 shares valued at $1,556,000. WBI Investments LLC raised its position by 297.3%, now holding 2,177 shares valued at $1,255,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management Co lifted its stake by 1.2%, owning 9,594 shares worth $5,530,000, and MBL Wealth LLC boosted its position by 5.0%, holding 7,586 shares valued at $4,372,000. 79.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Several brokerages have issued ratings, including Mizuho ("outperform"), Morgan Stanley ("overweight"), Barclays ("overweight"), Piper Sandler ("overweight"), and Stifel ("buy"). Meta Platforms engages in the development of products enabling people to connect and share, operating in two segments: Family of Apps and Reality Labs.
Overall Sentiment: 0
2025-05-21 AI Summary: Meta Platforms (META) has received a significant vote of confidence from Loop Capital, with analyst Rob Sanderson raising the firm’s price target to $888 from $695. This new target implies a potential growth rate of almost 40% from current levels and reaffirms Sanderson’s Buy rating on the stock. Loop Capital believes Meta is the most compelling non-hardware beneficiary of AI currently and anticipates the stock will outperform its “Magnificent Seven” peers this year.
Sanderson’s assessment is based, in part, on Meta’s stronger-than-expected Q2 outlook. Concerns regarding reduced advertising spending from Chinese retailers, stemming from President Donald Trump’s trade policies, have been deemed misplaced. While Chinese online retailers initially scaled back their advertising on Facebook and Instagram, Meta’s advancements in AI have offset these potential losses, contributing to stronger overall performance. Rob Sanderson is a five-star-rated analyst on TipRanks, ranked #274 out of over 9,500, and recognized for his accuracy regarding META stock over one- and three-month periods. He maintains an 84% success rate on META stock recommendations over the past three months.
The article also notes that META stock has a consensus Strong Buy rating among 45 Wall Street analysts, based on 41 Buys, three Holds, and one Sell assigned in the last three months. The average META price target among these analysts is $696.12, suggesting a 9.5% upside from current levels. Key individuals and organizations mentioned include Rob Sanderson (Loop Capital analyst), Donald Trump (President), and TipRanks (analyst ranking platform). The timeframe of the past three months is repeatedly referenced in relation to analyst performance and ratings.
The article highlights a shift in perspective regarding Meta’s advertising revenue, initially threatened by Chinese retailer spending cuts, now bolstered by the company’s AI advancements. The consistent positive ratings and price target increases indicate a strong belief in Meta’s future growth potential, particularly in the context of AI adoption.
Overall Sentiment: +8
2024-12-13 AI Summary: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta are engaged in a long-running antitrust case before Judge James Boasberg in the District Court for the District of Columbia, concerning whether Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp illegally maintained a social media monopoly. The FTC argues these acquisitions stifled competition to protect Meta’s monopoly power in the “personal social networking services” market. Meta contends it faces robust competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which the FTC’s market definition excludes, and that the acquisitions have benefited both the companies and American consumers.
Key questions surrounding the case include whether the FTC adequately addressed concerns raised in Judge Boasberg’s summary judgment opinion regarding Meta's monopoly status and whether the FTC can sufficiently prove that competition would have been better off without the acquisitions. The article also raises the question of whether a breakup of Meta should be considered even if the FTC prevails. The case is occurring within the context of the Trump administration’s antitrust efforts against “Big Tech.”
The virtual panel hosted by ITIF will discuss this decision, its implications for the social media landscape, and its meaning for Meta. The panel will allow attendees to ask questions for the speakers via Slido. The core of the debate centers on whether Meta's actions have demonstrably harmed competition and whether alternative outcomes would have resulted in a more beneficial social media environment for consumers.
The article highlights the complexities of defining the relevant market in the social media landscape and the challenges in proving that specific acquisitions have a negative impact on competition. It presents both the FTC’s perspective on stifled competition and Meta’s defense, emphasizing the presence of competing platforms and the benefits of the acquisitions.
Overall Sentiment: 0
