Facebook locks out users who didn't activate Facebook Protect before deadline

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If you don't know what Facebook Protect is, the product might not be geared towards you. But then, it might have been built for you, but you missed the email announcing what it was. Early this month, some Facebook users received a mysterious spam-like email with the header: "Your account requires advanced security from Facebook Protect." The said email was sent from the email address security@facebookmail.com, which kind of looks like a common form of spam. 

That email said these users needed to turn on the Facebook Protect feature (which they could do by clicking on the link in the suspicious-looking email) by a specific date, or they'll be locked out. This feature was launched by Facebook as a "security program for groups of people that are more likely to be targeted by malicious hackers, such as human rights defenders, journalists, and government officials."

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Facebook's Ray-Ban Stories doubles recording time to 60 seconds

Source: Facebook

As Facebook brings its Ray-Ban Stories to more markets, the company updates the smart glasses to add new features. A significant update is the increase of its recording capability from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. Also, the Facebook View app adds language support for French, Spanish, German, and Dutch. The glasses can also now understand voice commands in French and Italian so that you can take photos and videos hands-free. And if its low batt or you've used up all its storage, the Ray-Ban Stories now has audible notifications.

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Meta plans to offer more monetization options for Facebook Reels creators

Source: Meta

Meta has rolled out Facebook Reels globally. And if you're a creator in Canada, the US, and Mexico that's part of Meta's in-stream ads program, you're eligible to monetize your publicly-shared Reels with ads. By mid-March, the company plans to expand these tests to creators in nearly all countries where in-stream ads are available.

The company promises to build direct monetization options in Facebook Reels to help creators earn more. One way is through its Facebook Reels Overlay Ads, which all creators in Canada, the US, and Mexico are getting access to (other countries to follow in the coming weeks). 

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Facebook tests bill splitting feature in Messenger

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Facebook wants to make it easier to split bills with others through Messenger. Meta announced that it is trying out Split Payments in the US. It is meant to be a "free and fast way to share the cost of bills and expenses." This coming week, users in the US can charge their friends through a group chat or the Payments Hub in Messenger.

Users will need to hit the "Get Started" button in group chats to initiate the process. They can then divide the sum of money evenly or in whatever amount they prefer. The user can also include themselves in the payment and add a customizable message. The money will be sent through Facebook Pay, and after they submit, their request will be sent to the group chat's room.

Source: Engadget