Meta helps teens block unwanted messages on Messenger and Instagram

Image: Meta

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has announced a new feature that will help users protect themselves from unwanted messages from strangers on its messaging platforms, Messenger and Instagram. The feature will require people who are not connected with a user to send a text-only invitation to chat, and they can only send one at a time. Users won’t be able to send another one until the recipient accepts or declines.

The feature aims to prevent harassment and abuse from unknown people, especially adults who may target teens. The invitations are also limited to text only, so users won’t receive unsolicited photos, videos, voice messages, or calls from strangers. Meta said the feature will give its teen users more control over who can contact them and what they can see. This joins the new parental supervision hub Meta introduced for its platforms.

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Meta Quest users can now watch Reels in virtual reality

GIF: Meta

Reels, the short-form video feature Instagram launched to compete with TikTok, is now coming to Meta Quest, the company’s VR headset. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the news on Instagram with a Reel from influencer Austin Sprinz, who explored the world’s deepest pool. The immersive video showcases how Reels can offer a different viewing experience on VR than on mobile or the web.

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Meta runs test to block some news content for Canadians on Facebook and Instagram

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Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, will soon start testing a feature that will prevent some Canadians from viewing or sharing news content on those platforms. The company said it is preparing for the possible passage of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which would require online platforms to pay Canadian news outlets for linking to their content.

The federal government said the bill aims to create a fairer relationship between news outlets and digital platforms that dominate the online advertising market. 

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Instagram is reportedly working on a Twitter alternative

Image: Lia Haberman

Instagram is reportedly working on a new text-based app that could rival Twitter. According to a leaked marketing slide and details shared by Lia Haberman in her ICYMI Substack newsletter, the app, which is codenamed P92 or Barcelona, will let users sign in with their Instagram credentials and post text updates up to 500 characters with links, photos, and videos.

The app will look like a hybrid of Instagram and Twitter, based on two screenshots in the slide. It will also have moderation settings to control who can reply and mention your account. Plus, it will sync with your Instagram followers, handle, bio, verification, and blocked accounts.

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