Reddit introduces new profile tools for its business customers
Reddit has introduced new profile features for businesses using Reddit Pro, its toolset for brand engagement on the platform.
Businesses can now receive AI generated bio suggestions based on their websites, showcase relevant community posts and comments, and cross-post discussions from the Reddit Pro Trends Tab, which tracks keyword based conversations.
The update follows Reddit’s strong financial performance, with $392.4 million in revenue (up 61% YoY) and 108.1 million daily active users, exceeding market expectations.
Read more here.
Google age ID proposal may not suit Australia’s under-16 social media ban
Google’s plan to use its Wallet app for age verification in Australia’s upcoming under-16 social media ban may not work well for teens, experts say.
While adults can store and share ID like a passport or driver’s licence through the app, most teens don’t have these documents, making the system less useful for identifying under-16 users. Dr. Alexia Maddox warned that introducing this adult-focused tech misses the point of the ban, which is meant to protect children. Instead, she suggests creating tools specifically designed for young users that protect their privacy. Trials are currently testing 25 different methods, including facial recognition, with over 1,000 students.
There’s also ongoing debate about which platforms the ban should cover, especially after YouTube was controversially exempted.
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Influencer Ad Disclosure on Social Media
The ASA’s latest report reveals that while influencer transparency around ad disclosure is improving, significant gaps remain.
Using an AI-powered system to review over 50,000 Instagram and TikTok posts from 509 UK accounts, the ASA found that only 57% of influencer ads clearly followed disclosure rules, 9% used unclear labels, and 34% lacked disclosure entirely, especially in the fashion and travel sectors.
The report highlights the need for continued responsibility among influencers, brands, agencies, and platforms to ensure ads are clearly marked. The ASA will continue offering guidance but warns it will enforce penalties for repeated non-compliance, emphasising that ads must always be clearly identifiable.
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Instagram Adds New Features to Its ‘Edits’ Video Editing App
Instagram has released its first major update for the new Edits app just a week after launch, introducing 125 fonts, 15 voice effects, and a streamlined “Apply all” feature that lets users quickly apply filters and edits across all clips.
These enhancements, alongside existing tools like multi-channel tracking and watermark free downloads, aim to simplify and enhance the editing experience.
While all features are currently free, Instagram may charge for future advanced AI tools. Updates are expected weekly as Instagram positions Edits as a serious competitor to apps like CapCut.
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Microsoft and OpenAI may be renegotiating their partnership
Microsoft and OpenAI are in complex talks about their partnership, focusing on Microsoft’s stake in OpenAI’s for profit arm, which is still overseen by its nonprofit board.
According to the Financial Times, Microsoft, having invested $13 billion, is a key party whose approval is needed for the changes. The talks also involve potentially adjusting their broader contract, with Microsoft possibly giving up some equity in exchange for extended access to OpenAI’s post 2030 technologies.
The situation is further complicated by growing competition between the two, as OpenAI expands its enterprise services and advances its ambitious Stargate infrastructure project.
Read more here.